Huddersfield facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Huddersfield
Town
The railway station and statue of Harold Wilson, the university's Queensgate campus, Kirklees Stadium, St Peter’s church, Folly Hall Mills and the town hall
Huddersfield
Population	162,949 (2011 census)
OS grid reference	SE145165
Metropolitan borough	Kirklees
Metropolitan county	West Yorkshire
Region	Yorkshire and the Humber
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	Huddersfield
Postcode district	HD1-5, HD7-8
Dialling code	01484
Police	West Yorkshire
Fire	West Yorkshire
Ambulance	Yorkshire
EU Parliament	Yorkshire and the Humber
UK Parliament	Huddersfield
List of places UK England Yorkshire 53°38′42″N 1°46′47″W / 53.6450°N 1.7798°W / 53.6450; -1.7798

Huddersfield is a busy market town in West Yorkshire, England. It is the biggest town in the Kirklees area and its main centre. The town sits at the foot of the Pennines hills. Two rivers, the Holme and the Colne, meet near the town centre. The Colne then flows into the Calder on the edge of town.

The rivers provided soft water, which was perfect for treating textiles. This helped Huddersfield become a major mill town during the Industrial Revolution. Many buildings in the town centre show off beautiful Victorian architecture. A great example is the railway station, which has been called "the most splendid station façade in England." It even won an award for its architecture!

Huddersfield is home to the University of Huddersfield and three colleges: Greenhead College, Kirklees College and Huddersfield New College. The town is also famous as the birthplace of rugby league. The local team, Huddersfield Giants, plays in the top league. There is also a professional football team, Huddersfield Town, which plays in the Championship league. Famous people from Huddersfield include former Prime Minister Harold Wilson and actress Jodie Whittaker, who played the 13th Doctor Who.

The town's population was 162,949 in 2011. Huddersfield is about 14 miles (23 km) south-west of Leeds and 24 miles (39 km) north-east of Manchester.

History of Huddersfield

Early Settlements and Roman Times

People have lived in the Huddersfield area for over 4,000 years. Castle Hill, a well-known landmark, was once an Iron Age hill fort. Remains of a Roman fort were found in the 1700s at Slack, west of the town.

What's in a Name?

The earliest mention of Huddersfield is in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was called Oderesfelt. Later, in the 1100s, it appeared as Hudresfeld. The name means 'Hud(d)er's field', which is quite simple!

Huddersfield as a Market Town

Huddersfield has been a market town since Anglo-Saxon times. You can still see the market cross in Market Place.

For a long time, the de Lacy family owned the land of Huddersfield. In 1599, William Ramsden bought it. The Ramsden family owned the land, known as the Ramsden Estate, until 1920. They helped the town grow a lot. For example, Sir John Ramsden, 3rd Baronet built the Huddersfield Cloth Hall in 1766. His son, the fourth baronet, helped build Sir John Ramsden's Canal in 1780. The Ramsdens also supported the building of railways in the 1840s.

The Industrial Revolution and Luddites

During the Industrial Revolution, Huddersfield was a centre of unrest. Many weavers faced hardship as new machines took their jobs.

Some people, called Luddites, began destroying mills and machinery. One famous attack was on Cartwright's Rawfolds Mill. The government sent soldiers to Huddersfield to stop them. The Luddites then attacked mills in nearby villages. A mill-owner named William Horsfall, who was against the Luddites, was killed in 1812. After this, the movement faded, but Parliament started to help people out of work and improve mill conditions.

Famous Prime Ministers from Huddersfield

Two British Prime Ministers spent part of their childhood in Huddersfield: Harold Wilson and H. H. Asquith. A statue of Harold Wilson stands in front of the town's railway station.

Huddersfield Buys Itself

In 1920, the town bought the Ramsden Estate from the family for £1.3 million. This meant the town owned much of its own land, earning it the nickname "the town that bought itself."

How Huddersfield is Governed

Huddersfield became a municipal borough in 1868. In 1889, it became a county borough, meaning it managed its own affairs.

The town expanded in 1937, taking in parts of nearby areas. In 1974, Huddersfield became part of the larger Kirklees district in West Yorkshire.

People in Huddersfield voted against becoming a city in a local poll. The town has a strong history of Liberal politics. The current Member of Parliament (MP) for Huddersfield is Barry Sheerman.

Geography and Climate

Huddersfield is located where the shallow valleys of the River Colne and the Holme meet. This area is in the eastern part of the Pennines hills.

Weather in Huddersfield

Huddersfield has a mild oceanic climate. It gets more rain than areas further east but less than places like Cumbria. Winters are cool and damp, with some snow, especially on higher ground. Summers are usually warm, with a mix of sunny and rainy days.

Huddersfield's Green Belt

Huddersfield is surrounded by a green belt area. This special zone helps stop the town from spreading too much. It protects the countryside and keeps communities separate. The green belt also encourages outdoor activities like sports and walks.

Some key features in the green belt include:

• Castle Hill with Victoria Tower
• Blackmoorfoot reservoir
• Longwood reservoir
• Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the River Colne
• The River Holme and its paths
• Beaumont Park

People and Culture

Who Lives in Huddersfield?

In 2001, about 81% of Huddersfield's population was white. Many people also have British Asian heritage (from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka).

Huddersfield has many different places of worship. These include churches for various Christian groups, mosques, temples, and synagogues.

Huddersfield's Economy

Huddersfield is a manufacturing town. While the university is the biggest employer, the town has a history of producing woollen textiles. Many companies still make wool products. The town is also home to chemical and engineering companies. Some well-known local businesses include Cummins Turbo Technologies (making turbochargers) and David Brown Gear systems (industrial gears).

Healthcare in Town

Huddersfield Royal Infirmary is the main hospital in Lindley. Kirkwood Hospice provides care for people with serious illnesses.

Fun and Entertainment

The Lawrence Batley Theatre, opened in 1994, hosts dance, drama, comedy, and music shows. It was once the world's largest Wesleyan Chapel.

The John Smith's Stadium is a big sports venue. It has a gym, swimming pool, and hosts sports classes. It is home to the Huddersfield Giants rugby team and Huddersfield Town football team. Next to the stadium is an Odeon cinema.

Huddersfield has many pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs. The oldest pub, The Parish, has been open since 1720.

Shopping in Huddersfield

Huddersfield has a large shopping area in the town centre. There are three main shopping spots: Kingsgate, The Packhorse Precinct, and The Piazza Centre. The Piazza has an outdoor area used for events like international markets and ice skating in winter. There is also a covered market hall with a unique roof.

You can find many well-known shops in Huddersfield, like House of Fraser, JD Sports, and Marks & Spencer. There are also smaller, unique shops, especially in the three-storey Victorian shopping arcade, Byram Arcade.

Arts and Festivals

Music Scene

The Huddersfield Choral Society, started in 1836, is one of the UK's top choirs. The town also hosts the annual Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival. Other local music groups include the Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra.

Many music festivals happen in and around Huddersfield, such as the Marsden Jazz Festival and the Mrs Sunderland festival. The Electric Spring festival explores electronic music.

Art in Huddersfield

Huddersfield Art Gallery is on the top floor of the library. It has a large collection of art, including works by famous artists like Francis Bacon and Henry Moore. It also shows temporary exhibitions by new and established artists.

Ian Berry, a famous artist who creates art using only denim jeans, was born in Netherton, Huddersfield.

Town Festivals

The Huddersfield Festival of Light happens every December. It features performances and a firework display. Huddersfield also has a long-standing Saint Patrick's Day Parade around March 17th.

The Huddersfield Caribbean Carnival takes place in mid-July. It starts with a parade from the Hudawi Cultural Centre to Greenhead Park, where groups show off their colourful costumes.

The Huddersfield Literature Festival is held yearly, with author events and writing workshops. Since 2016, the Onwards Festival celebrates local music, art, food, and drink.

Landmarks and Architecture

Huddersfield has many beautiful Victorian architecture buildings. The most famous landmark is the Victoria Tower on Castle Hill. This tower was built in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

Huddersfield Town Hall is a grand building that can seat up to 1,200 people. It hosts many events, from classical concerts to comedy shows.

The Huddersfield railway station in St George's Square is very impressive. It has been called "a stately home with trains in it." A bronze statue of Huddersfield-born Sir Harold Wilson, a former Prime Minister, stands in front of the station.

The George Hotel, built in 1850, is famous as the birthplace of Rugby league in August 1895.

St Peter's Church (Huddersfield Parish Church) was built in 1838. Holy Trinity Church, just outside the town centre, was built between 1816 and 1819.

The Pack Horse Centre is a covered shopping area built over an old cobblestone street. It connects different parts of the town centre, leading to the Piazza and the unique market hall.

Beaumont Park, about two miles (three kilometres) south of the town centre, is a beautiful Victorian era public park. It has water cascades, a bandstand, and woodlands.

Greenhead Park is a large park west of the town centre. It was restored in 2012 and is a great place for relaxation.

Film and Media

Several films and TV shows have been filmed in and around Huddersfield. These include Between Two Women and The Jealous God. A Serbian film from 2007 is even called Hadersfild, a phonetic spelling of Huddersfield.

Television shows filmed here include:

• Last Of The Summer Wine (around Holmfirth and Colne Valley)
• Where the Heart Is (around Slaithwaite)
• The League of Gentlemen (set around Marsden)
• Happy Valley (exteriors and some filming at North Light Film Studios)

Getting Around Huddersfield

Road Travel

Huddersfield is connected to major motorways like the M1 and M62. The M62 is about 2+1⁄2 miles (4 kilometres) north of the town. Huddersfield has an inner ring road that helps traffic flow smoothly in the town centre.

Bus Services

Huddersfield has a busy bus station, opened in 1974. Most bus services go through here. There's even a free town centre bus service called the Free Town Bus.

Train Services

Huddersfield has good train services to nearby cities like Leeds and Manchester. You can also get trains to places like Liverpool Lime Street and Newcastle.

At the station, there are two famous cats named Felix and Bolt! They even have their own merchandise and a book.

Canal Routes

The Huddersfield Broad Canal and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal are both used by narrowboats. These canals wind around the south side of town.

Education in Huddersfield

Huddersfield has many primary and secondary schools. There are also two sixth form colleges: Huddersfield New College and Greenhead College. Huddersfield Grammar School is the only independent secondary school.

For further education, there is Kirklees College. The town's main higher education place is the University of Huddersfield. The actor Patrick Stewart is an emeritus chancellor of the university.

Sports in Huddersfield

Football and rugby league are the main sports to watch in Huddersfield. The John Smith's Stadium is home to both professional teams. The town also has Rugby Union clubs and an Australian rules football team.

In May 2022, both of Huddersfield's professional sports teams played in finals in London on the same weekend. Sadly, both the Giants (rugby league) and the Terriers (football) lost their finals.

Football Fun

Huddersfield Town F.C. is the town's main football team, started in 1908. They usually play in the Championship, which is the second-highest league in England. In 1926, they were the first English club to win three league titles in a row!

Famous former players include Denis Law and Ray Wilson, who won the World Cup with England in 1966.

Rugby Roots

Rugby was first played in Huddersfield in 1848. The town is known as the birthplace of rugby league. On August 29, 1895, 22 northern clubs met at the George Hotel and decided to form the 'Northern Rugby Football Union', which later became the Rugby Football League. The Rugby League Heritage Centre used to be in the George Hotel.

Rugby League

The Huddersfield Giants play in the Super League, which is the top rugby league division in Europe. They have won the Rugby Football League Championship seven times and the Challenge Cup six times.

The Huddersfield Underbank Rangers also play rugby league. Many professional players, like Harold Wagstaff, started their careers with this club.

Rugby Union

After 1895, rugby union was played separately. The Huddersfield RUFC was formed in 1909. In 1969, they were the first club in England to start mini and junior rugby teams. This idea spread across the country. The club now has a large sports complex at Lockwood Park.

Other Sports

The Huddersfield Cricket League was founded in 1891. Many cricketers from Huddersfield have played for Yorkshire CCC and even for England.

Huddersfield also has several field hockey teams.

James Whitham is a former British Superbike Champion from Huddersfield. Tom Sykes, also from the area, is the 2013 World Superbike Champion.

In 2014, the Tour de France cycling race passed through Huddersfield.

Civic Honours and Freedoms

Thirty-four people and one military regiment have been given the Freedom of Huddersfield between 1889 and 1973. This honour allows the regiment to march through the town with 'flags flying, bands playing and bayonets fixed'.

On July 2, 1952, the Duke of Wellington's Regiment was given the Freedom of the Town. This honour was passed to the Yorkshire Regiment in 2008.

Famous People from Huddersfield

Many famous people come from Huddersfield or have strong links to the town.

Actors include Joanna Christie, James Mason, Gorden Kaye, and Keith Buckley. TV writer Sally Wainwright's dramas, like Happy Valley, have made the local valleys well-known.

Patrick Stewart, the actor famous for Star Trek, is from nearby Mirfield and was Chancellor of Huddersfield University. Dancer Roy Castle was born in Scholes.

Harold Wilson, who was Prime Minister four times, was born in Milnsbridge, a suburb of Huddersfield. When he was eight, a famous photo was taken of him standing outside 10 Downing Street.

People Born in or Near Huddersfield

• Simon Armitage: Poet and writer from Marsden.
• Chris Balderstone: Played both professional cricket and football.
• Lawrence Batley: Businessman and helper of good causes. The Lawrence Batley Theatre is named after him.
• Ian Berry: Artist known for using denim in his art.
• Andy Booth: Former professional footballer for Huddersfield Town.
• Billy Currie: Musician from bands Ultravox and Visage.
• Marcus Ellis: Badminton player, won a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
• James Hanson: Important businessman and politician.
• Nina Hossain: Journalist and TV presenter.
• Derek Ibbotson: Olympic athlete.
• James Mason: Actor who became famous in Hollywood.
• Jermaine McGillvary: Rugby league player for Huddersfield Giants and England.
• Vivek Murthy: Former Surgeon General of the United States.
• Tom Sykes: World Superbike Champion.
• Sally Wainwright: Award-winning TV writer and director.
• John Whitaker: Equestrian and former Olympian.
• Jodie Whittaker: Actress, played the 13th Doctor Who.
• Harold Wilson: Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

See also

In Spanish: Huddersfield para niños

• Haddersfield, Jamaica: A place named after Huddersfield.
• Huddersfield Ben: A dog from the 1860s, known as the ancestor of the Yorkshire Terrier dog breed.