Most Examiner readers will be aware of Huddersfield’s two oldest existing athletics clubs, namely Longwood Harriers, (founded 1888), and Holmfirth Harriers, (founded 1907).
What many may be unaware of is the prolific number of harrier clubs that existed in this area over a century ago.
During my research towards an update of Longwood Harriers’ history I unearthed a fascinating glimpse into local recreational habits all those years ago.
At the end of the 19th century and early 20th century, running was a popular and cheap pastime and many clubs formed in this area, mostly of working class men, and often under the auspices of local churches.
It was probably seen as a good outlet for youthful energy.
These clubs were exclusively male. Longwood Harriers, for example, did not allow women to run as members until a ladies’ section was formed in 1932.
A look through the early Longwood records also produced some interesting comments.
In those early days the runners followed a trail laid down – often of paper – and in a note of October, 1893, “a group of hooligans in Beaumont Park lifted part of the trail”.
In April 1912, the club minutes reported the sinking of the Titanic although the reason for the comment was unclear.
Many of the Longwood runs during these years included other invited clubs, with the records showing a total of 26 such groups, nearly all of whom have long since disappeared.
The First World War would obviously have taken many of these clubs’ members, as a result of which most are not mentioned after the war years.
One of the most successful, with leading runners at county level, were Slaithwaite United Harriers, first mentioned in 1905 and who continued until at least 1947.
Also to survive were Huddersfield Harriers (1890-1929) and Crosland Moor Harriers (1910-24).
One club, Milnsbridge Parish Church Harriers, was only mentioned in 1925-26.
Interestingly, there were three clubs in Moldgreen alone – Moldgreen United Harriers (1910), Moldgreen Methodist Harriers (1913-14) and Moldgreen Wesleyan Harriers (1913).
There would almost certainly have been more clubs than I’ve unearthed, but there is evidence of the following:
Oakes Baptist Sunday School Harriers 1890-95
Paddock Harriers founded in 1890
Newsome Harriers, 1891
Primrose Hill Harriers, 1892
Milnsbridge Wesleyan Harriers, 1892
Lockwood Harriers, 1895
Great Northern Street Harriers, 1897-1901
Honley Harriers, 1901
Meltham Harriers, 1901
Golcar Labour Club Harriers, 1901
Rose Hill Harriers (Birkby), 1901-1909
Hillhouse Free Wesleyan Harriers, founded 1904
Marsh United Harriers, 1905-1914
Huddersfield Clarion Harriers, 1905-1906
Kirkheaton Field Harriers, 1909
Outlane United Harriers, 1913-14
Dalton Wesleyan Harriers, 1914
Anyone with further information is welcome to contact Ian at presidentlongwood@mail.com