Normanton, West Yorkshire
Encyclopedia : N : NO : NOR : Normanton, West Yorkshire
Normanton is a town in West Yorkshire, England, lying north east of Wakefield and south west of Castleford.
Normanton was originally surrounded by a moat, and in Norman times was the site of an enclosed settlement (chosen for it strategic view points across the surrounding area), and became known as 'Norman - tune', or 'Norman - ton'.
All Saints Church in Normanton has existed since at least 1256, thought to have been commissioned by Roger Le Peytivin of Altofts Hall, it has been re-built a number of times over the last 700 years, and has one of the oldest altar stones in England, the altar stone was discovered during remodelling work, concealed in the floor of the church.
A grammar school was founded in Normanton in the 1590s, but the town remained very small until it became the focus of several railway lines in the mid-nineteenth century and coal mining began in the area. Normanton served as an important part of the transport infrastructure, for National and Local industries (including Coal and Bricks), although most of this was lost during the 1950's and 1960's. The local "Savile" colliery was one of those closed in the disputes surrounding the UK Miners' Strike (1984-1985), although it surprisingly played a very quiet role in the events of the period.
Normanton suffered some decline in the years following the Miner's Strike. However, the town is now a growing and popular commuter suburb of the emerging 'Greater Leeds' area, and is favoured for its relatively cheap housing and good transport links.
Normanton is a centrally located within the UK and is served by three motorways, the M62 (Manchester to Hull (west to east)), the M1 (Main arterial motorway (North to South)), and the A1(M).
See also
- Normanton (UK Parliament constituency)
- Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford (UK Parliament constituency)
External links
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