During the 2nd World War Methley was the Headquarters of a heavy artillery and searchlight regiment for the protection of Leeds and the Lower Calder Vale who were billeted and operated from Methley Hall.
There were also two Prisoner of War camps, one at Pinfold Lane on the site used now by Castleford RUFC and the other was at the bottom of Park Lane on the right hand side near to the gatehouse to the farm. I’m told they held separately German and Italian prisoners – no known escapes were recorded from what was reportedly light guarding.