Pontefract's Townscape Heritage Initiative

Since 2011, the Pontefract Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) has been helping to preserve the heritage of Pontefract town centre, working with owners and tenants to fund repairs to historic properties in order to restore and improve the Market Place conservation area. The THI, which is jointly funded by Wakefield Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund, has also worked with local partners to raise awareness of Pontefract’s important historic buildings, and to promote its unique, and often hidden history.

To celebrate the scheme’s final year, the THI team worked with Pontefract Museum to create the new ‘Pomfret’s Printery’ exhibition about the Holmes Printing works, which was based at 11-13 Gillygate for over 80 years.

Pomfret's Printery - exhibition now open in Pontefract Museum

11-13 Gillygate is now being restored with funding from the scheme, and the exhibition explores the fascinating story of the building, as well as the important role that the Holmes family played in documenting everyday life in Pontefract throughout the 20th century. 

Pomfret's Printery - exhibition now open in Pontefract Museum

The scheme has also created a new Pontefract ‘Spotters Guide’ an architectural treasure hunt around Pontefract Town Centre for children and families.

 

To find out more, drop into the museum between

10am and 3pm on Tuesday 1 August - Yorkshire Day

where you can pick up a copy of the guide and

create your own mini ‘pop-up’ market place.

 

 

For more information about the THI please visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/pontefractthi