Civic Society to debate Blue Plaque ideas for Huddersfield

Aug 19 2009 By Neil Atkinson

Berry Brow historian Mrs Catherine McLester had a number of suggestions for either the Trail or for blue plaques.

She has been doing research with fellow historian Howard Robinson.

She said: “I would love to see a blue plaque on the home of Sam Copley, the man who bought Huddersfield for £1.3m. The Examiner recently featured his story, with him buying the town and selling it to Huddersfield Corporation.

“The house where he was born and brought up is still there on the left-hand side of Stockwell Hill, Berry Brow.

“We know that we have Bishop’s Court Flats in Berry Brow to commemorate Abraham Lockwood, the local preacher known as the Bishop of Berry Brow.

“But it would be nice to have a plaque on the left-hand side wall of the graveyard that was once the Salem New Congregation Chapel up School Lane, Berry Brow.

“This was the church he loved and where he preached, and his grave is behind the wall in the corner.

“And finally, perhaps the home where Derek Ibbotson, the Olympic athlete, grew up in Ladyhouse Lane could also be considered”.

Prof Cedric Cullingford, chairman of the Civic Society, said it was hoped there would be a good response from the public.

“We want to have as many people as possible involved in creating a Heritage Trail and in deciding where we should have the blue plaques.”