A fine building if I ever saw one is Wakefield's Waterton Building & Mechanics' Theatre on Wood Street. Originally built as a public library, newsroom & music saloon in 1821/23. Subscribers paid £25 a share.
In 1841 it was leased to the Mechanics Institution bought it in 1855. /1
Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
Not heard of Beyer or Stieler. Hope your talk goes well.
There was a time, not that long ago, when I'd never heard of Thomas Peckett. Now, there's no escaping him! No, not going to Bury.
Very interesting talk tonight Ant. From white trousers to red hair!
If ever you are in Belfast, I can recommend a visit to the Titanic museum.
It's a fascinating book. I heard the author, Peter Brears, give a talk on the subject earlier this year and the book has just been republished. Lots of wool and stuff!
Enough there to see you through the week.
Terrible and needless.
Books read so far in 2026. (A slow start to the year for me though - usually average one a week.)
Been out delivering membership packs for @wakefieldcivicsoc.bsky.social this evening. Nice to meet new members face to face.
The Cat That Slept For A Thousand Years at @wxwakefield.bsky.social tonight as part of Artwalk Wakefield. (You can see it during opening hours until 12th April.)
Brilliant Gala evening at @trwakefield.bsky.social. Dinner at Create Café then a very special show at the theatre. Organised to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the theatre re-opening in 1986. The show was exceptional bringing together performers who are all connected to the theatre.
Always pays to look up when at the theatre. This was one I took at The Alhambra, Bradford, last year.
Haven't posted any #architecture for a day or two, so here's a picture of decorative brickwork at Qubana, Wood Street, Wakefield.
Attending the Wakefield Historical Society AGM this evening.
Wakefield's 'flat iron' building?
Wakefield has some beautiful buildings. This is Tammy Hall Street, looking towards the Town Hall.
Today is International Women's Day and this post features a newspaper report from Penrith Observer on 4 September 1917 about Nellie Spindler from Wakefield who as a nurse in World War 1 in France who paid the ultimate sacrifice for helping many others.
#IWD
And here is the @wakefieldcivicsoc.bsky.social blue plaque to Nellie.
'These Isles: A People's History of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales' is number ten British history bestseller at Waterstones. Currently 20% off the cover price. www.waterstones.com/book/these-i...
Small world.
Grew up in Newton Hill.
I do recall BHS being a bit cheaper. They also had an excellent lighting department.
If you'd like to hear @groomb.bsky.social talking about his new book, @wakefieldcivicsoc.bsky.social have just the event for you: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/these-isle...
This afternoon. I'm reading history. Brian Groom: These Isles, just published. @groomb.bsky.social
A blue plaque on the wall outside the Kingswood Suite of Wakefield Town Hall marking 100 years of Wakefield Historical Society & 60 years of Wakefield Civic Society in 2024 who were both formed after meetings in this room. Wakefield Civic Society still meets here.
County Hall Wakefield, former seat of the West Riding County Council, and Wakefield's most elegant classical building.
Pleased to hear it!
