The Glass Blower

Castleford and glass-making once went hand in hand. The industry is recalled in the name of this Wetherspoon pub.

During the 19th century, glassworks sprang up all over Castleford - the first glasshouse opening in 1829. Glass production became the staple trade of the town, turning out bottles by the million, for both export and for home use. At first, bottles were handmade, but, in due course, automation was introduced and, inevitably, many small firms closed. The last of Castleford's bottle manufacturers closed its doors in the early 1980s.