Welcome to the Spen Valley Historical Society
The Spen Valley Historical Society held its last meeting on 8th April 2026, it had its inaugural meeting on Wednesday 8th March 1972 in the Mayor's Parlour in Cleckheaton Town Hall. We had one member with us who was present at both the first and last meeting of the Society.
Over the last 54 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 this website.
You will find suggestions on places to visit and links to local photographic archives on the website. 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 will find links to local websites that may be of interest including information on other groups locally who hold talks on a variety of historical issues.