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Earlier Times!
Society Visit 1969 |
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The Historical Society, founded in 1924 exists to bring together those with
an interest in History, at a National. or at a Local level. The inaugural
meeting of the society was held in the old Strafford Arms, and the first
President elected was J. W. Walker, a prominent local Historian. Our current
President is Kate Taylor, who has recently won another prestigious award
from the British Association of Local History for her work on the Leeds
Assizes.
During its existence the society has been associated with the founding of
two other important Wakefield societies, the Gissing Trust, and the Friends
of the Chantry Chapel.
However, perhaps its major achievement has been the excavation of Sandal
Castle between 1963/1973, in association with Wakefield Council, and Leeds
University. An event, which led to major improvements in the science of
archaeological research.
Currently, the Friends of the Chantry Chapel, are facing a large
shortfall in their funding, namely £45k. Thieves recently stole lead from
the roof, caused damage to the stone-work, and further rainwater damage
followed. All this on top of annual maintenance costs, has caused an almost
impossible situation for these guardians of the 652 year old Chapel, which
is one of only four such chapels left in England.
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Wakefield Historical
Society
