buildings

HEMSWORTH HIGH HALL The Birthplace in 1800 of the Rt. Hon. Sir Charles Wood, bart. P.C., G. C., M.P. who was created Viscount Halifax in 1866 - Home of the Leatham family - Hemsworth High School (More detailed History of the Hall to follow

WHITEHALL Wakefield Road. Office of the old Hemsworth Urban District Council. Prior to 1921 Hemsworth was part of the Hemsworth Rural District for local government purposes. The Hemsworth Urban District Council came into existance in April 1921. In 1952 there were 5 wards each returning 3 councillors. The building was purchased by the U.D.C. in 1934 at a cost of £2,000. plus £1,000 spent in adapting it for use as offices. Before 1934 it had been the residence of Dr. H. P. Wiltshire.

THE FIRE STATION Wakefield Road The present Fire Station near Whitehall was built in 1945. This old Fire Engine was used before W.W.11 (l938) when the N.F.S. was organised and equipped with a modern pump which was drawn behind a motor lorry. Unless the brigade was called to a fire in Kinsley or Fitzwilliam the vehicle in the picture was pushed by the volunteer Firemen. It was kept in an old building at the junction of Westfield Road, and West Street. Captain of the Brigade from 1900 until 1931 was Mr. Albert Teale who was also Waterworks manager until 1937 when he retired. Mr. Teale is seated at the front of the cart on the drivers left. For his service as captain of the Fire Brigade he received a retaining fee of £2 per annum. He was followed as captain by Mr. C. Wren was also a Hemsworth Waterworks Manager. A modern Fire Engine was supplied to the Brigade in 1950. It had a 33.8 hp road engine and could carry up to 8 tons at a speed of 50mph, with an acceleration of 40mph in 40 secs. It carried 400 galls of water with 2 first-aid reels powered by the road engine. In addition it had a Sigmund Morris light pump; foam apparatus; a 35 foot escape ladder, and a collection of implements specially devised for fire fighting. In 1952 the brigade was under the command of Mr. A. Tomlinson of Kinsley with Mr. J. Wingfield of Hemsworth as the leading fireman.
A modern Fire Engine was supplied to the Brigade in 1950. I had a 33.8ph road engine, and could carry up to 8 tons at a speed of 50mph, with an acceleration of 40mph in 40 secs. It carried 400 galls of water with 2 first aid reels powered by the road engine. In addition it had a Sigmund Morris light pump; foam apparatus; a 35ft escape ladder,and a collection of implements specially devised for fire fighting. In 1952 the brigade was under the command of Mr. A. Tomlinson of Kinsley, with Mr. J. Wingfield as the leading fireman

The Marsh (Royd Moor) Pontefract Road. The last thatched property in Hemsworth

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Old Picture House - Westfield Road - opposite -The former Telephone Exchange