Castle Hill, Huddersfield

Geological Sites | Leeds | Bradford | Calderdale | Kirklees | Wakefield

STATUS: Local Geological Site
OTHER DESIGNATIONS: Ancient Monument
COUNTY: West Yorkshire
DISTRICT: Kirklees
OS GRID REF SE 152 140
OS 1:50,000 Landranger 110 Sheffield and Huddersfield
OS 1:25,000 Explorer 288 Bradford and Huddersfield
BGS 1:50,000 Sheet 77 Huddersfield
FIRST DESIGNATED by West Yorkshire LGS Group in 1996
DATE OF MOST RECENT SURVEY Frequent visits to Castle Hill are undertaken by
members of West Yorkshire Geology Trust
SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION produced by Ian Chisholm
DESIGNATION SHEET UPDATED August 2009

SITE DESCRIPTION: Castle Hill is an important geomorphological site where the relationship between the underlying geology and surface topography can be seen. The slopes below Castle Hill form the Coal Measures escarpment where alternating deposits of shale and harder sandstones form a series of slopes and benches.

HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS: Castle Hill, with its triple system of ramparts and ditches, is a fine example of a Northern British hillfort. A series of excavations completed in 1972 identified 3 periods of occupation; Neolithic, Iron Age and medieval. The Jubilee Tower constructed on the summit plateau in 1899 commemorates the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

EDUCATIONAL VALUE: This is a unique site for educational and recreational visits, where geology, geomorphology and archaeology combine to form a distinctive landmark in the Huddersfield district.

AESTHETIC CHARACTERISTICS: Castle Hill is an excellent viewpoint with panoramic views of both Millstone Grit and Coal Measures landscapes. The wooded areas in the valleys around Castle Hill provide sanctuary to flora and fauna.

ACCESS AND SAFETY: Park in the lay-by along Lumb Lane and then walk up the steps towards Jubilee Tower. It is possible to use the public car park adjacent to Jubilee Tower, although the car access to the top of Castle Hill is poor.