Meltham

Meltham

Meltham stands as a historic town and civil parish in **West Yorkshire**, nestled in the picturesque Holme Valley below Wessenden Moor, just 5 miles southwest of Huddersfield. The town’s population has grown steadily from 8,089 in 2001 to 8,534 by the 2011 Census.

Historical Roots

The valley’s story stretches back to prehistoric times, with two Iron Age settlements overlooking the modern town. The Domesday Book of 1086 first recorded Meltham as a village in Yorkshire’s hundred of Agbrigg, though it noted the settlement had been laid waste at that time.

Industrial Heritage

The Brook Dynasty

The Brook family transformed Meltham Mills into a thriving industrial center. Their silk mill complex employed over 1,000 workers in the late 19th century. The family’s legacy lives on in the goat’s head crest still visible on the old office building and St. James’ Church.

Tractor Manufacturing Era

David Brown Tractors operated their main factory in Meltham Mills from 1939 to 1988. The site now houses various industrial units, including a tractor museum. Durker Roods, Sir David Brown’s former residence, served as a hotel until 2021.

Modern Infrastructure

The town maintains strong transport connections through regular bus services, including routes to Huddersfield, Holmfirth, and surrounding areas. While the railway station closed in 1949, the bus network provides comprehensive coverage for residents and visitors.

Cultural Significance

Entertainment Legacy

The town gained national recognition as a filming location for the BBC’s longest-running sitcom **Last of the Summer Wine**. The Meltham and Meltham Mills Band, established in 1846, made history as the first brass band to win three consecutive British Open Titles.

Educational Facilities

Three primary schools serve the local community: Meltham Church of England School, Meltham Moor Primary School, and Helme junior and infant school. Secondary education needs are met by nearby Honley High School, Holmfirth High School, and Colne Valley High School.

Notable Residents

The town has produced remarkable individuals, including Lance Sergeant James Taylor, who survived the battle of Rorke’s Drift, and Dora Thewlis, a young suffragette whose arrest made front-page news in the Daily Mirror. Australian textile magnate Godfrey Hirst, born at Royd Edge in 1857, went on to establish one of Australia’s largest textile manufacturers.

Citations:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meltham