Welcome to the Spen Valley Historical Society
The Spen Valley Historical Society had its inaugural meeting on Wednesday 8th March 1972 in the Mayor's Parlour in Cleckheaton Town Hall. Over the last 50 plus years members and guests have enjoyed over 500 talks on a variety of topics that we hope has informed, stimulated and educated them.
We have also since 1972 produced a series of Journals, donated books and publications to the Library in Cleckheaton and researched and written an obituary for each of the 157 men of Heckmondwike that died participating in the Great War.
One of our, sadly now deceased, members Jim Summerscales had carried out extensive research into the Title Deeds of Properties in Liversedge which is freely available on the website.
You’ll find information about our current series of talks and links to previous speakers. Suggestions on places to visit and links to local photographic archives. We have two disused railway lines that run through the valley and nearly had a third, trams that connected Cleckheaton and Hightown to Dewsbury and all of these have left a legacy on the district. You’ll find links to explore these more.
Finally you’ll find links to local websites that may be of interest.
We meet on the second Wednesday of each month, with the exception of August when we do not have a meeting. The meetings start promptly at 7:30 pm at Our Lady & St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church Hall, Dewsbury Road, Cleckheaton (see map on "Talks" page).
PLEASE NOTE THAT MEMBERSHIP FEES FOR THE 2025/26 SEASON OF TALKS ARE NOW BEING TAKEN, THE MEMBERSHIP IS STILL £10 AND THE PREFERRED PAYMENT IS BY CHEQUE MADE PAYABLE TO "SPEN VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY"