Our History
The Huddersfield and District Family History Society was formed in 1987 and it’s aims are to promote and encourage mutual help between people interested in Family History and Genealogy. Based at its Headquarters and Research Centre at The Root Cellar in Meltham, the Society is a registered charity.
The Society caters particularly for those with interests in the Metropolitan District of Kirklees. The area comprises Batley, Colne Valley, Denby Dale, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Holme Valley, Kirkburton, Meltham, Mirfield, and Spen Valley. An area of nearly 160 square miles. Within it’s boundaries lie the eleven ancient parishes of Almondbury, Batley, Birstall, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Emley, Kirkburton, Kirkheaton, Mirfield and Thornhill.
High Hoyland, Halifax and Saddleworth are on the fringes of the area and some parts of these ancient parishes are included. Our members include people who live locally, in and around the area of Kirklees and Huddersfield, but also nationally and internationally.
The Root Cellar
At the Root Cellar, manned by Society volunteers, all the Society’s published transcriptions may be consulted and / or purchased. There is also a collection of genealogical fiche, film and booklet resources available for reference. Full details of the Society’s publications are in the online store. The store also has a number of books of interest to Family and Local History Researchers.
More Extensive Bespoke Research
At the Root Cellar, manned by Society volunteers, all the Society’s published transcriptions may be consulted and / or purchased. There is also a collection of genealogical fiche, film and booklet resources available for reference. Full details of the Society’s publications are in the online store. The store also has a number of books of interest to Family and Local History Researchers.
Help Is On The Way!
As a registered charity, the Society is wholly dependent upon membership fees, sales of publications, research and search fees, and donations to the Society, to be able to continue with the aims as stated above, as well as being able to maintain the Root Cellar and open our records to all who wish to use them. Therefore, should you feel that you would like to make a donation to the Society, this can now be done online via the Society’s ‘Give As You Live’ account.