Borough Of Pontefract, Records (WMT/PO)
1194 - 1974
Pontefract Castle is Nothing but Trouble say Locals, Pull it Down!
Resolution to destroy Pontefract Castle
The first minute book of Pontefract Borough Council contains details of the decision to destroy the castle after the three sieges which took place there during the course of the civil war. The full destruction of the castle which was ordered by parliament had the full support of the surrounding population. They were grateful of the decision to destroy the castle and thus stop the fighting in their area. In the view of the locals, the castle was a magnet for trouble. Later the bailey area was used for growing liquorice.
This document reflects a very significant event in English history. On June 1st 1648, Pontefract Castle fell to a local Royalist rising led by Colonel John Morris of South Elmsall and it was this that started the third siege on the Castle. Colonel Morris was later captured, tried at York and then executed for his actions.
The destruction of the castle saw the end of a very significant historic building. Within the walls of the castle it is believed that Richard II was murdered and it is rumoured that Catherine Howard, fifth wife of Henry VIII, first committed adultery with Sir Thomas Culpeper at Pontefract Castle for which she was later executed for without trial.
This document reflects a very significant event in English history. On June 1st 1648, Pontefract Castle fell to a local Royalist rising led by Colonel John Morris of South Elmsall and it was this that started the third siege on the Castle. Colonel Morris was later captured, tried at York and then executed for his actions.
The destruction of the castle saw the end of a very significant historic building. Within the walls of the castle it is believed that Richard II was murdered and it is rumoured that Catherine Howard, fifth wife of Henry VIII, first committed adultery with Sir Thomas Culpeper at Pontefract Castle for which she was later executed for without trial.
Signatures following a decision within a minute book
The Pontefract Borough collection holds over 400 boxes of material from 1194 to 1974, when it became incorporated as part of Wakefield Metropolitan District Council. There are many varied records within this collection. The original charter of 1194 still exists as well as a charter of incorporation from 1484 which appoints John Hill as the first Mayor of Pontefract.
There is a photograph album of a visit by The Queen Mother to Pontefract barracks [20th century], Poll Books [1710-1939], a list of the mayors of Pontefract [1484-1973] and Pontefract Borough Court Records [1750-1971].
In the late nineteenth century the town expanded with the growth of liquorice sweet making, the coal industry and the stationing of two regiments in permanent barracks. Between 1871 and 1931 the population of Pontefract tripled as a result of these developments, together with growth in sand quarrying, cast iron making, malting and skinyards. In 1872 Pontefract became noted as the first town to use the secret ballot, which was employed in a by-election.
View the collection on our online catalogue. See also WYL1352/A1/8/34/216, WYL1352/A1/8/34/209, WYL119/5, WYL100/PO/2/A/I/43, Z103.
There is a photograph album of a visit by The Queen Mother to Pontefract barracks [20th century], Poll Books [1710-1939], a list of the mayors of Pontefract [1484-1973] and Pontefract Borough Court Records [1750-1971].
In the late nineteenth century the town expanded with the growth of liquorice sweet making, the coal industry and the stationing of two regiments in permanent barracks. Between 1871 and 1931 the population of Pontefract tripled as a result of these developments, together with growth in sand quarrying, cast iron making, malting and skinyards. In 1872 Pontefract became noted as the first town to use the secret ballot, which was employed in a by-election.
View the collection on our online catalogue. See also WYL1352/A1/8/34/216, WYL1352/A1/8/34/209, WYL119/5, WYL100/PO/2/A/I/43, Z103.
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