Thongsbridge

infobox UK place
country = England
latitude= 53.5844
longitude= -1.7733
static_

official_name = Thongsbridge
map_type= West Yorkshire
population = 1200 ["Area Profiles 2007", Kirkless Metrpolitan Council. [http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/statistics/census-by-town/settlements/Thongsbr.pdf] ]
os_grid_reference = SE150098
metropolitan_borough = Kirklees
metropolitan_county = West Yorkshire
region= Yorkshire and the Humber
post_town = Holmfirth
postcode_district = HD9
postcode_area= HD
dial_code = 01484
constituency_westminster = Colne Valley
MemberofParliament = Kali Mountford MP
static_

static_image_caption=View from Thongsbridge towards Castle Hill

Thongsbridge is a small village in the Kirklees district of West Yorkshire, England. It is in the semi-rural Holme Valley and the village boundaries merge into the neighbouring communities of Holmfirth, New Mill and Wooldale. According to the 2001 Census, it covers an area of 124.7 hectares and has a resident population of 1,179. ["Census 2001 Profile by Settlement: Table KS01", Kirklees Metropolitan Council, March 2006. http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/statistics/census-by-settlement/KS01settle2003.xls]

History

The name of the village is derived from the old Viking word ‘thong’ meaning a strip of land.

One of the first records of Thongsbridge is from the early 13th century when the area was owned by the Bisset family. The village expanded in the early days of the industrial revolution, it’s location, within the steep sided valley, being ideal for the water powered textile mills.

The homes and businesses located in the valley bottom were affected by a number of floods that affected the Holme Valley. The Holmfirth Flood of 1852 being amongst the most severe, with a number of houses and parts of the local textile mill being swept away.

The village originally had a station on the railway branch line going from Brockholes and terminating in Holmfirth built by Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway company in 1850. The railway partially closed in 1959 with passenger services being stopped and then finally shut down to freight trains as well in 1965. The goods yard and railway trackbed have now mostly been built on but can still be seen in places.

Leisure facilities

Leisure facilities in the village include fitness centres located at the nearby [http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/localorgs/venuedetails.asp?vID=2060 Holmfirth High School Sports Center] and the tennis club, which is located in the valley bottom, adjacent to the [http://www.tbjcc.co.uk cricket club] and bowling club. [http://www.tbjcc.co.uk Thongsbridge Cricket Club] was formed in 1860 and was one of the founding members of the Huddersfield and District Alliance League in 1893.More history about Thongsbridge Cricket Club can be found on [http://www.ckcricketheritage.org.uk/southkirklees/thongsbridge/clubhome.htm Thongsbridge Cricket History] Thongsbridge Tennis Club is one of the most progressive and dynamic tennis clubs in Britain. [http://www.thongsbridgetennisclub.org.uk Website]

Politics

Thongsbridge has been represented by Labour MP Kali Mountford since her win over Graham Riddick in 1997.

Surrounding villages

The village of Thongsbridge is adjacent to the town of Holmfirth and is also surrounded by several villages. These neighbouring settlements include:- Netherthong, Honley, Brockholes, New Mill, West Yorkshire, and Wooldale.

External links

* [http://www.kirkleesmc.gov.uk/community/statistics/census2001-1991/settlements/Thongsbr.pdf Kirklees Council 2001 Census Profile, Thongsbridge Settlement]
* [http://www.thongsbridgecc.co.uk Thongsbridge Cricket Club]

References