Highfields: New book tells the story of Huddersfield's first suburb

The story behind the development of Huddersfield first suburb is told in a new book by a local historian, David Griffiths. 

Highfields: a Most Handsome Suburb, published today by Huddersfield Civic Society, has been written as a companion to his book The Villas of Edgerton. Once again he paints a picture of a distinctive and architecturally significant area, acknowledged today by its Conservation Area designation.

The text is complemented by the pictures of Andrew Caveney, of Creative Digital Photography, and a variety of images, maps and photographs, sourced from local and national archives.

In the early 19th century, Highfields became the favoured residential location for Huddersfield’s business and professional class. Their handsome Georgian houses were followed by the architectural showcase of New North Road where, amid a wealth of Victorian residences, significant educational and religious establishments, some by distinguished architects, were constructed.

The architectural quality of the area was recognised nationally by the 1860s and poet laureate, John Betjeman was, similarly, impressed when he visited the town in 1964. 

David, author of several books and a contributor to many other local publications, has previously led guided tours around the area. He says: "Highfields is a stone’s throw from the town centre and deserves greater recognition. Its streets and lanes offer rich rewards and the book includes numbered maps from which individual buildings can be discovered on foot."

Highfields: a Most Handsome Suburb costs £9.95 from local bookshops or £12.45, including p&p through our books page.