Market Hall

The Market Hall in Pontefract was built between 1859 and 1860, designed by Joseph Wilson, with the hall and other features added around 1960. The front is made of dressed ashlar, while the rear is constructed from brick, topped with a part-glazed metal roof from the 20th century. The building is approximately three stories high and consists of three bays, with the central bay being wider and taller than the side bays.

The side bays feature tall, stepped Corinthian pilasters on deep vermiculated bases, complete with moulded plinths and cornices at the outer corners. Paired Corinthian columns, also on similar bases, flank the central bay. An elaborate entablature crowns the structure, showcasing a pulvinated frieze and a moulded modillion cornice that extends over the pilasters and columns. Each bay has rusticated stonework and a tall semi-circular-headed opening; the central opening is slightly recessed. The side bays have 20th-century doors at the base of these openings, with rendered panels above, while the central bay features similar doors with a large glazed window above.

Each opening is adorned with radiating voussoirs and a carved keystone: the left keystone depicts a brace of game birds, the right shows a dead hog, and the central keystone features a massive bull's head with a ring through its nose. Above the entablature, the side bays have a plain blocking course, with remnants of a former balustrade on the left side. The central bay boasts a tall parapet with a large semi-circular moulded arch and a massive bull's head keystone, along with a deeply recessed panel decorated with the Borough arms. The interior, dating from around 1960, is not of special interest. The original building was inaugurated by Lord Palmerston.