Report - Tite's Building, Huddersfield - November 2012

[Fudge]

Visited this one with Tweek after a long stretch of "we should really get up there".

Lets face it, these days we're the only ones who actually give a shit about doing stuff in this little derp we call Huddersfield. That's probably because the majority of the stuff here isn't epic enough for you lot. Either that or it's just shit. Probably the second one, but who cares? Anyway, bit of history and a couple of snaps. Not much to see from this place other than the square but that's what it's all about really. Nice to sit up there and watch the world go by.

As far as the history on this place goes, there isn't much to be found. The building was designed by Sir William Tite, an architect who also served as president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Constructed in 1856, it's not surprising that 150 years later it is now supported by structural scaffolding and on its last legs.

Four photos, that's right. Haters gonna hate, thread binners gonna bin thread.

Maybe Tweek will treat you to some of his film stuff, I hope he does, otherwise this'll be a really shit post.

Thanks for looking.

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[tweek]

Nice one Fudge, mate. It's been a long time coming for no good reason this one. Thanks for the company, it's been ace having someone to kick with in the Hudd these last few months.

This one was just a no brainer. A burnt out shell of a building, supported internally and surrounded by scaffolding, overlooking the historic St George's Square. Nevertheless, it's taken us ages to actually get round to doing it. Next time you step off the train at Huddersfield, make sure you take in this glorious square. Until as late as 1920, the Town was owned by the Ramsden family until it was bought by the Huddersfield Corporation. This earns the town one of it's many nicknames, "The town that bought itself".

The creation of St. George's Square and the surrounding buildings took place between 1846 and 1859. This was part of the Ramsden family's ambitious plans to create a 'New Town' following the arrival of the railway in Huddersfield. The Ramsden's recognised the potential value of the land in front of the station and ensured that the buildings surrounding the square were of the highest quality. The Ramsden's architectural consultant was William Tite. This Town has a curious habit of making a name for someone. Tite was particularly associated with various high-profile London buildings, with railway stations and cemetery projects. Tite later served as President of the Royal Institute of British Architects and was a was a member of Parliament from 1855 until his death.

Another Member of Parliament, indeed twice serving Prime Minister and son of Huddersfield, is Harold Wilson - whose statue adorns the centre of the Square and can be just made out from some of these pics. Not the most revered of Prime Ministers, but i forgive him, as he was a staunch Huddersfield Town supporter. He also liked a bit of a smoke. And the statue was purposefully designed with one hand in his pocket - alluding to his smoking pipe which he was never seen without.


The Tite Building was built in 1856, and so named after its designer. The building was originally used as warehouses and offices by local woollen manufacturers. It sits next door to the beautiful Ramsden Estate Offices over the road - which I have reserved a few of my dodgy film pics for in this case.

tweek

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