HUDDERSFIELD: Another Great Northern Town Suffering Government Cuts

I Went to Huddersfield for a walk around the town centre, this once great northern industrial town has suffered immensely due to government cut backs.
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Welcome to my Channel,
My name is James and I live full time in my tiny van, however this is not just a van life channel. I enjoy travel, food and drink and making videos 🙂
When I turned 50 I decided I’d had enough of the rat race and working long hours just to pay rent and bills, life was passing me by and I needed a drastic change.
FAQ
Where is Helen?
Helen has a responsible full time job and two children so unfortunately she can’t join me on every trip. I really wish she could.
What equipment do you use?
My vlogging camera is a GoPro Hero 9 but I also use my pixel 6a phone and Lumix G80 camera for other footage
For editing, I used Premiere Pro on an old laptop but I’m saving to buy a more powerful computer.
Do you have children?
Yes I have a 6yr old daughter who lives with her mum but I see her quite a lot. I don’t usually put her on the vlogs and if I do, I block out her face for privacy reasons. I also have a grown up son.
How do you fund your lifestyle?
I don’t need as much to live these days since going full time van life but I receive a small percentage of income from the ads that KZbin put on the videos.
Why the sponsored videos?
I only accept sponsorship from companies I use and trust, this is my fulltime job and my income, it’s how I support my family. (I have Patreon if you prefer videos with no ads).
How do I contact you?
Please contact me here: [e-mail]

[@NerdInMotion23]

As someone who lives in Hudds I can tell you the main reason it's such a mess is poor town planners, mismanagement of funds by Kirklees and its politicians. Go to milnsbridge rusty boulder that cost thousands whilst kids played basketball in the dark. They pushed businesses out of the town centre, they own a lot of the rentals and mismanaged them even charging rates during COVID when they weren't supposed to. They messed the parking up made it impossible for people to visit easily, Kingsgate they messed up the planning up and Kingsgate 2 took years to go ahead. They couldn't even fit bollards in the centre without it causing damage to the buses. A lot of Kirklees workers are lazy and institutionalised and means it's commonsense out the window. Child services had multiple walk outs and is a total disgrace the list goes on and on. They need to sell off some property and stop being greedy. It wasn't always like this when I moved here in 2000 it was buzzing town centre with loads of shops and fantastic bars and restaurants. That lazy sack of 💩 Barry Sherman wants to hang his head in shame.

[@paulwoolley4957]

I live in Milnsbridge and I agree with you 100%

[@67Childintime]

I was born in Huddersfield and grew up there, but moved away in my teens. It genuinely was a great place in the 70's with a thriving town centre, really sad to see it in this condition😪

[@LouDeVere]

Me too. Not born there but moved away in the 70s. Do you remember Studio 58? I used to love going there.

[@intrusivenature9758]

I bumped into an old mate of mine today. I said, "What are you doing these days?" He said, "I prepare meals for the homeless, drug addicts, alcoholics and down and outs." I said, "Oh, are you working for the Salvation Army?" He said, "No. Wetherspoons!"

[@paulbutler6984]

😂

[@joannedibben2352]

Sounds about right lol😂

[@angeroper6839]

Nothing wrong with wheatherspoons

[@joannedibben2352]

@@angeroper6839 I quite like my local weatherspoons I'm the cleaner there it has a nice atmosphere for all types of people

[@spinynorman8217]

Sounds like a snob to me.

[@grahamdaniel9534]

If you want to see some good standup comedy go to a Huddersfield council meeting it’s full of comedians 😂😂

[@markosmith8037]

I think most council meetings would satisfy that requirement.

[@MikeRox83]

I thought they were tragedies?

[@seanwood8883]

spot on that 🤣

[@merseybeat1963]

The original buildings are beautiful.

[@philmuskett265]

Huddersfield used to be a thriving, wealthy vibrant town but its had its heart and soul ripped out, mate and so have the poor buggers that live there. Absolutely sickening. Last time we were back (we live in Oz) couldn't help noticing the look on people's faces, it was a really desperate look.

[@catevansartist]

Our neighbours a few doors down are from Huddersfield, as is one of our local councillors, a lovely woman who tries her best to make things happen. I'm from Sheffield but currently live all the way in Thanet (the public services are dire here too, always coastal areas suffer). I miss it up north.

[@catevansartist]

It's such a shame that Huddersfield is in the doldrums. Lots of places are more than ever these days, it seems. Lovely content. ❤

[@resurgem]

Heartbreaking. I lived in holmfirth 1976-1996 and worked in Huddersfield for Kirklees social services. It was bright and vibrant with lovely shops. I watched until you went into the Merrie England. Back then, you would have been queuing for a seat any day of the week. They sold amazing homemade apple pies, and the beef sandwiches were legend. I'm glad you had a nice chat with the ladies there. 😢

[@georgegently3026]

Missis went back to Huddersfield the other week with one of our kids (25yo), they went to Merrie England at marsh and brought me a beef and onion sandwich back, fantastic.

[@nigelwatson2750]

You want to find out how much the council charges in business rates. No surprise that everything is empty.

[@philaitch8586]

Totally agree, you end up driving off your tax base and are left with the majority of people on benefits.

[@nigelwatson2750]

@@philaitch8586 See Rochdale for more details

[@KeithChegwin24]

How much they spend on non-essentials is also very telling. The redacted information in the 'spend over £500' XL data is shocking.

[@PurplePerinaise]

Meanwhile charity shops expand unabated by any tax selling what others have given them mixed with cheap new tat that no1 wants. Wtf is going on seriously

[@ashleyalmond4463]

Lol Government sets business rates, not the council.

[@Lonewolf__666]

Britain is crumbling, and politicians are more concerned with other country’s. 😡

[@lemsip207]

So are most of the people. They will turn out to take the knee, protest the bombing of Gaza or the inauguration of Trump but not domestic issues that personally affect them sich as the cost of living as they would in France. The prevailing attitude is that it is selfish to do so. I blame all the faith schools brainwashing them.

[@quokkapirquish6825]

Other country’s what?

[@lemsip207]

It's also the public. Telescopic philanthropism has infected them.

[@ibrahimwaka3916]

When you shipped money abroad .What do you expect.Its okay to help but you need to help yourselves first

[@JoolsUK]

It is a difficult job running this country. We should be doing better, but we are in a period of adjustment and people don't travel into urban centres the same way... needs new thinking.

[@GaryRiley-w4g]

When you come out of the train station on your right is the old John Crosland warehouse with Britannia on top - Crosland Moor is named after the Crosland family. In front of you is the Lion Chambers - the original stone lion was taken down and replaced by a fibreglass one sometimes he has a town scarf around his neck and when the midnight bell strikes he comes down to stretch his legs in the square haha. To the left is The George hotel where rugby league was born. The beautiful original market hall was pulled down it had a clock tower. In the 1970s there were loads of great little independent shops they have all gone now.

[@nicted9308]

As a Northern guy from Newcastle I find it all depressing when I see how Northern towns have fallen into decline over the years. I left Newcastle some 40 years ago because of the work situation in the area basically no job opportunities. I’m now retired and living in Spain and when I watch videos such as yours it doesn’t help when the weather is so bloody awful as it makes everywhere look more depressing. My brother keeps saying you’re lucky to be living where you live. Have gave you a Sub and will be watching future videos cheers.

[@nicnak4475]

Southern seaside towns have also seen massive declines 😥

[@MrDirkles]

The south is just as bad, if not worse than the north. Colchester for example is 40 miles from London and yet it is much further down the shit hole as huddersfield is shown here.

[@JoolsUK]

lots of people enjoying life in the English countryside though

[@JW81H]

Hey up James, James here too😂, firstly thanks very much for having a look round town, but if I'm honest it was bittersweet, I'm a Huddersfield lad and I swear to god it was a brilliant place once, I certainly had it at its best when I was 16to 30 years old. From mid 90s to 2015 it was great but now it's so sad to see what it has become. Just want to say thanks for not putting the boot in like most do, you were very respectful and looked for the best and I appreciate that. I love you and Helen's videos and keep up the good work 👍🏻 cheers

[@bobheaton7415]

I was Huddersfield born in 1963. Spent my formative youth from 1979 to 1988 and often after then socialising in Lockwood and occasionally the town centre. Many happy weekends, I seem to remember it being far busier and far more lively than the video shows. I was last there in August 2022 for my Mum’s funeral. What was nice was the people were as friendly as I remember. I know local people push for and support efforts to improve Huddersfield, shops reopening etc and I wish them success, I really hope that continues not just for Huddersfield but all towns suffering from this period of economic decline.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

That train station is amazing. It looks more like a museum.

[@angelabutterworth8816]

Kirklees council closed the whole of the Queensway market for regeneration over 6 months ago, they demanded a multi story car park at the same time they closed the market. Kirklees council have done nothing for the town centre. I hardly ever go there unless I go to the bank but they are depleting. Such a shame.

[@alanlewis5211]

Kirklees clowncil wanted to pull down the library not that many years ago, it was only due to the public outcry from the people of the town that they backed down.

[@stoopot70]

As far as I know the library has closed and is going to be a museum with Tolsen museum shutting down also.

[@paulross2914]

Politics is a part of life whether you like it or not, people can stick their heads in the sand,but it's the people in power who make the decisions that affect our lives daily. It's good to raise these issues from time to time. Great video and you recently have been impressing me with your photography and editing, thanks for putting the time in and continue to do exactly as you want, after all that's why we're all tuned in.

[@bythecurb]

Thanks Paul

[@camelia9802]

Very interesting indeed. Huddersfield has amazing architecture.

[@jonathsnparrish4040]

This must be the levelling up that we were promised

[@Norton-99]

Beverley lad here from down under since 1971;love your show ,keep it up

[@MegaVector2011]

It's true what the lady in Merrie England café said about the market, it was thriving. I lived in Leeds in the '80's and used to go every Saturday. I used to collect mid century stuff and the second hand market was brilliant for dirt cheap collectibles. There was also a fabulous Indian restaurant under the railway arches where they did a two course lunchtime special for under 4 quid and it was the best, I've never had one since that replicates the flavour. Such a shame to see the place in decline. Thanks for the upload.

[@naomijevons4441]

Im from Huddersfield and grew up there. I don't live there now but every time i visit it just seems to deteriorate further. Huddersfield has some amazing architecture, the library and art gallery building, Queensgate market has a very interesting ceiling, the old Co op department store building. It is so sad to see these buildings empty.

[@paulineknowles40]

I’m disabled and used to love travelling around U.K. . I’ve loved watching your channel it makes me feel involved with the world. I found your blogs about six months ago and have enjoyed them all . So easy going and you and Helen have such a great sense of humour . I was exhausted watching you walk around Adrian’s wall great fun and made me fancy a pasty lol. Keep up the great work and a massive THANK YOU . See you soon 😘😘🎥🍿

[@bythecurb]

Thank you 🙂

[@benjaminsamulibrown54]

I've had the opinion that in that last 10/15 years our high streets have deteriorated. I haven't travelled as much as you, but it does feel like your out there confirming it on your trips. Perhaps in the future you'll be documenting the restoration of our towns for us, albeit it may be a while. Either way, always enjoy your content mate, Thanks for your effort.

[@gmc9451]

You are correct. YT channels TurdTowns and Wandering Turnip have really opened my eyes to the deterioration of towns and cities across the UK. If you don't travel much you can easily form the opinion that it's just your own town/city that has gone to pot but it's definitely nationwide.

[@bealzibub4002]

High streets have deteriorated because of the whole net zero nonsense and every council and government seemingly jumping on the bandwagon to end freedom of movement and travel. But at least massive corporations who rarely pay any taxes benefit from all the good shops shutting down.🙄 councils are probably taking back handers to put the destruction into place

[@rupertbath2748]

5 years ago I going out with a woman from Huddersfield and I really liked it and I remember there being some lovely indy places with VERY generous portions. I haven't been back in 5 years I can't how much it has gone down hill from what it was in 2019. Pity as a lovely place.

[@louisjadot9194]

What happend to the woman 🤔

[@IbnShahid]

I think there’s some hope for Huddersfield, because it’s a decent sized town with a university and a big enough population to give it enough “critical mass” for some kind of eventual recovery. (Even if it doesn’t happen in our lifetimes 😢) It’s the smaller towns which are really in desperate trouble. I’m thinking of places like Keighley and Nelson. Keighley town centre wasn’t too bad about 20 years back (as I remember it) now it’s just miserable. And don’t get me started on Dewsbury….

[@annrimmington8690]

When I was a kid, Huddersfield was a very thriving place, fabulous shops and nice atmosphere. Trouble is the local councils have not kept up with the times and out of town shopping centres have killed it. If it weren’t for the university it really would be dead. They need to make it more accessible and give people the opportunity to open interesting businesses that people want to use, sorry, rant over, sad 😔

[@andrewrobinson2565]

The weird thing is that a certain section of society blame immigrants and asylum seekers for end-of-empire decay. I'm an immigrant into France. I'd be asking for my money back from the people traffickers 😢. (+1)

[@321bytor]

How have 'local councils... not kept up with the times'? The reason town centres are dying is online shopping.

[@carolinestephens4082]

Common Purpose

[@carolinestephens4082]

​@@321bytorNWO

[@lemsip207]

​​@@321bytorIt started with out of town retail parks. Some shoppers will drive much further to them than the city centre just so they can park for free when it would be cheaper to park in the city centre as they will use less petrol getting there. Also shoppers in city centres get harassed by chuggers, beggars, drug dealers and street hawkers.

[@frankyw8803]

1970/80s/90s Town would be rammed everyday except half day closing on Wednesday's . I'm sure you noticed my Towns people are really friendly and have a cheery outlook , but look at what the decline has made them say .

[@elizabethdunn2992]

Another great video James. Huddersfield looks a nice town.

[@Scott-ub9wo]

I'm in tears I live here work here born here and I'm more than a where how bad it is

[@lindenthornton9277]

Glad you found Merrie England, an institution and they even have a drive through at Outlane! Great food.

[@mozer8035]

Brisbane couple with bub, we spent weeks in Huddersfield 2023 ( even the UK border patrol at the Paris to London train was suspicious when they asked us, haha, " why you going there ?" they asked with added suspicion😄 ) . Every Pom in London asking us why we going there ???, haha . Can we say we absolutely love the place and can't shut up about it. We stayed near the Hospital, walked about the town for weeks and chatted to locals. There is still a world of charm, beauty and banter in west yorkshire. We watched all of Happy Valley at xmas just to take the edge off our Huddersfield addiction. Yes coastal UK towns will struggle to compete with Spain and Greece, but Yorkshire people and Landscape sells itself without competition. We aim to return. Good Luck Huddersfield Giants 2024.

[@pdriwsteve]

I think you missed a gem of a historic building ..... next to that gents outfitters ... a Wimpy bar ! They used to be everywhere, my missus used to manage one here on the Isle of Wight back in the `70`s/80`s, now you rarely see one. If we do see one on our travels the wife insists on going in to check they are still keeping standards up 😂

[@paulrduffield]

Well Done James. Another great video. Keep up the good work. Your getting better and more confident. Say hi to Helen ❤

[@kape2470]

I loved the station and the library building was stunning, and that theatre shortly after. A lot of very symmetrical buildings which I really like. Loved the buskers voice as well

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Thank you. I really enjoyed that. While you were walking around Huddersfield I was walking around Scunthorpe. Remember Scunny? No rain here. The decline of town centre's is obvious. Our council is spending loads of money revamping in some parts, while letting the rest of it fall into disrepair. I took a few photo's but it was quite depressing to see how run down some of it is. ilona

[@majesticwork]

Thanks for the videos showing us whats happening in various places, keep up the good work..

[@truleee1]

Congrats on getting to 40k subscribers. I am enjoying your Northern Towns odysseys, keep up the good work.

[@bythecurb]

Thank you 🙂

[@Jojobber]

Whether you realise it or not, you and other good folk like you are documenting the last decades of our country before it really does decompose. Your videos and the videos of others documenting this will one day become an invaluable resource for our grandchildren to look back upon. Thank you.

[@JoolsUK]

In the 70s artists moved into New York to observe the decline.. they absorbed the chaos of the streets... then it all turned round

[@angelabutterworth8816]

Thanks for touring my town. The market open on Monday and Thursday and Saturday for other things. It’s a dying town. Thanks for the tour of Huddersfield .

[@theabandonedhunter3604]

You’re spoiling us with all the recent videos…. I love it!!! 👊 I’m going to save this until tonight though…. To much dross on a Saturday night so will give me something decent to watch with a beer 🍺😀….Smithy

[@bythecurb]

Thanks Smithy

[@alanbutterworth4219]

I grew up in Huddersfield and until going to university at 19 (1982), thought of it as home. I busked on the streets in August this year and couldn't believe what has happened to the place. I only go back to visit my mother. The town is nothing like it was growing up.

[@lucygale336]

Sad times depressing 😞 like were going exstinct isn't it 😔 😢 thanks for the wonder 😊

[@ianholmes3761]

Back to Victorian times 😢

[@nigelwatson2750]

It's not hard to work out what is going on: (1) your taxes are being spaffed up the wall importing people on rubber boats & putting them up in 4 star hotels. These people also increase the demand on the NHS and state schools - fewer resources available per person living in England (2) Sunak is sending your money to the Ukraine. (3) Government is also printing money, which has caused inflation & the cost of living crisis. The combination of ever higher taxes and inflation has crushed spending power, which is why the high street is dying: small businesses can't turn a profit. In a nutshell, the problem is the government.

[@fractalofgod6324]

Yeah nothing to do with the north voting Tory. Put your sun newspaper down and go take a look at the real world.

[@philloomer]

Went uni in Huddersfield 20 years ago, many fond memories... visited last year was saddened by what i saw.

[@geoslyne1]

Another very good documentary James. You can only tell the truth as you see it. I do li,e it when you interview locals. Keep up the good work.

[@thesolidsnakealpha]

No wonder we can't afford to look after and renovate our towns We're spending 7 million pounds A DAY putting boat people in hotel accommodation while we have record homelessness. Whichever government you have in power won't matter. They all pee in the same trough, whilst our councils spend exorbitant amounts of money on modern 'art' sculptures and over priced bridges. My best friend has worked in the council for 30 years and some of the stories about 'misplaced funds' have you shaking your head. I notice you mentioned religion trying to control people by fear. You've got the government for that. Religion gives a lot of people hope, but it's like anything else, you take away what you like and leave behind what you don't. On a more positive note, your intro style is something else, James. Very professional. Thanks for bringing attention to the beauty that remains in the North and surrounding areas.

[@spinynorman8217]

The library was a lovely building, art deco was such an interesting style. My grandad was born in Golcar in 1910, he was an electrical engineer who worked his whole life for Brook motors of Huddesfield. He never spoke of his dad who died at Cambrai in 1918 ( 4th battalion Duke of Wellington), very sad. Another relative called Ronnie Wood (no connection to the Stones) owned the Tower Spinning Factory in Huddersfield which made Worsted cloth. Can I recommend a fantastic documentary on You Tube called 'James Mason - Home James 1972' ,about huddersfield it is compelling viewing, you will love it, however it is unbelievable the difference between now and then, and in my lifetime. Very powerful film.

[@SuzanneWilton]

As someone still - after decades - watching the post-Thatcher deliberate degradation of my beautiful town and her unique people by central government and their Kirklees partners in crime, that James Mason film hurts my heart every time I watch it. But your comment reminded me how important it is to record and pass on the stark contrasts through our children. So, I just watched it again and I'll be gently pushing the next generations to watch it, so they can start fighting back and rebuilding.

[@G6EJD]

James - another excellent insight into what is a hidden gem, the Town Hall was magnificent and yet all but hidden and unknown it seems. It’s difficult to sell the town, but it has so much to offer - if only everyone knew! Those who built the station snd Town Hall and other buildings would probably be ashamed to see them today.

[@Jack-hy1zq]

I used to busk on an upright piano in Huddersfield when it was very busy - full of shoppers. Every town is going to the dogs.

[@HugoVan]

Another great Vlog James thank you , really liking the architectural stuff , The old photos are great too keep them going if you can. Hope to bump in to you Guys one day , we climbed Sca Fell the same day as you just at different times :-) Steve & Mandy

[@lindenthornton9277]

I live on the border between Kirklees and Barnsley, as a relative newcomer to the area I used to go to Huddersfield quite a lot when younger however now I never go there as it has gone so downhill. I was impressed with Barnsley which has much going on, particularly like the market and food court.

[@CCP_Operative]

Used to be a nice day out as a young lad in the early 2010s, lots of independent shops to explore. I enjoy all of the old architecture of the small old shops to explore, where you might have found the candlestick maker or the cobbler in the olden days. Couple of other things to do there, pop your head in the byram arcade and wonder around Greenhead park. Like any highstreet its just, betting shops, pubs, barbers, chicken shops and vape shops. Merrie England is a cafe for old folk, my grandma used to quite like them. Queensgate market used to be quite busy, they had market stands for toys, clothes ect. Apparently it is being redeveloped as a food hall now.

[@AnnaB-pm2kt]

Hi James great vlog thank you. ❤ I loved the church ceiling (black & white ) very striking. The library was very nice too, typical 1930s ? It reminded me of an old cinema, and The theater was of similar architecture. Town hall inside wow what a surprise that was. It seems that many city centers are sadly very quiet these days. No one around at all Like you say, and all of these businesses going under. Whatever is happening to the Uk !!! It’s sad to see it. 😢 Thanks again James. Have a good weekend. 😍

[@Ms.Gollygosh]

Wow! What a bleak/grim town! With the addiction of the preacher screaming about 'hell' - what more could you ask for lol. I'm from Ireland and the same thing is happening here. Keep up the great work...loving the exploration around these towns, so dystopian!

[@always.wondering.wandering]

Another good city tour, thanks James. I was reading about the library, it said you could get in by appointment. I hope they don't tear down a fine art deco style building but it sounds like that's what they may do, another one is being built. Love the old church, it's been through a lot of repairs from what I read. Nice that you got to go in the Town Hall, not what I expected to see inside, very grand. I read about the history of the organ. It's good your giving us a view of these places before they may disappear. Have a good weekend, enjoy!

[@sheilathompson1684]

As soon as I saw your opening sequence I knew it was Harold Wilson. Oh my / he opened(is that the right word) my comprehensive school in South london one of the first. And he gave me a book prize. It is so special.

[@organisten]

My student years were in Huddersfield - at the former Polytechnic. I also got my GCSE maths with a B grade in evening classes at the Technical College after failing it at school thrice. I live in Norway now, and it saddens me seeing the state of the town now. This used to be a thriving place. Very sad!

[@scousepie2]

Looks like a Great place, so big and spacious. where is it soul... Im from Liverpool and our town has Soul plus music that keeps us alive... Great Upload.

[@johnmcnulty1679]

I'm a proud Huddersfield lad ,it's certainly not perfect but some of these vloggers don't actually read up on some of these towns and what's going on in the near future. Liverpool is great place ,I have friends in Waterloo , Bootle and Walton.

[@Angela-uf3gj]

it was lovely to walk with you around my home town - you did miss the Byram Arcade and I hope if you go back you take a look in there best wishes Angela, Ontario Canada "Yorkshire lass at heart"

[@Wanamaker1946]

The town is lovely. It’s really nice to see how there aren’t any ugly modern buildings, and what is there is verywell taken care of. I don’t think it’s a good idea to (as a guest) to say of someone else’s town as boring and there is no action or life. As an American, it’s my first time in Hiddersfield. I suppose everyone is at their job(?) can’t a town just be nice? Does it have to be busy all the time? Look how clean everything is. The megaphone thingy isn’t pleasant at all. I see lots of building going on. Yes, we have those old 1960’s Malls. They are so dated, and yet have a charm of their own. I cannot believe just how clean everything is. It’s all very well kept. This takes a strong town council. The fact that there are so many fine Victorian and Georgian structures. Anglo’s all over the world have stoped having children, and Mother Nature abhors a vacuum, so in come the extra people from the gravel pits of Arabia. It’s sad because it didn’t have to be. It’s funny how you see things negatively, and I see hopefulness. What are you looking for? Can’t you just appreciate where you are and enjoy the fact that it’s clean and safe? You’re a Debbie downer.

[@guyroebuck8510]

It is true there are a lot worse places in the world! It's just sad to see places struggle. It's the challenge of the next 20 years to bring town centres back to life again. 😅

[@mikemulrooney4824]

Love the comparison photos

[@vivien408]

Huddersfield 😢 how sad the place is I hope when they do develop the new market it will be better????

[@sibutterworth6542]

Hi James. Patrick Stewart studied in Bristol. Huddersfield University only became a university in 1992. Before it was a polytechnic. Patrick Stewart is the chancellor of the university.

[@SuzanneWilton]

I think he's Emeritus now, isn't he? And Pounce Andrew was proudly appointed Chancellor by VC Bob Cryan in 2015, long after the world knew about him and Epstein. Students opposed it and others campaigned against it but Cryan kept kissing royal contacts and a**e til Andrew left in 2019.

[@johnnyb1829]

Thanks for posting buddy, such a shame, I think they call it ' Leveling Up'

[@tutts999]

Never been there, but the Train Station looks amazing.

[@-old-school-motorcyclesltd]

Hi James It’s a big place never been and some beautiful Victorian buildings and that Library is a very nice looks like Art Deco to me tho it’s just too big now for a library to me it could be sectioned off and let out for offices and and library inbetween because the cost of running it will be unbelievable including staff: energy etc Everywhere’s the same and such a shame 😊😊 The Town Hall looks amazing the Victorians were great engineers and architects Great one James Phil & Fay

[@angelabutterworth8816]

The council closed the library and are gallery too as well as the market.

[@gunder3]

I watched a guy walking around Weston Super Mare in the South West near to where I am originally from . I have been in Melbourne for 20 years and I cannot believe the dilapidated state that it has become!

[@JoolsUK]

Yeah Melbourne is quite soulless isn't it 😊

[@davidrobinson630]

Incredible contrast to the Town I knew up to 60+ years ago....dead different. Your views sum it up well !...I suggest you come back when Town play Barnsley⚽️ on a Saturday 👍....Perhaps you know now why Barnsley market is better known ☺

[@johncaldwell-wq1hp]

THE LIBRARY,--LOOKS "ART-DECO"-(30's)--the "phillanthropist-"Carnegie"-donated a lot of library's around Britain,-before he moved to New-York--there's a nice one at Royton--If it hasn't been destroyed-!

[@ColinMaxwell-oc1ok]

Really enjoyed that thanks....

[@andypandy6830]

Hello, welcome to my home town. Sadly it did not take you long to pick up on Huddersfield being a dying town. It used to be so vibrant and busy with great pubs and clubs. By the railway station is the George hotel, the birth place of rugby league. If you look in to it we were once a great town and our wosted wool was known as the best in the world, i still love this old town but feel sad seeing it in such decline. Thanks for a great video. Oh and Merrie England cafes are very popular, it is a local firm and there are quite a few dotted around Huddersfield.

[@JW81H]

Couldn't have put it better myself mate

[@Marc-xc9uo]

Another great video. I have subscribed to your channel btw. You are right about it being quiet, but I think it’s like that on most high street now, unless you are in a major city. People are not going out. Probably because they are trying to save a few quid.

[@davidbrass9221]

Great vid, love old buildings, they have character unlike todays developments, online shopping is leading to the death of high street shopping, mainly in the north of course

[@QXLauctions]

Lovely video James

[@cass8492]

Absolutely love your videos great viewing. Always watch and often want to recommend places to visit but you have left by the time I watch. Good honest reviews 👌

[@philaitch8586]

Cracking video, I'm enjoying all of your videos, whether they are the hikes, pub crawls or town visits. Is it time for another Chippy review? Unless it interferes with your health kick?🍟🐟

[@kidgibnick]

Despite the state of the place, there are quite a number of lovely buildings! Few brutal ones as well. Urban centre seems quite big given the population of the city. Love for the North!

[@stephenwood9104]

I really enjoy your videos James, you really appreciate history, fine architecture and put so much information into your vlogs, really appreciate your dedication and hard work 👍

[@samandjennysambrook]

Top stuff ss usual James, you are brilliant at what you do,and also improving all the time, youre music choices are good and your camera work and narration on point 👉👍A lovely historical place.... Thanks for the shared journey once again my pal... keep it coming lad ok... We love you and hallybobs..you are good people.✖️❤️✖️✅

[@AlanJackson-h2r]

great blog James ..... great to see what's happening to these once great northern cities mate 😍 p s loved Newcastle and the wall 😃

[@aslandama]

Thanks for sharing again James.

[@johnakyle5908]

Dundee is a bit like Huddersfield, they have 2 shopping centres, one is run down and has only poundland and the like , whereas the other has the big names like Primark , Next etc and is really busy .

[@Amiguru]

James - What is it about the letter 'H'? ... Helen, Hull, Halifax, Huddersfield, Hadrian's Wall, 'Head of Steam' ...HaHa! 😄 Thank you for the tour - its nice to see around - even on yet another rainy day. 🥸

[@bythecurb]

Haha who knows! Maybe its subliminal!! 😂

[@chriscousins9485]

Great video AGAIN James . Historical, up to date info and in between (plus a bit of beer information). Never been to Huddersfield but made me think of going. Thanks.

[@johnround1697]

The town hall looked fantastic ,good decision to have a look. Got the comedian's out and got some more in 😂. Look like you got huddersfield on a bad day, good imformative look around mate cheers ,and that ale looked a good one.

[@seanwood8883]

Some fantastic pubs in the town though, like the ones you highlighted, the head of steam and kings head. Then there's the sportsman round the corner, the cherry tree, and Lord wilson the spoons pubs, and more round King st towards the Uni

[@neeeko7]

You were right, that shop is £2083 pcm 😮

[@bealzibub4002]

It’s not suffering government cuts. It’s suffering incompetence and unnecessary spending from the council. Wasting millions on vanity projects in the centre of town that they have driven businesses out of and hindered consumers from easy access to. The sheer lack of self awareness as to why they have bankrupt the town is astounding.

[@neilmorley7022]

We used to love going to Huddersfield each week but over the last 5 yrs, alot of shops have closed down, mostly due to the greedy councils increasing the rents, this is going on all over North but never down South, they needs to be a level playing field across all areas

[@THE-THATCH]

Thanks for all the work you must put in behind the scenes James. Really appreciate the research & effort that goes into making the vlogs. Especially the history & facts of all the towns & city's architecture you visit, and for all the people moaning about the too-frequent pub visits, ("put a sock in it, or fast forward"} one of my favourites is your Bolton vlog, learning about the Bolton massacre & execution of the Earl of Derby outside the Man & Scythe Inn, dating back to the civil war, which I'm a bit of a buff about, learning something I'd had never read or heard of before, like many of your architectural historical facts. You should visit Worcester & check out some of our historic buildings, one of which is our town hall where the royalists nailed by the ears, is a gargoyle of Oliver Cromwell's head, above the entrance door.

[@bythecurb]

Thank you, I really appreciate your comment 🙂

[@mikego18753]

Good vid.I,ll always remember Thora Hird going to 'Hoddersfield'with her 'credit caard' Thanks.

[@intsys007]

I'd love you to do a vlog on the Borough Market in London... 1000 years on the same spot !

[@skomil]

Live in between Halifax and Huddersfield and moved here in the 90's. Both town centres in terms of retail have been decimated and post covid they are even quieter. Halifax now has a thriving night scene and has the iconic Piece Hall holding gigs and events that are attracting tens of thousands into the Town between Spring and Autumn, it is also benefitting from being at the heart of some amazing TV shows like Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack and having Marvel shoot a good number of scenes for Secret Invasion there. It also benefits with the Halifax head office right in the town centre which I think props up some of the daytime economy and Dean Clough hosts hundreds if not thousands of financial workers. Huddersfield doesnt have any of that and it shows - the University and the students do help but the Town Centre has always felt a bit lost and aimless to me. Hwever what I would say is some of the most beautiful villages/small towns in the UK are just outside of Huddersfield and are destinations in of themselves, Holmfirth/Penistone and Slaithwaite being examples.

[@JW81H]

Think I agree with that. Especially the out skirts but, Huddersfield is absolutely beautiful apart from the town centre

[@JoolsUK]

Lots of pleasant small towns and large villages all across the UK thats where the money and life is now

[@luigisolinas720]

0:40 I lived in huddersfield back in 1991 . The fabulous nineties were a beautiful era where the real economy of physical shops and social ties was the perfect formula to bring vitality to all the cities of the world. If this inner-city disaster exists we owe it mainly to two factors: The traffic restriction of city centres and the increasingly widespread practice of online shopping. During my studies, I respected the place and your way of life, discipline, order, and the cleanliness of public places. This behaviour of respect should be a moral duty towards the country that welcomes you. Best regards Luigi. Sardinia.......italia

[@El-Tel63-Terry.]

Funny half that James 😉. I love a bit of Pallidian architecture. Great having the station flanked by 2 pubs, good selection of beers, too.

[@stephenogden5470]

Reminded me of when our junior school choir took part in the Huddersfield festival in that hall in about 1970; Dodworth junior school that is. I think we were runners up to the Manchester girls choir.

[@rupertbath2748]

If you go back in the summer, do check out Greenhead Park which is the best park I've been to. It has slightly over priced cafe but loads of playgrounds, greenery, and places to play tennis, basketball and even a croquet lawn and just across the road is a really friendly pub.

[@seanwood8883]

Oh you Legend, having an all day brekkie in the awesome merrie england. I always have those

[@MickBatty]

Kirklees spent 250k o planters that look horrendous. We need to cut rates to help independent businesses . If you think that’s depressing you should have stopped of at Dewsbury , nice pub on station also and some great architecture but a very sad place. Council tax in Kirklees is very expensive and our Great old towns have been neglected and people let down .

[@ashfly]

Born and bred in Huddersfield. Kirklees council have great plans to improve our great town. We will see.