Overton, Wakefield

Coordinates: 53°38′42″N 1°36′40″W / 53.645°N 1.611°W / 53.645; -1.611 Overton is a small village in West Yorkshire, England, between Wakefield and Huddersfield. It lies about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) south west of Wakefield, 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Ossett, 1-mile (1.6 km) west of Netherton and 4 miles (6.4 km) south west of Horbury.

The village was originally named "Over Shitlington",^[1] and was part of the parish of "Shitlington" but this was changed sometime after 1855, along with the name of the parish, which was changed to "Sitlington". Overton is also linked with Netherton.

Overton is described by the locals as the village with "two pubs, a church, a prison and the National Coal Mining Museum".^{[citation needed]} Overton is a picturesque village surrounded by fields, Coxley Woods and natural scenery. St. Luke's Parish Church is part of the parish of Sitlington and is run by Rev. Hugh Baker.

Overton is known for the National Coal Mining Museum, situated on the A642. This mine was worked from at least 1789 until the coal was exhausted in 1985. Following the UK Miners' Strike (1984-1985), work was started to convert it into a museum. The men were transferred to Denby Grange Colliery.

References

1. ^ Colin Hinson (2003). "Thornhill Parish information from National Gazetteer 1868". GENUKI. http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/YKS/WRY/Thornhill/Thornhill68.html. Retrieved 2007-12-06. 

External links

• http://www.coxleynews.com - a Community website about the villages of Netherton, Middlestown, Overton and Midgley in the Parish of Sitlington West Yorkshire and named after the beautiful Coxley Woods that runs along the valley between the villages.
• http://www.wakefield.gov.uk - Wakefield, Overton's council and local city