Methley
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Methley is a dispersed village in south east Leeds, located near Rothwell, Oulton, Woodlesford, Mickletown and Allerton Bywater. It nestles in the triangle formed by Leeds, Castleford and Wakefield, and between the confluence of the River Aire and River Calder. The latter is crossed by Methley Bridge, the A639 road, (grid reference SE409258) about a mile south east of the village.
The village has a long history of coal mining, at one stage having no less than three mines each with a railway line to transport the coal away. Methley Junction lies to the south. Methley Hall was the former seat of the Earls of Mexborough. The Hall was demolished in 1958, although the Mexborough Estate are still important landowners in the district.
The village has a long history of growing turnips and hosts the largest turnip convetion in the world. The 2006 Judges Choice winner was local historian Barbara Haydock from Guiseley.