Denholme facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Denholme |
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 Christmas Day in Denholme 2004 |
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 Denholme
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| Population | 3,489 (2011 census) |
| OS grid reference | SE070340 |
| Civil parish |
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| Metropolitan borough | |
| Metropolitan county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BRADFORD |
| Postcode district | BD13 |
| Dialling code | 01274 |
| Police | West Yorkshire |
| Fire | West Yorkshire |
| Ambulance | Yorkshire |
| EU Parliament | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| UK Parliament |
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Denholme is a small town and civil parish in West Yorkshire, England. It is part of the Bradford Metropolitan Borough. Denholme is about 8 miles (13 km) west of Bradford. It is also about 7 miles (11 km) from Keighley and Halifax. In 2011, Denholme had a population of 3,489 people.
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What Does Denholme Mean?
The name Denholme likely comes from the Vikings. It probably means "a flat area among the hills." This fits the town's location well. Denholme is in a wide valley that extends south from the River Aire.
Another idea is that "Holme" in old Viking language meant "reclaimed marshland." "Den" or "Denu" in Old English means "valley." This also makes sense. The area has many springs and marshy ground. Denholme is also on the eastern side of the Pennines. These mountains are often called the "backbone of England."
A Look at Denholme's Past
Denholme is located on an old Roman road. This road once connected Manchester to Ilkley. However, there is no proof of any Roman settlement here. You can still see parts of the old road south of the town.
The first signs of people living here are from the 13th century. In 1239, a man named Thomas de Thornton gave grazing land in Denholme to monks. These monks were from Byland Abbey. They might have built a farm here, which could have been the town's first settlement.
Most of Denholme's Victorian houses were built by the Foster family. They also built the old textile mills in Denholme. These houses were for the mill workers. It was common for rich businessmen in Victorian England to build whole towns for their employees.
Denholme's Railway History
Denholme railway station opened on January 1, 1884. It stopped taking passengers in 1955 and closed completely in 1961. Most of its buildings were taken down later. The Great Northern Railway built this line. It connected Bradford, Keighley, and Halifax.
Denholme station was 850 feet (259 meters) above sea level. This made it the highest station on the entire Great Northern Railway system. The railway line went through mostly countryside. It needed many bridges, tunnels, and earthworks. Because it was so hilly, drivers called it "the Alpine route" or "the switchback."
Modern Denholme
The original mills that helped the town grow are now gone. Their sites are now used for smaller industries. In recent years, most of the remaining factories in Denholme have closed. These included textile, joinery, and timber businesses.
There are still jobs in shops, schools, and other town services. Some people also work on nearby farms. But most working residents now travel to larger cities. They commute to Bradford, Keighley, Halifax, or Leeds for work.
Learning in Denholme
Denholme Primary School is well-known in the area. The nearby village of Keelham also has a primary school. Some children from Denholme go to school there. The closest high school is Parkside School in Cullingworth. It is just over 2 miles (3.2 km) away.
Important Places in Denholme
Denholme Shared Church is a special place. It is a partnership of three different Christian groups. These are the Baptists, the United Reformed Church, and the Church of England. They share the building that used to be the United Reformed Church. This building is a Grade II listed building.
The old parish church of St Paul and the former Denholme Clough Methodist Church are also Grade II listed. Both have been changed into homes. St Paul's Church was even shown on the BBC TV show Homes Under the Hammer.
Denholme also has a library inside the Mechanics Institute. There is also a Conservative Social Club. Other services include a doctor's office, a pharmacy, and housing for older people.
Foster Park
There is a public park called Foster Park. William Foster gave this park to the people of Denholme in 1912. Foster Park has many things for young people. It has a youth cafe, a skate area, and a basketball court. There is also a bowling green and the town's War Memorial.
Shops and Activities
The town has a variety of shops. You can find food shops, other stores, and fast food places. There are two pubs, the Royal and the New Inn. Denholme also has a post office, a charity shop, and a farm shop.
Just east of Denholme is Doe Park Reservoir. Here you can go fishing. There is also a water activities center and a sailing club.
Getting Around Denholme
The main road that goes through Denholme is the A629. The town has regular bus services. These buses connect Denholme to Keighley and Bradford. There are also occasional services to Halifax.
Fun Events
Every year, Denholme holds a Children's Gala (fair). It usually takes place in Foster Park on the first Saturday of July.
Sports in Denholme
Denholme has two cricket teams: Denholme Cricket Club and Denholme Clough Cricket Club. Each team has its own cricket ground. Denholme Cricket Club plays in the Craven and District Cricket League. They have a first and second team, plus several junior teams. Denholme Clough Cricket Club plays in the Towergate Halifax Cricket League.
Denholme also has a football team called Denholme United AFC. They play their home games at Foster Park. They are currently the champions of the Halifax and District Football League Division 1. Denholme also has its own bowls team.
Images for kids
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Denholme Shared Church, built in 1844.
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St Paul's Church, now used for homes.
See also
In Spanish: Denholme para niños
