On some of the Effects of the Holmfirth Flood

Abstract

The broad tract of hilly country, which stretches north and south on the borders of Lancashire and Yorkshire, rises, in some places between Manchester and Huddersfield, to the height of nearly 2000 feet. The central ridge is here composed of the Millstone Grit Series, the elevated surfaces of which form extensive barren moors, and from which, owing to their lithological character and the large fall of rain, the surface-drainage is very considerable. On its eastern slope, the water is carried off by numerous small streams, falling into the various tributaries of the Humber. Their usual coarse is through narrow and picturesque valleys, which penetrate deep into the hills; amongst them is that of the Holme, which commences in the central range of hills, winds for nine miles east and north, and then joins the valley of the Colne at Huddersfield: it is well-wooded, and the scenery is generally bold and fine. At a short distance from the top of the valley, the Holme is joined by the Digley streamlet; the latter, however, being apparently the main stream, and draining, according to Capt. Moody, about 1920 acres of surface. It at first flows through a narrow and uncultivated ravine, which, three miles above the small town of Holmfirth, opens out into a narrow valley. This valley has always been subject to occasional floods, arising, however, from natural causes: one of the most disastrous occurred in 1777.