Midgley History Group

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Pennine Perspectives: Aspects of the History of Midgley

The Midgley History Group will launch its new book, at the Midgley Pageant on 30th June. This will be a very exciting addition to the book collection of anyone interested in Midgley, the rich heritage of the Upper Calder Valley or local history in general.

We are taking an innovative approach to producing this book, in that it is a genuine community effort. We have been running a Local Heritage Initiative funded project in Midgley since September 2004. This began with a ten week WEA course on introducing Midgley’s history and its sources. It was held in the Midgley Community Room, above the village shop and proved so popular that two classes were required. Following that we have transcribed the census, over forty wills and inventories from as early as 1530 and run a course on vernacular architecture. In addition to this we have held a number of guest lectures and summer walks. Across these activities, around one hundred people have participated in the project. Although many of them are from Midgley, a good number have come from further a field including Hebden Bridge, Warley, Halifax and Shipley.

This has culminated in a group of enthusiasts each researching topics of their own interest and, with the assistance of experienced tutors, writing a chapter for the book. Particular attention has been given towards illustrating the book and up to half of it will be devoted to some excellent images, including photos, maps and archive documents. One of the intentions is to demonstrate the wide variety of local historical sources that are publicly available and to inspire the reader to undertake their own historical investigations. The topics are wide ranging and cover pre-history, agriculture, population growth, industrial development, railways, community institutions, religion, folklore, leisure, popular rebellion, housing development and commerce. Furthermore, this is not just about the village but the ancient township of Midgley, which includes parts of Luddenden, Luddendenfoot, Brearley and Mytholmroyd.

Subscribe Now

We are currently offering the opportunity to subscribe to this limited edition colour hardback publication. Not only will this give a substantial discount on the cover price, but the names of subscribers will be recorded in the book itself.