Hebden Bridge: A Unique Hill Town in West Yorkshire
Hebden Bridge is one of the most unique towns in England, and also has the proud title of being home to more independent shops than anywhere else in the country.
This very hilly town is situated in West Yorkshire. It has a strong history of mills that were used when the textile industry was strong. It was even called ‘trouser town’ as that’s where most people’s trousers were made, back in the day!
Today it features little eateries and independent shops, plus gorgeous riverside walks. It was also one of England’s first Transition Towns (that is, it is resilient to price shocks from oil on a national scale. Instead, it has walkable communities, local farmers’ markets (that need no oil to transport food) and community solar panels, to bring free or affordable energy to local residents and businesses.
The area is also heavily associated with literature and art. Many writers and artists live here, or nearby. The town is strongly associated with former Poet Laureate Ted Hughes, who often featured the town in his work, and came from nearby.
His first wife (the late American poet Sylvia Plath) is buried in a small cemetery, not far from Hebden Bridge. And even if you’ve never been, you may recognise the scenery, as it was the setting for the popular BBC drama series Happy Valley.
