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Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees

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Parent: West Yorkshire Urban Area Hop 4
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Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees
NameMetropolitan Borough of Kirklees
Settlement typeMetropolitan borough
Coordinates53, 35, N, 1...
Subdivision typeSovereign state
Subdivision nameUnited Kingdom
Subdivision type1Country
Subdivision name1England
Subdivision type2Region
Subdivision name2Yorkshire and the Humber
Subdivision type3Ceremonial county
Subdivision name3West Yorkshire
Established titleFounded
Established date1 April 1974
Leader titleAdministrative body
Leader nameKirklees Council
Leader title1MPs
Leader name1Jason McCartney (C),, Mark Eastwood (C),, Kim Leadbeater (L)
Area total km2408.6
Population total438,727
Population as of2021
Population density km2auto
Websitehttps://www.kirklees.gov.uk/

Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees is a metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England. It was formed on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, merging several former county boroughs and urban districts. The borough is named after the historic Kirklees Hall, and its principal towns include Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Batley, and Mirfield.

History

The area's history is deeply rooted in the Industrial Revolution, with Huddersfield and the Colne Valley becoming global centres for textile manufacture during the 19th century. The Luddite protests, most notably the 1812 attack on Rawfolds Mill near Cleckheaton, were a significant part of early industrial unrest. The modern borough was created from the former county boroughs of Dewsbury, Huddersfield, and Batley, along with the Spenborough and Colne Valley urban districts and parts of the West Riding of Yorkshire. Archaeological sites like the Victoria Tower on Castle Hill indicate much earlier settlement, with links to the Brigantes tribe and Norman fortifications.

Geography

Kirklees covers a diverse area of approximately 409 square kilometres in the eastern foothills of the Pennines. It is traversed by several river valleys, including the Colne, the Calder, and the Holme. The western part of the borough rises into the Pennine moorlands, including landmarks like Black Hill and Wessenden Head, while the eastern areas are more urbanised. Significant green spaces include Huddersfield Narrow Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site component of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, and the Marsden Moor Estate owned by the National Trust.

Governance

Local government is administered by Kirklees Council, based at the Huddersfield Town Hall. The council operates under a Leader and Cabinet model. The borough is represented in the UK Parliament by the constituencies of Dewsbury, Huddersfield, and Colne Valley. Historically, the area was part of the West Riding of Yorkshire and the Wapentake of Agbrigg and Morley.

Demographics

According to the 2021 Census, Kirklees had a population of approximately 438,727. The borough is ethnically diverse, with significant communities of South Asian heritage, particularly in towns like Dewsbury and Batley, stemming from post-war migration to the textile industry. Major religious affiliations include Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism. The main languages spoken are English, Punjabi, and Urdu.

Economy

Historically dominated by the woollen and textile industries, Kirklees has diversified its economic base. Huddersfield remains a key commercial and administrative centre, hosting the University of Huddersfield and companies like the Coca-Cola Enterprises factory. Manufacturing still plays a role, with advanced engineering firms such as Cummins Turbo Technologies operating in the borough. The Kirklees Stadium, home to Huddersfield Town and the Huddersfield Giants, also contributes to the local economy.

Landmarks and culture

Notable landmarks include the neo-Gothic Huddersfield Railway Station designed by James Pigott Pritchett Jr., the Tolson Museum in Ravensknowle Park, and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park-affiliated Hepworth Gallery in nearby Wakefield. The borough has a rich musical heritage, being the birthplace of composer Sir William Walton and the band The Mission. It hosts events like the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and the Dewsbury Carnival. The alleged grave of Robin Hood is located at the former Kirklees Priory.

Transport

Major road links include the M62 and the M1 motorways, and the A62 and A644 roads. Kirklees is served by several railway stations on the TransPennine Express network, including Huddersfield, Dewsbury, and Mirfield, connecting to cities like Leeds, Manchester, and London. Local bus services are primarily operated by First West Yorkshire and Arriva Yorkshire. The Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the Calder and Hebble Navigation are historic waterway routes.

Category:Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees Category:Metropolitan boroughs of West Yorkshire Category:Local government districts of Yorkshire and the Humber