ALL OUR YESTERDAYS Talk will trace our town’s proud history of humanitarianism

GUIDED walk will take people down the Colne Valley’s transport past.

The walk tomorrow (Thursday, May 24) evening will reveal how canal and rail developments transformed Milnsbridge into one of Huddersfield’s most important industrial settlements.

Milnsbridge’s growth centred on the woollen and worsted industry, with mills situated along the canal and riverside. Not only did these provide a source of power but the opening of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal allowed the export of textiles across the country and to new markets abroad.

The walk will take in the Union Mills complex, developed in the late 19th century by Joseph Crowther and two of his sons. The company, renowned for the production of woollen cloth, became John Crowther and Sons and epitomised the success of the industry and the effect that the transport network had on its growth.

It will also visit the shell of what was Milnsbridge’s own stately home, Milnsbridge House, former residence of Sir Joseph Radcliffe, an ardent opponent of the Luddites. This Georgian house, once with extensive grounds in a rural setting, slowly became submerged by the growing industrialisation and workers’ housing from the mid 19th century.

The walk starts at Milnsbridge Wharf, opposite the Four Horseshoes pub on Whiteley Street at 7pm. It costs £3 per person. No booking is required.

Further information about the programme of walks which are organised by the Discover Huddersfield partnership, as well as a series of free trails, can be found at local information points and libraries or by visiting www. discoverhuddersfield.com.