Hear all about the man who built Huddersfield in a free talk

There will be a free talk on ‘the man who built Huddersfield’ in the first half of the 1800s.

Businessman Joseph Kaye constructed around a third of the town’s buildings as Huddersfield’s population increased fourfold in the first half of the 19th century including the magnificent Grade 1 listed railway station, the George Hotel, the old Infirmary, Folly Hall Mills and the building that became the Lawrence Batley Theatre.

Local historian David Griffiths will present an illustrated talk on this remarkable man and his legacy on Wednesday, September 16 at 7pm, at Brian Jackson House, 2 New North Parade, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 5JP. It’s free and anyone can attend on the night.

The talk is the latest in a series of events organised jointly by Huddersfield Civic Society and Huddersfield Local History Society to mark Heritage Open Days.

Born in humble circumstances and an orphan by the age of seven, Joseph Kaye  (1778/9-1858) was also a publican, brewer, quarryman and millowner and was much involved in the public life of the fast-growing town.

David said: “Joseph Kaye was responsible for some of the town’s most notable Georgian and Victorian buildings which shaped the town we still know today. An all-round businessman, he had many other strings to his bow too. 

“I’ve been intrigued by his larger-than-life career ever since I read the late Edward Law’s excellent biography on Joseph 20 years ago. This biography is still available to purchase from Huddersfield Local History Society’s website.’’

Huddersfield Civic Society secretary Geoff Hughes added: “Huddersfield Civic Society seeks to support the understanding and continued use of the many great buildings in and around Huddersfield town centre. This talk is an opportunity to learn more about the man responsible for the construction of many of those built in the first half of the 19th century’. More details can be found on the Heritage Open Days website, https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/joseph-kaye-builder-of-huddersfield.html