TALKING CAS NEW YEAR EDITION - 1926 TO 2026, A CASTLEFORD CENTURY
Happy New Year, Castleford
As we step into 2026, we’re also stepping into a truly special year, one packed with centenaries that help tell the story of who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we might be heading next.
A hundred years ago, Castleford felt the full force of events that shaped communities across the country. The 1926 General Strike hit mining families especially hard, and here in Cas, coal mining was not just an industry; it was the backbone of everyday life. Behind every pit were families, friendships, and a shared resilience that still echoes through the town today.
Yet 1926 was not only a year of hardship. It was also a year of beginnings. Out of those challenging times came institutions that have become part of our identity: the Castleford Male Voice Choir raised its first harmonies, the Royal Naval Association was formed, and Castleford Tigers began the journey that would make them one of the most recognised names in rugby league. Even in difficult times, Cas found ways to come together, to create, and to move forward.
Throughout the year, “Talking Cas” and “Talk Castleford with Tony” will take a thoughtful, nostalgic walk through the last 100 years of life in the town. We’ll be sharing memories, moments, and milestones, and we’ll also be asking the big question: "what will Cas look like 100 years from now?"
Below, is a timeline highlighting how the past century shaped the town. Some of these events you’ll remember clearly. Others may come from stories passed down through parents and grandparents. War and peace. Bitter winters and brighter days. Tigers’ triumphs and heartbreaks. The miners’ strike. Covid. Everyday life as well as headline moments. If any of these spark a memory, a story, or even a photo tucked away in a drawer, please share it. Start a conversation by commenting on the Facebook page — your memories are part of Castleford’s history too.
2026 is a big year politically. In May, Wakefield District holds its all-out council elections — something that only happens once every 20 years. While it isn’t a General Election, it’s the next best thing.. Every council seat is up for election, making it the biggest opportunity for political change in a generation. Opposition parties will be hoping this is their moment, while Labour, with many well-known and experienced councillors standing again, will be confident of meeting this challenge head-on. Whatever your political views, it’s a reminder of how important local voices and local decisions are in shaping the future of our communities.
And of course, no year in Castleford would be complete without talking about the Tigers. As the club marks its centenary, fans will be hoping 2026 delivers moments to remember. There are new faces in the team. Will this be the year of landmark victories and renewed pride?
So here’s to 2026: a year for reflection, conversation, and looking ahead. A year to remember the struggles and celebrate the achievements. A year to share stories, listen to one another, and imagine what Castleford might become over the next century. Join the conservations or start one.
Let’s talk Cas - past, present, and future - together.
Tony
CASTLEFORD 1926 TO 2025
This is not a comprehensive chronology. It does, however, lists important events for discussion.
1926 The General Strike
Workers, especially miners and their families in Castleford experience hardship, lowered income. A bitterness toward the establishment is established. Workers switch their allegiance from the Liberal Party to the relatively new Labour Party.
1927 Pride in Castleford through Rugby League
Established in the previous year, Castleford Tigers becomes a shared community focus in troubled times. Something the Rugby League club has grown over the 100 years. It is now a key identity of the town.
1929 Economic woes continue
The famous Wall Street Crash has a detrimental on economies throughout the world, including Castleford.
1931 The poor become poorer
The worsening economic situation brings in means testing resulting in more hardship, especially for out of work miners’ families.
1935 Castleford Tigers win the Challenge Cup
The win brings a ray of happiness in the time of economic woes and fear of a new World War on the horizon. The score was Castleford 11 Huddersfield 8.
1939 Second World War
The was lasted until 1945. Castleford life was transformed by the war effort. Men enlisting, women in war work, rationing, black outs and air raids.
1945 A Fresh Start for the Nation
At the end of the war, a Labour government is elected. Industries, such as coal mining, are nationalized. The priority is to tackle the acute shortage of housing, including the use of prefabs.
1947 The Big Freeze
A harsh winter affects the town.
1948 Optimism Grows.
The NHS and the welfare state are created. Employment steadily grows.
1951 “You’ve Never Had it so Good”
A healthier environment, increase in consumer goods and educational opportunities for the young.
1955 Castleford Achieves Borough Status
The foundation of the town as a community unit. Council housing expands, creating estates such as Airedale and Ferry Fryston, Car ownership increases and teenage culture comes into being.
1962 Another Freeze
Another freezing winter. Social barriers weaken.
1966 England wins the World Cup
Pride in the nation increases. Comprehensive education begins to replace the Grammar School / Secondary Modern split.
1968 Closure of Whitwood Colliery
1970 Economic downturn
First unemployment then inflation rises.
1973 Oil crisis
Three day work, miners’ disputes.
1974 Castleford incorporated into Wakefield District
1978 ‘Winter of Discontent’
1979 Thatcher in Government
The new Conservative government brings in changes that radically affect industrial town like Caslteford. Many traditional industries close and many nationalised industries are privatised.
1984 Miners’ Strike
The strike ends the following year, quickly followed by Castleford’s mines closing. The economy switches for manufacturing to services.
1994 National Lottery starts
The lottery has brought some funding to projects in Castleford
2000 A new millennium
The millennium clock, a replica of the old market clock, is unveiled on Carlton Street. The digital age starts.
2003 Xscape opens
A leading attraction in the region. The Glasshoughton area expands with Junction 32 shopping (formerly Freeport Castleford) a new Asda store and warehousing, mostly on the site of the former Glasshoughton Coal Mine and Coke Ovens. The railway station opens in 2005.
2011 Social Media starts to grow
For some, it’s hard to imagine, but social media is a fairly new phenomenon. Facebook sites like ‘Castleford Gossip’ weren’t around then. Most gossip was in pubs and clubs and at work.
2013 Castleford’s new library and museum opens
2016 Castleford and the country votes for Brexit
The country leaves the European Union.
2019 Caring for the Environment is taken seriously
People realise that climate change is a man made threat that needs tackling.
2020 Covid outbreak
Lockdowns and isolation have a serious affect on people, with many still affected in some form to this day.
2025 A hundred years later
Castleford’s story over the last 100 years has been one of a town that keeps together despite strong external pressures. What will the next 100 years bring?
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