Early History

Evidence of settlement within the boundary of Crofton village have been found dating from roman times, but the first reference to the village can be found in the Domesday Book written in 1086.

A medieval church built c.1430 stands in the heart of the village and at the time it was built it had strong associations with the nearby Nostell Priory. However there is evidence pointing to the existence of an earlier church. There are two pre-11th century stone cross fragments and a mention of a 12th century rector of Crofton who had a dispute with the priors of Nostell.

The village continued to develop as a rural community with notable buildings being an old grammar school dating from 1373 and several large manor houses dating from c.1750. Sadly Crofton Hall was demolished in the 1980's to make way for a new housing estate. Crofton Old Hall still exists as part of the Crofton Academy site.

Modern Era

Crofton is located in a coal mining area and it's rapid growth was the result of close proximity to the now closed Nostell and Walton pits, both just a short walk from the centre of the village. The village also has a strong association with the railway. The village sports field is called "Hare Park Sidings" a reminder of the railways sidings once located there and which were once used in the transport of coal.

In recent years Crofton has developed into a large commuter village. With good local services, close proximity to Wakefield, and easy access to Leeds and beyond it has proved popular with new housing being built in every decade since the 1950's.

The following sites have more information about the history of Crofton. Links open in a new tab.