The settlement at Cleckheaton dates back to at least Roman times – the vital Roman road between Chester and York passed through the district, and a smaller route connecting Halifax to Wakefield crossed it at the point where Cleckheaton now stands. Textiles of one form or another were of massive significance to the local population from medieval times until very recently. Originally the area was important in the wool trade, with the fleeces from locally raised sheep converted by carders, weavers, fullers and dyers in the town and outlying villages. When in the early days of the industrial revolution coal was found in the Spen valley in which Cleckheaton stands the continued rise of the textile industry was, as it were, fuelled for more than a century. This rise was not without its problems: the Luddite movement was active in the area, and men were hanged for their involvement in the destruction of manufacturing machinery in the early years of the 19th century. In spite of this resistance, Cleckheaton became a major carding centre for many years. Though the pits began to decline as early as the 1920s, the textile industry continued. After WWII British Belting and Asbestos (parts of which became Scandura) had a huge plant in the area making industrial textiles – belting for machinery, brake pads, and insulation materials and so on, though that has long since closed. Sitting beside the M62, Cleckheaton enjoys a good position as regards road transport. It is also favoured by being within easy striking distance of Bradford and Leeds, both for the employment opportunities there, and for their tourist and leisure facilities such as the Royal Armouries in Leeds and Bradford’s National Media Museum. But the town has its own attractions too, most notably links to the Bronte sisters – Mary Taylor who lived in the town at what is now called Gomersal Lodge was a close friend of Charlotte Bronte
Attraction
Budget
Premier Inn Bradford South *book online*
Dentist
Greenside Dental Care
Northgate Dental Practice
Doctor
Estate Agent
Dyson W G & Sons
Halifax Property Services
Golf Club
Pub and Bar
Bulls Head Inn
Granby
Punch Bowl
Rising Sun Inn
Walkers Arms
Wheatsheaf Inn
Restaurant
Anatolias Restaurant
Rising Sun Inn
School
West End Middle School
Whitcliffe Road First School
Whitechapel Middle School
Solicitor
Taxi
A2B Taxis
Cleckheaton Cars
Colins
Zenith Taxis
Shops
Places to Stay near Cleckheaton
Gomersal Lodge Hotel (0.61 miles)
Premier Inn Bradford South (0.93 miles)
Healds Hall Hotel (1.46 miles)
Healds Hall is a family-run hotel with a nationally acclaimed award-winning restaurant and bistro. Set peacefully in landscaped, picturesque gardens Healds Hall presents an ideal venue when planning a conference, meeting or visiting the area. ... More | visit website
Headlands House Hotel (1.48 miles)
Family run hotel conveniently located between Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Halifax and Wakefield. Located close to the major motorway networks. Extremely friendly and hospitable staff who are more than happy ... More
Days Inn Bradford M62 (1.61 miles)
Gomersal Park (1.63 miles)
Set in our extensive grounds the Gomersal Park Hotel is a deceptively quiet setting for a Hotel only a short distance from the centre of Leeds and Bradford. The good food and wine in ... More | visit website
The Lodge at Birkby Hall (2.43 miles)
Holiday Inn Leeds/Brighouse (2.54 miles)
Welcome to the Leeds Brighouse hotel, a charming building in the West Yorkshire countryside surrounded by rolling hills, the hotel is a convenient location for Leeds, Halifax and Huddersfield, and Bradford. The city of Manchester ... More | visit website
Black Horse Inn (2.54 miles)
Olde Worlde 17th Century Inn, AA rosette restaurant, Beautiful rooms converted from cottages. M62 just 1/2 a mile, away from it all yet close to everything. You will find The Black Horse Inn ... More
Brit Quote: |
On this day: |