Local government bodies not only administered local affairs but also established and ran local institutions such as schools and local hospitals

Visit the archives for   

• Quarter Sessions administered the West Riding before the County Council was formed in 1888.
  
  
• West Riding and West Yorkshire County Councils administered many institutions including schools. Minutes and committee reports give details of why and how institutions were established

• Borough, Urban and Rural District Council (pre-1974) minutes and other records provide details of how the more local services were provided. These included schools, clinics, parks and allotments
  
  
• Medical Officer of Health reports give details of health statistics and provision
  
  
• Chief Constable's reports give details of law and order matters
  
  
• Wakefield Metropolitan District Council minutes (post-1974)

Visit your local library for

• minutes of Wakefield City are at Balne Lane; minutes of Pontefract Corporation at Pontefract; minutes of Castleford Borough at Castleford
• Wakefield Metropolitan District Council  minutes (post-1974)

Visit your local museum for

• historic printed material
• photographs