Rothwell, West Yorkshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rothwell |
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 Rothwell Town Hall |
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 Rothwell
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| Population | 20,354 (ward. 2011) |
| OS grid reference | SE345281 |
| Metropolitan borough | |
| Metropolitan county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | LEEDS |
| Postcode district | LS26 |
| Dialling code | 0113 |
| Police | West Yorkshire |
| Fire | West Yorkshire |
| Ambulance | Yorkshire |
| EU Parliament | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| UK Parliament |
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Rothwell is a town in West Yorkshire, England. It is located in the south-east part of the City of Leeds. Rothwell sits between the larger cities of Leeds and Wakefield.
In 2011, the Rothwell area had about 20,354 people living there. By 2021, the population grew slightly to 20,600. The town is close to major roads like the A1 and M1. The closest train station is Woodlesford.
Contents
Rothwell's Past: A Look at History
Early Days of Rothwell
Rothwell is an old town. It was even mentioned in the Domesday Book. This was a big survey of land in England, ordered by King William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Back then, it was called "Rodewelle".
A famous person who owned a royal lodge here was John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. Legend says he hunted the very last wild boar in England nearby. Because of this, a boar's head was part of Rothwell's old town symbol.
The main church in Rothwell is Holy Trinity Church. It stands where an even older Anglo-Saxon church once was. The church you see today is mostly from medieval times. It was rebuilt a lot in the 1800s. Its tower is believed to be from the 1400s. John Blenkinsop, who helped create steam locomotives, is buried here.
Rothwell became a market town in the 1400s. This meant it could hold markets and two fairs each year. Today, the town still has an annual carnival. It is organized by the Rothwell Entertainments Committee.
People celebrate May Day near a stone cross and on the Pastures. This happens on the first Monday Bank Holiday in May. The Rothwell Carnival is held in Springhead Park every year. It takes place on the second Saturday of July. Rothwell Town Hall was finished in 1895.
A unique landmark in Rothwell is an arch made from whale jawbones. It has marked the town's northern edge for over 100 years.
Rothwell is also part of the historic Rhubarb Triangle. This area was famous for growing a special kind of rhubarb. It once produced 90% of the world's winter forced rhubarb.
Rothwell in the 1900s
St George's Hospital was built in Rothwell in 1903. It was first known as the New Union Workhouse and Infirmary. Later, it became St George's Hospital. It cared for elderly people, those with mental illness, and people with learning disabilities. It also had a maternity ward. The hospital closed in 1991. The site is now houses, but the tall clock tower from the old building still stands.
The Rothwell Temperance Band is a well-known brass band. It started in Rothwell in 1984. Even though they practice in Wakefield, they often perform for the Rothwell community.
Rothwell has a long history of coal mining. People have mined coal here for over 600 years. There were many local mines, like the Fanny and the Rose. The Rothwell Water Haigh mine closed in 1983. Most of its 650 workers moved to the new Selby Coalfield.
After the mine closed, the old site was turned into a large country park. This park is 124 acres big. It has walking trails, a pond, and is home to many plants and animals.
Rothwell Today: The 2000s
In the early 2000s, a new business park called Leeds Valley Park was built. Its growth has sometimes caused parking problems for people living nearby.
Rothwell Town Centre
The town centre of Rothwell has many shops. You can find both big chain stores and smaller local shops. There are also restaurants, bars, and pubs.
In 2007, the town centre was updated. This was done to protect its historic look. Commercial Street was made into a walking area, and its original path was restored.
A new bus station was planned for Marsh Street car park in 2022. It would have restrooms for drivers and be ready for electric buses. However, this project is currently on hold until more money is available.
Learning in Rothwell: Schools and Colleges
Rothwell has several primary schools for younger students:
- Holy Trinity Rothwell Primary School
- Rothwell Primary School
- Rothwell Haigh Road Infant School
- Rothwell Victoria Junior School
- Rothwell St. Mary's Catholic Primary School
There are two high schools in the Rothwell area for older students:
- Oulton Academy (formerly Royds School)
- The Rodillian Academy (formerly Rothwell Grammar School)
Both Oulton Academy and The Rodillian Academy have sixth form colleges. These offer further education for students after high school. Other colleges nearby include:
- Leeds City College (formerly Joseph Priestley College)
Famous People from Rothwell
Many interesting people have connections to Rothwell:
- Thomas Beckwith (1731–1786) – A painter and historian.
- Mark Bell – A musician who worked with Björk.
- John Blenkinsop (1783–1831) – He invented a special railway system.
- Michelle Hardwick – An actress known for TV shows like The Royal and Emmerdale.
- Lord Newby – A member of the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament.
- Joseph Priestley – A famous scientist.
- The Pigeon Detectives – An Indie rock band.
- Jane Tomlinson – A charity fundraiser who raised over £1.5 million.
Sports Stars from Rothwell
Rothwell has also produced many talented athletes:
- David Batty – A footballer who played for Leeds United.
- Ryan Hall – A Leeds Rhinos Rugby League player.
- Carl Ablett – Another Leeds Rhinos Rugby League player.
- Jack Hunt – A professional footballer.
- Garry Schofield – A Rugby League player.
- Alan Smith – An ex-Leeds United and England football player.
Sports and Activities in Rothwell
Football Fun
Rothwell is home to three football clubs:
- Rothwell Town J.F.C. – They play at John O'Gaunts Recreation Ground.
- Rothwell Juniors – They have a special £1.5 million facility at Fleet Lane. Their adult teams are called 'Rothwell FC'.
- Rothwell Albion – A newer football club in the area.
Other teams in the wider Rothwell area include Carlton Athletic and Robin Hood Athletic.
Golfing Greens
Oulton Hall golf course is near Oulton Lane. It is the only 5-star golf resort in the North of England.
Bowls and Bowling
Bowls is a popular sport in Rothwell. There is a public bowling green in Springhead Park.
Tennis Courts
Springhead Park has four tennis courts. You can book them for free. They also offer paid tennis coaching sessions.
Squash and Racketball
Rothwell Squash & Racketball Club has facilities for players of all skill levels. This includes juniors and beginners.
Cricket Pitches
Rothwell Cricket Club has two teams. They play in the Pontefract & District Cricket League.
Parkrun Events
Every Saturday morning, a popular Parkrun event takes place around Springhead Park. It's a fun way to run or walk 5k.
Cool Places to Visit in Rothwell
- Oulton Hall & Golf Course – A grand building with a golf course.
- Holy Trinity Church, Rothwell – A historic church with a long past.
- Rothwell Methodist Church – Founded in 1764, it's a very old church.
- The Nookin – A local spot.
Location Grid
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Oulton | |
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Woodlesford | ||
 Rothwell, West Yorkshire  |
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Images for kids
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Rothwell Town Hall
See also
In Spanish: Rothwell (Yorkshire del Oeste) para niños
