Pontefract Museum

Visit Pontefract Museum and learn all about the town’s eventful history! Discover Pontefract’s royal links, from the Domesday Book to the English Civil Wars. Find out how local people made national political history. See how the town flourished thanks to the sweet success of liquorice.

Pontefract Museum’s beautiful art nouveau building still retains many of its original features, including intricate door handles, and the exquisite tiles that decorate the entrance foyer with its elegant, curving staircase.

One of the museum’s highlights is the intriguing Ackworth Hoard. Dating from the English Civil Wars, this is a stunning collection of gold and silver coins and a single gold ring, inscribed with the emotive phrase, “When this you see, remember me”.

The nation’s first secret ballot box forms the centrepiece of the Pontefract Stories Gallery, a unique display of objects telling the tale of the town and its people, from medieval potters to liquorice growers and confectionery workers.

The museum is a haven for families. Children can have all sorts of fun with the liquorice themed soft play area, rocking racehorse, dressing-up costumes and even a market stall based on Pontefract’s iconic Buttercross Market! There are regular craft sessions for children throughout the year, as well as seasonal events during school holidays. Check out https://wmandc.co/whats-on for the latest information.

Pontefract Museum is part of Wakefield Museums and Castles, a group of five venues owned and operated by Wakefield Council. All five venues are open all year round and are free entry.

For visitor and access information, visit: https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-museum/