: Thu Feb 26, 2009 8:36 am
In construction there was JB Brooke --who built a lot of houses in the west Yorks /Kirklees area(they had a "yard" just beyond the viaduct up Manchester Road ) next to Wimpennys ( another civil engineering firm)
Henry Brooke -down Leeds Road (next to the fast food outlets opposite the Peacock) -who were structural engineers /steel fabricators
plus Mallinsons on Albert Street, Lockwood(Building Contractors )
Milnsbridge/ Longwood/ Slaithwaite was a hot bed of textiles and there were many notable mills in addition to those mentioned previously like
CJ Hirsts / John Crowthers . and James Shires, and Moxons at Kirkburton and Huddersfield Fine Worsteds at Kirkheaton
Most of the mills that have now sadly closed were , as others have said , involved in the manufacture of "fine worsteds"- and known worldwide for some of the best suit and clothing material made anywhere !They upgraded to the latest machinery --the old machinery got refurbished and shipped to the Middle and Far East ---and the rest is history alas!