Highfield Chapel, Huddersfield

[Sisterjane]

Hi

Most of the area known as Highfields has over the years been swallowed up by Huddersfield Technical College around the areas of Trinity St and New North Rd and Im almost sure that the old Chapel is now used as student accomodation.

Jane

[sueclog]

Hi Jill!

You could be clutching at straws! Ripponden is about 10 miles as the crow flies - longer by road - the hills are in the way. Almondbury is only about 2. Put it this way, I'd rather walk from Huddersfield to Almondbury, than Huddersfield to Ripponden!

Sue

[jillruss]

Oh!

I'm trying to find some connection between the Highfield Chapel where Mary Sykes nee Crawshaw's first child was baptised and Ripponden which is the only place I can find a likely baptism for Mary Crawshaw herself in the timeframe (married 1791). There are also a few children baptised at Highfield Chapel to a Thomas Crawshaw who could very well be Mary's brother, also baptised in Ripponden.

Perhaps the family moved into Huddersfield and became dissenters.

Like I said before, I always find the Huddersfield area really difficult to research. Head...wall...bang!! 

Jill

[moonstone2]

Hi Jill
Didn't reply earlier as I've just recently joined this site.
I live in Highfields within yards of what used to be Highfields Chapel, which as you're already aware was changed into apartments several years ago.

I've recently received the deeds of my house dating back to 1913, and am now curious to know more.  There is a rumour that my house was once linked to the chapel, but so far I've had no joy.

The chapel is off New North Road about 0.5 miles out of Huddersfield Town centre, which leads to the M62 at Ainley top (exit 24)  Ripponden can be reached by travelling west on the motorway and  leaving it at junction 22.  Almondbury is on the opposite side of Huddersfield.

I'd be grateful if you would pass on any knowledge. links or photos of the chapel to help with my search.

Leanne

[jillruss]

Hi Leanne,

How interesting!

I'm afraid I don't know any more about the Highfield Chapel other then what's on this thread. The links given by Dave and Christine are well worth checking out.

Good luck.

Jill

[moonstone2]

Good morning Jill

I've tried Christine's link and couldn't get into it, which was a little frustrating, but if it was only a photograph then it's not too bad as I see the building every day. I 've known about the Hudds trivia site for some time, which is excellent and interesting.

I intend going to Huddersfield library to see what I can find there.  If I have any joy, and find something which I think may be of interest to you, I'll let you know.

Lynn

[jillruss]

Thanks, Lynn.

That would be great. 

Jill

[Christine in Portugal]

Hi Lynn,

Th link does still work but I think it will be removed from there shortly as the msn groups is finishing.

There are some other photos on this link, covering all Kirklees area. Just put Highfield Chapel in the search box.

http://www.kirkleesimages.org.uk/index.php

If you are from Huddersfield area you will find it very interesting.

Christine

[josey]

I don't know if this will help anyone - but I have just found this out. Apparently the register book for Highfield Chapel is bound very tightly, so not everything got on the IGI and sometimes only surnames eg.
   1. CLEGG - International Genealogical Index
Gender: Male Christening: 14 JAN 1817 Independent, Highfield By Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England
   2. CLIGG - International Genealogical Index
Gender: Male Christening: 29 JUN 1818 Independent, Highfield By Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England

If you look carefully at where the fold of the book would have been you can sometimes read the name. These two were sons of John Clegg and Betty. I am told the Highfield records don't mention occupations. I have been in touch with someone who asked to see the original Highfield register at Kew, giving the reason that she couldn't read some names on the film, and she was allowed.

I was told this by a very helpful lady from the Calderdale Family History Society because I am looking for a so far unfindable baptism of an Elizabeth CLEGG born ca 1820, daughter of John [said to be a shopkeeper when Elizabeth married in London in 1838] & she states in the 1861 census she was born in Huddersfield. I may be - as usual - clutching at straws but it is difficult to leave any stone unturned. 

Josey