Holmfirth is a small town located in the Kirklees district of West Yorkshire. It is centred around the junction of the rivers Holme and Ribble and is three miles south of Huddersfield. Holmfirth
In the 13th century the town consisted mainly of a cornmill and bridge, however, over the next three hundred years Holmfirth was to expand rapidly as the cloth trade grew and the surrounding quarries production of stone and slate increased. In 1840 the first gas pipes were laid although cottages in outlying districts were still reliant on candles and oil lamps for some considerable time. In 1850, due to the construction of the branch line by the Lancashire and Yorkshire railway company, the very first steam train pulled into Holmfirth Sation. The arrival of the railway and the vast improvement of horse-drawn wagons and coaches, paved the way for an era of expansion within the area. By 1861 Holmfirth was a large and prosperous town with a large number of mills and dye houses in the region. However, with the town's huge growth came newspaper reports of much disorderly conduct and street fighting.
The Holmfirth Flood of 1852 was a major tragedy for the town. Although a number of floods were recorded over the years, this was by far the worse. With the collapse of the embankment at Bilberry Reservoir coupled with heavy rain, a torrent of waves was sent crashing through the town. It was to claim 81 lives with damage estimated at more than £67,000, a vast amount for those days.
A new industry to emerge in the late 19th century was the silent movie films. It was Bamworth's production of fine quality postcards established in 1870 that led to the development, with its short comic films being exported around the world. Although the postcard industry, including its saucy seaside version carried on, film production had come to an end by 1914 and the outbreak of WWI and was never resumed. The postcard production was eventually transferred out of the area and the site of the printing works on Station Road has since been converted into residential apartments.
Known locally as 'Litte Hollywood' following the production of Bamworth's early films, Holmfirth is still home today to a thriving artistic community. But it is perhaps best known as the location for the filming of 'Last of the Summer Wine' BBC TV's long running comedy series, and home of Compo, Clegg and Foggy. Filming takes place over a wide area of Holmfirth both within the town as well the surrounding villages. Each year thousands of tourists flock to the area to experience firsthand the scenery and locations familiar with the series. Another TV series 'Where the Heart Is' has recently been filmed in the area.
The Holmfirth Artweek is an annual event which highlights the talents of local artists while at the same time raising money for the Macmillan Cancer Support. Trevor Stubley and landscape painter Ashley Jackson are two such prominent artists that have galleries based in Holmfirth.
info@holmfirth.com
This site and domain are not affiliated with or owned by any government or municipal authority.
©2008 Holmfirth.com
Disclaimer: Domain owner maintains no relationship with third party advertisers. Reference to any specific service or trademark is not controlled by domain owner and does not constitute or imply its association, endorsement or recommendation.An England.net site