Featherstone
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- This article is about the Yorkshire town. For other references, see Featherstone (disambiguation).
Like many towns in the area, it grew around coal mining, and was the site of a miners' strike in 1893. During the strike the town came to national attention when soldiers fired on striking miners killing two. A distinctive sculpture marking the centenary of the 'Featherstone Massacre' stands in the shopping precinct and a large fascinating mural depicting the town's heritage can be seen at the town's main crossroads. "Acton Hall" colliery was the first pit to close following the end of the miners' strike and this could not be contested as geological difficulties had made it impossible for the pit to continue production.
The town boasts an impressive rugby league club, Featherstone Rovers, who in 1983(may 7th) won the Challenge Cup. They are currently struggling in semi-proffesional Rugby League after being relagated last season. Originally made up of local miners, the club was formed in the Railway Hotel in 1902.
Despite most population growth taking place around the Industrial Revolution, Featherstone traces its history back much further than this. It is thought that a local public house, the Travellers Rest, can trace its origins to the 17th Century whilst the Jubilee Hotel is a listed building which once provided a resting place for wealthy Victorians and their horses.
Featherstone is undergoing continual change and as part of this a new, state of the art £2.5 million community centre has been built in Station Lane. The "Pit Houses", the houses constituting a council estate which formely belonged to the Coal Board, have been demolished to make room for further developments.
However some parts of Featherstone retain original charm. Opened in the 1950's, Purston Park takes up a large area of space and offers a lake, golfing areas, bowling greens and a children's play area. It has been made out of the grounds of what was originally a private residence and a country estate, with the stately home acting as the Town Hall.
Featherstone boasts no fewer than four churches; St Thomas' CofE Church, All Saints CofE church, the Methodist Church and the Catholic Church. There is also a charming chapel which has since been turned into an antiques salesroom.
The town is lucky enough to have two secondary schools; Featherstone Technology College and St Wilfred's Catholic High School and Language College. Featherstone Technology College is unfortunately going through a rough period at this moment, finishing at the bottom of the Wakefield league tables.
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