Pictures of Mirfield
About Mirfield
Mirfield is a residential town situated between Huddersfield and Dewsbury. It has a long history, and associations with Robin Hood, the Luddites, and the Bronte sisters. More latterly, the town was the home of that fine actor Patrick Stewart.
The town rests close to the banks of the River Calder. In the 18th-century a canal was constructed through the town, this caused a flurry of mill buildings to spring up making Mirfield a centre for the textile industry. These have long since disappeared giving way to the flourishing pastime of lazy days spent drifting along canal waters in a gaily painted narrow boat. There really is not much to beat "messing about on the river" especially when its banks are filled with reeds and wildlife. At Shepley Bridge there is a marina where pleasure boats take you through fine scenery away from the crowded town.
Mirfield has a busy town centre with a few memorable sights, the three storey Black Bull pub is one, this gracious building dominates the town's small market place. There is a pleasant Library building surrounded by peaceful flower filled gardens, and at Ings Grove Park there is a majestic memorial to the dead of World War I, this was constructed in 1921. The Three Nun's is an attractive pub building dating back to around 1900, it is believed to be built on the site of an earlier inn of the 15th-century. Another famous watering hole is The Shoulder of Mutton, and the Old Bank Working Men's Club is an attractive building, fronted by a well manicured bowling green.
The town's parish church is dedicated to St.Mary the Virgin, it was consecrated in 1871 and was designed by architect, Sir Gilbert Scott. This is an attractive church building with a lofty tower adorned by four graceful pinnacles. In the churchyard visitors can see the gravestones of the Ingham family who owned nearby Blake Hall (C.1745) which was demolished in 1954. Anne Bronte was the families governess in 1839. There are other graves and tombs, almost all belonging to local families.
Ghostly tales exist of Whitley Hall, of which all that remains is the summer house known as Black Dick's Tower. Black Dick was knighted by James I, he was actually Sir Richard Beaumont, who later became a highwayman. He died in 1631 and is said to haunt the area every July 5, when he is reputed to carry his head tucked underneath his arm!
Mirfield might be an urban residential area, but it certainly has atmosphere and a wealth of things to see.
