East Ardsley

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

East Ardsley is a village 10 km (6 miles) south of Leeds City Centre and on the outermost fringe of the Leeds Metropolitan District.

East Ardsley though, is closer to Wakefield, being 4 km (2 miles) north of the city, with a Wakefield (WF3) post code. It formed part of the former Municipal Borough of Morley, and is still classed as part of Morley in the census. However, it is technically separate, and is not governed by Morley Town Council.

The village was known as "ERDESLAU" in the Domesday Book of 1086 and by 1285 the name had changed to "ARDESLAWE". It is approximately 140 metres (450 ft) above sea level.

East Ardsley had a very diverse economy at one point, including agriculture, textiles, railways and coal-mining. Its coal mine closed in 1968 - the same year that the nearby Middleton pit closed. Being in the middle of several large towns, it has become a dormitory settlement.

The M62 and M1 motorways cross near here. The main A650 road from Wakefield to Bradford goes through the village also.

Entertainer Ernie Wise was brought up in East Ardsley.

It is much better known than neighbouring village West Ardsley .