Tracing the History of Farnley Tyas

One of the primary functions of Farnley Estates is to maintain the built heritage of the village. We have recently been involved in a major piece of research on the village of Farnley Tyas (dating all the way back to 1805) which is proving very interesting reading.  You can find the article from this research ‘Census & Sensibility 1821 – 2011’ here.

The history of the village has also recently interested a group from Kirklees Young Archaeologists. Following a visit last year, they made a return visit to the old water wheel ruins. Access to the former silk mill (one of the few in an area dominated by wool, cotton and worsted production) has recently been improved thanks to a project to clear brambles and nettles managed by the Steel Valley Trust.

The budding young Indiana Jones’ found many interesting items including clay pipes and flint heads (many of which where identified as not being indigenous to the area). A fun day was had by all and we are looking forward to their next visit.

Kirklees Young Archaeologists’ Club, which meets monthly on a Saturday afternoon, is currently open to new members aged 8-16 years. For further information or to find out more about joining, contact Frances Hobart on 01484 663201

Further information on the Steel Valley Project can be found at www.thesteelvalleyproject.info

Good Work Acknowledged

News of the good work being undertaken by the Estate is obviously spreading around the area, as we have been approached by an adjoining land-owner to manage their land holding.

The significant economies of scale that we achieve by managing our own land  allows us to offer significant cost savings to other land-owners.

If you would to know more about how Farnley Estates could manage your land please contact Paul Sykes on 01484 667744.

Farnley Springs Into Action

Spring is always one of the busiest times on the Estate, and this year has been no exception. Field preparation and planting has been rigorous as we try to maximise the crop revenues from our land and therefore maximise reinvestment within the village.

The Estate has always sought to find a good balance between short term yields and long term environmental benefits. This year, as well as the usual spring barley and spring beans, we have planted wheat and haylage. This combination will provide revenues and continue to attract wild birds back into the area.

Particular attention has been given to the land along Penistone Road which was taken back in hand in Spring 2010. In the last year drainage has been significantly improved and the land prepared ready for cultivation.  Another piece of land that has recently been taken in hand is the area to east of Fenay Bridge. This area is being extensively refurbished and will soon become an area of prime pastureland.

In total, the Estate now has over 500 acres in hand compared to around 350 acres in 2010.

The History of Farnley Tyas: Census & Sensibility 1821 – 2011

We’ve all had to fill in complicated census forms recently which will allow future generations a glimpse of what life in Farnley Tyas was like during the first decade of the 21st century. But how did villagers cope in the 1800s, as the industrial revolution transformed Huddersfield into a world-class centre of manufacturing?  You may be surprised.

For example, this 1821 census for township of Farnley Tyas [1] tells us that out of 157 families, only 36 were employed in farming whilst many more – 113 – worked in manufacturing, (probably weaving , some domestic and some in Farnley Mill). The population was much larger than today, with 900 people and 157 dwellings but it must have been quite a busy place [2].

Here are two maps of the village in 1805 (the year of Trafalgar). Notice how the configuration of the fields is strikingly similar today.

The 1850s were noted for the Great Exhibition (where Huddersfield Textiles were much admired). The decade also saw the Industrial Revolution move into overdrive.

This map of the village from 1854 shows a thriving community reflecting progress in the nation at large [3]. See how Farnley Tyas has developed additional facilities with the help of the Estate owners; there are sandstone quarries and mines, more fields producing food and grazing livestock, new roads, a new school, a church for the community, a brewery and, of course, the Golden Cock.

According to the 1851 census slightly fewer lived in the area (843) but they were more comfortably housed across 178 dwellings.

[1] Census returns for 1821 & 1851 concern the ‘Township of Farnley Tyas’ and include Woodsome Lees, Woodsome Hall & Farnley Hey.

[2] 1821 & 1851 census for the Wapentake of Agbrigg published by kind permission of the National Archives Office.

[3] 1854 Ordnance Survey Map of Farnley Tyas, published by kind permission of Huddersfield Library.

New Wall

The Estate has recently completed work refurbishing the wall in the field below and behind Church Terrace which is visible on the approach to the village from Honley Road. Two options were proposed: 1) to rebuild the wall as it was previously, or 2) replace it with a simple ‘post and pig netting fence’. Whilst the latter would have been significantly cheaper (£900 against £2300), it was felt that the rebuilding option would be more aesthetically pleasing and a more sustainable solution in the long-term.