I should firstly explain that I no longer live in Mirfield. That's why I refer to myself as an "expat". In fact, I left Mirfield exactly 30 years ago when I moved south. Since then, I've lived in and around London. I'm currently based in Bracknell, Berkshire - just a stone's throw from Ascot. Moving away from Mirfield all those years ago has made me appreciate my home town even more than when I lived there. This small West Yorkshire town has a wealth of historical figures associated with it - Robin Hood, the Luddites and the Brontes,
to name a few. It has been the home to such noteworthy orders as the Verona Fathers and the Community of the Resurrection. And, more recently, it has produced such fine actors as Patrick Stewart. So, whether you're a current Mirfield resident, an expat or just someone curious to find out more about this "pleasant clearing", I hope you find something of interest on this web site. The following books are also highly recommended: "A History of Mirfield" by H N Pobjoy (1969) "Looking Back at Mirfield" by Frances Stott (Greenfield House Publications Nov
2000)
"Changing face of
Mirfield" by Frances Stott (Greenfield
House Publications Oct 2003)
When I visit Mirfield (usually twice a year), the Emley Moor TV mast is a welcome landmark from the M1. It means less than 20 miles left to go. This photograph showing the mast on the horizon was taken down Greenside Road. Take note of the fish 'n' chip shop on the right-hand side. There are plenty of these in Mirfield. Out of interest, does anyone remember the day the original mast collapsed? It happened at two minutes past five on 19 March 1969 with a loss of service to a staggering six million viewers. Thick ice that had built up on the guy ropes combined with very strong winds brought the 1265 ft tower crashing to the ground. Amazingly, no-one was hurt. The current mast is just 1083 ft tall.
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