The earliest account of Knottingley is the Doomsday Book in 1086 AD. The settlement was called 'Notingelia', which means the Woodland Clearing of Cnotta's people.
In the 12th century there was a chapel built (now St Botoph's Church) and a large medieval port on the River Aire serving the West Riding.
Birthplace of (in)famous American wild west gunslinger and gambler, Ben Thompson.
Shipping (including ship building) and glass making have been important industries in the town.
