Glassmaking began in Glasshoughton as early as the 1700s but it was during the nineteenth century that the industry mushroomed. The Black Flag Works, Ryebread, The Aire and Calder Bottleworks and Breffit’s are but a few of the companies producing glass in Castleford. Glass bottles in particular were produced in millions and Castleford was foremost in developing new processes.

At one time eight to nine companies were running and one third of the town’s workforce were employed in the industry. Sadly the introduction of technology resulted in job losses. United Glass, formerly Lumb’s, was the last glassworks in Castleford. During the early 1980’s the workforce was gradually reduced and despite protests and demonstrations closed the end of 1983, making 500 workers redundant