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Discover Slaithwaite.
The village of Slaithwaite– pronounced slou-wit by the locals– sits in the beautiful Pennine foothills near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. The area is best known for its role in Britain’s wool industry and as the filming location for a popular British soap.
A Brief History of Slaithwaite
Like many villages, towns, and cities across Yorkshire, Slaithwaite began its life as a small settlement with agricultural roots. It became a township in the 13th century, comparatively later than many of its neighbours. While the origins of ‘Slaith’ is still debated, ‘thwaite’ derives from the Old Norse term for a woodland clearing where timber was felled.
Situated in the Colne valley, Slaithwaite’s growth was fuelled by its proximity to the Huddersfield canal and the Leeds-Manchester railway; Slaithwaite station opened on the 1st August 1849. The canals meant Slaithwaite became a hub for woolen clothmaking, silk-weaving and cotton spinning, using the waterway to power its textile mills.
Like nearby Harrogate, Slaithwaite also became famous for its rich iron and sulfur mineral springs. In 1825, Slaithwaite became a popular spa town as local corn merchant Richard Varley built a spa complex around the springs. Visitors would travel to Slaithwaite Spa from far and wide to treat ailments such as gout and rheumatism. The spa complex operated for over 100 years, eventually closing down in 1938 due to disrepair. Richard Varley and his spa are remembered in several street names and Slaithwaite Spa Park.
Like many Yorkshire villages during the late 20th century, Slaithwaite saw a decline in the textile industry due to technological advancements and a shifting economic landscape which forced many mills to close.
Slaithwaite’s Local Culture
Slaithwaite put its name on the map as the filming location for popular British drama series Where the Heart Is (1997-2006). Locations along Slaithwaite canal were also filmed for Last of the Summer Wine (1973-2010) (although this was predominantly filmed in nearby Holmfirth).
Slaithwaite continues to promote its heritage and has built an annual festival around one unusual local story. In the 19th century, a group of smugglers hid their barrels of rum under a canal bridge, so as not to be detected by the local militia. When they returned to the bridge to retrieve their barrels– using a rake to reach them– they were caught red-handed by the militia. The excuse the smugglers gave was that they were simply out “moonraking” as the moon’s reflection could be seen in the water’s surface.
Slaithwaite Moonrakers Festival has recently passed its 40th anniversary. More information about the festival can be found here.
Slaithwaite has also retained a longstanding musical heritage. Founded in 1891, Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra is a symphony orchestra largely made up of amateur musicians. The Slaithwaite Brass Band was founded one year later. Both groups perform regular concerts and welcome musicians of any calibre.
For those whose voice is their instrument, the Colne Valley Male Voice Choir boasts over 100 years of soulful tunes. Like the local orchestras, the choir is a community initiative, welcoming to any men willing to give singing a go.
Final Thoughts
Slaithwaite is a West Yorkshire village with a big personality. It has built up its sense of community and connection around its heritage and interesting cultural ties. It is known for its friendly people, welcoming community events, and busy social calendar!
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This article was written by Natalie Willetts (Natalie Willetts Research & Writing Services) to celebrate the unique historical, cultural, and artistic personalities of West and South Yorkshire. Visit her page on Work, Rest or Play to read more of her articles.
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