Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Heckmondwike has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Heckmondwike.
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Sights in Heckmondwike
Heckmondwike is a historic market town in the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, West Yorkshire, England. It lies near the M1 and M62 motorways, 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Bradford, 8 miles (13 km) west of Leeds and 1 mile (1.6 km) north of Cleckheaton. The town’s name is derived from the Old English Hecena’s wic, meaning “Hecena’s trading place”.
The original Heckmondwike market charter dates back to 1207, making it one of the oldest markets in England. The charter was granted by King John and allowed for a weekly market to be held every Wednesday, as well as an annual ‘fair’. The fair was originally held on the Feast of St Matthew (21 September), but was moved to the first Wednesday in October in order to avoid clashing with the Bradford Fair.
Heckmondwike began to grow in the late 18th century with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. The town’s proximity to coal mines and iron foundries made it an ideal location for factories and mills. The population of the town increased rapidly, from just over 1,000 in 1801 to almost 10,000 by the 1861 census.
The industrial growth of the town led to the construction of many new churches and chapels, as well as schools, hospitals and other public buildings. Heckmondwike became known as the ‘City of Churches’, due to the large number of places of worship that were built during this period.
The industrial decline of the late 20th century hit Heckmondwike hard, and many of the town’s factories and mills closed down. However, the town has begun to regenerate in recent years, with the opening of new shops and businesses, as well as the restoration of some of the historic buildings.
Today, Heckmondwike is a vibrant market town with a range of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. The town’s twiceweekly market is still a popular destination for shoppers, and the annual Heckmondwike Gala is one of the biggest events in the Kirklees calendar.
Heckmondwike is also home to a number of historic buildings and sites, including the Grade I listed Church of All Saints, the ruins of Heckmondwike Hall and the Heckmondwike Spurr, a stone pillar which marks the boundary between Yorkshire and Lancashire.
History of Heckmondwike
Heckmondwike is a town and civil parish in the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, in West Yorkshire, England. Historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, it is situated 10 miles (16 km) west of Wakefield, 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Barnsley and 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of Dewsbury.
The town was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Hachemondwike, which roughly translates as “Hacca’s field in a clearing in the woods”.
The manor of Heckmondwike (also spelt Hechmondwyke, Hechamwike or Heghamwic) was amongst the possessions of Earl Warren, but after his disgrace and banishment it was granted to Ilbert de Lacy. The de Lacys were feudal barons of Pontefract and their descendants the Earls of Derby held Heckmondwike as part of their large estate centred on that castle.
The manor passed down through the de Lacy family, eventually being inherited by Edmund Crouchback, 1st Earl of Lancaster. In 1311, his grandson Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster granted the manor to Sir Robert Waterton, whose family retained it until 1522 when Sir Robert’s greatgranddaughter married Sir John Savile, lord of the manor of Howley Hall. The Saviles held Heckmondwike until 1622 when the male line came to an end, and the manor passed to the Savile heiress, Frances, who had married Henry Fitzalan, 12th Earl of Arundel. The manor remained in the Fitzalan family until 1715 when the then earl, Henry, 16th Earl of Arundel and 14th Duke of Norfolk sold it to a Mr. Scrimshaw. The Scrimshaws owned Heckmondwike for little more than a century, until 1828 when it was bought by George Armytage, whose family owned much of the town until the early 20th century.
The township of Heckmondwike, which included the hamlets of Soothill, Grasscroft, Littletown and Hunsworth, became a civil parish in 1866. In 1894 it became part of the Dewsbury Poor Law Union and Rural District.
Heckmondwike first experienced rapid growth in the 19th century with the coming of the Industrial Revolution. The town’s position near coal seams and the River Calder made it an ideal location for factories and mills, which soon began to spring up. The population grew rapidly, reaching 11,000 by the end of the century.
The town’s growth continued into the early 20th century, with the population reaching 18,000 by 1911. The town’s industries also expanded, with new mills and factories being built. The town also saw the construction of several housing estates to house the growing population.
However, the town’s growth came to a halt in the mid20th century, as the decline of the textile industry led to the closure of many of the town’s mills and factories. This led to a decline in the town’s population, which has only begun to recover in recent years.
Today, Heckmondwike is a town of around 19,000 people. Though the town’s economy is no longer dominated by the textile industry, it still has a significant presence, with several mills and factories still in operation. The town also has a number of other businesses and industries, including engineering, food processing and logistics.
Vacation in Heckmondwike
Heckmondwike is a small town in West Yorkshire, England. Despite its small size, there are a number of vacation possibilities in Heckmondwike.
For those interested in history, the town has a number of ancient buildings and monuments, including a 12thcentury church. Heckmondwike also has a number of parks and green spaces, perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
For the more adventurous, there are a number of hiking and biking trails in the surrounding countryside. For those looking for a challenge, the Stubbington Clough hike is a popular choice. The trail winds through picturesque valleys and woods, culminating in a strenuous climb to the top of the clough.
Whatever your interests, Heckmondwike has something to offer. With a variety of activities and attractions, the town is perfect for a short break or a longer holiday.
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