Pontefract, Market town in Wakefield, England.
Pontefract is a market town in Wakefield district, West Yorkshire, approximately 12 miles (19 km) east of Leeds and 12 miles (19 km) south of York. The town spreads across gentle hills, with residential areas grouped around a centre containing independent shops, supermarkets and historic buildings.
A castle was built here before 1086 as a wooden motte and bailey and later converted to stone. King Richard II met his death in 1400 at this castle, which was later besieged during the English Civil War in the 17th century and eventually destroyed.
In the central main street, food stalls, bakers and butchers draw shoppers looking for regional Yorkshire products. On market days, the cobbled lanes fill with locals who hold conversations in front of the town hall and select fresh goods.
Visitors can explore the town centre on foot, as most shops, cafes and the market area lie within a few minutes' walk. Buses connect the centre with surrounding villages, and car parks are located near the main streets.
The town name comes from the Latin words pons and fractus, meaning broken bridge, and was first documented as Pontefracto in 1090. The town is also known for its traditional liquorice sweets, which have been made here for centuries and are sold in many local shops.
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