Wrenthorpe

Infobox UK place
official_name=Wrenthorpe
country=England
region=Yorkshire and the Humber
static_

static_image_caption=Jerry Clay Lane in Wrenthorpe
population=
population_density=
os_grid_reference=SE315225
latitude=53.698208
longitude=-1.522087
post_town=
postcode_area=
postcode_district=
dial_code=
constituency_westminster=
london_distance=
metropolitan_borough= City of Wakefield
metropolitan_county=West Yorkshire

Wrenthorpe is a village north-west of Wakefield, in West Yorkshire, England.It is located in the Rhubarb Triangle.

History

Although earlier remains, such as Roman coins and pottery, have been found in the area, the current settlement dates from after the Doomsday Book's compilation in 1086.

Pottery has played an important role in Wrenthorpe's history, building from the presence of a few potters in the 15th century, to a thriving cottage industry that peaked in the 17th century, before declining over the course of the 18th. Such was the scale of pottery production, the village became known as "Potovens," attributed to the kilns used to fire finished pottery. Today reminders of this heritage can be found in local names, such as "Potovens Lane," together with the remains of pottery and clay tobacco pipes that can be found in the soil.

As the potteries went into decline coal mining, already present on a smaller scale providing fuel for the potters' kilns, expanded to meet the needs of the industrial revolution. Agriculture also grew more important to the area.

During the 19th and early 20th century rope and textile production joined coal and agriculture as Wrenthorpe's major industries, both disappearing over the course of the 20th century. Rhubarb forcing houses have also been located in Wrenthorpe, contributing to West Yorkshire's extensive Rhubarb growing industry.

Education

Wrenthorpe is home to both state and private primary schools and a private secondary school.

The local state primary schools are [http://www.wrenthorpe.wakefield.sch.uk Wrenthorpe Primary School] and [http://www.jerryclaylane.wakefield.sch.uk Jerry Clay Lane Junior & Infants School] . As there are no state secondary schools in Wrenthorpe most pupils progress to the nearby Outwood Grange College upon reaching the age of 11.

Silcoates School provides a private education catering for ages 2 though to 18. The associated Sunny Hill House School provides private education for 2-7 year olds.

Recreation and sport

Wrenthorpe Park is a large public park which directly connects to a series of meadows in neighbouring Alverthorpe. The park's facilities include hard tennis courts, a bowling green, children's play area, football pitch and car parking.

In addition a smaller recreation ground, with a football pitch, is located in the centre of the village at the foot of Sunny Hill on Wrenthorpe Lane.

Wrenthorpe Cricket Club has senior teams competing in the Central Yorkshire Cricket League and Wakefield Cricket League. The club also has a series of junior teams ranging from under 9's to under 17's. [ [http://www.wrenthorpe.org.uk/sport_leisure Wrenthorpe Sports & Leisure] ]

The [http://www.wrenthorperangers.org Wrenthorpe Rangers] are a local Football Club with junior teams starting at U6 through to U18's for both boys and girls. They currently have 2 open age teams which compete in the Wakefield Sunday league. Wrenthorpe also has an established under 18's football team nicknamed the blues.

References

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External links

* [http://www.wrenthorpe.com/ Wrenthorpe History]
* [http://www.wrenthorpe.org.uk/ Wrenthrope Community Website]