Great talk on the ‘man who built Huddersfield’ in the early 1800s

Local historian David Griffiths gave a free illustrated talk about the ‘man who built Huddersfield’ in the first half of the 1800s as part of the 2026 Heritage Open Days celebration.

David’s talk to an audience of 60 on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, revealed that Joseph constructed around a third of the town’s buildings as Huddersfield’s population increased fourfold in the first half of the 19th century.

These included 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.

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 buy for £4 from Huddersfield Local History Society’s website by clicking here.

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.’’