Exploring Huddersfield’s heritage for free in September

People explored Huddersfield’s heritage in September with 100 open buildings and special events across Kirklees.

The national Heritage Open Days festival, jointly organised by Huddersfield Civic Society, runs every September – this year from Friday, September 6 to Sunday, September 15 – where people had chance to explore many of the town’s buildings.

This year almost a third of them were new, including a final chance to explore Huddersfield’s landmark gasworks near the town centre before it’s demolished, the new Jo Cox More in Common Centre at Huddersfield University and Bower Roebuck’s Glendale Mills at New Mill which has a day of activities for all the family.

Also new were the former Huddersfield College at Highfields which has now been transformed into the private Highfields Apartments which has college memorabilia on display.

This year’s theme was Routes, Networks and Connections so guided walks and talks celebrated ancient routeways on Wholestone Moor at Nettleton Hill next to Scapegoat Hill along with the river and canal heritage in Huddersfield and Marsden and a Castle Hill Heritage Walk. 

Also on a transport theme were a vintage motorcycle show and a display of historic vehicles from classic local manufacturers David Brown and Rippon Bros, both at Huddersfield’s Ravensknowle Park, and historic railway exhibitions at libraries in Huddersfield.  

Other highlights included a heritage display at Longwood Mechanics, a chance to go into King James’ School, a Greenhead Park History Walk, Lindley Clock Tower was open, Colne Valley Museum in Golcar showcased old skills and crafts, there was a chance to visit Skelmanthorpe Textile Heritage Centre and the opportunity to go behind the scenes at Huddersfield Town Hall and the LBT.

Churches that opened included Providence Methodist Church and St John’s Church in Golcar, St James’ Church in Slaithwaite, St Mark’s in Longwood, Holmfirth Parish Church, St David’s in Holmbridge, St Thomas’ in Thurstonland, Wooldale Quaker Meeting House, Huddersfield Parish Church, Lindley Methodist Church, Oakes Baptist Church, St John’s Church in Birkby, St Stephen’s Church in Lindley, Seventh Day Adventist Church in Crosland Moor, High Flatts Quaker Meeting House, St Michael’s Church in Emley and All Hallows Church in Kirkburton.

Kirklees Heritage Open Day committee chair David Griffiths said: “I’m delighted that so many volunteers across the Kirklees borough once again rose to the challenge and joined this great festival. 

“It’s a splendid advert for the rich and diverse heritage of our towns, villages and countryside.”       

A photo competition ran throughout the 10 days. Entries were judged by the Mayor of Kirklees, Clr Nosheen Dad, with prize tickets for autumn performances donated by Kirklees town halls and the Lawrence Batley Theatre.

Heritage Open Days nationally is coordinated by the National Trust and funded by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. The local co-ordinator, the Kirklees HOD Committee, is a partnership of Huddersfield Civic Society, Batley History Group, Huddersfield Local History Society, Kirkburton History Group, Spen Valley Civic Society, Dewsbury and Mirfield Volunteers and Kirklees Council Libraries and Museums and Galleries Services.