Nine things you may not know about Huddersfield

Huddersfield’s among the raft of additions to the growing rank of locations where O2 4G is now available. So we thought this might be a great time to brush up on our knowledge of the UK’s 10th largest town – here are some facts about our latest 4G debutant:

1.    Huddersfield’s been a settlement for some 4000 years. It was named in the Domesday Book of 1086 and had two names – Oderesfelt and Odresfeld. Two names? Bit greedy.

2.   Okay, we know this is a bit of a touchy subject after last week’s England woes, but take solace from the fact that Rugby League was invented in England. In fact, it originated in Huddersfield.

3.   Huddersfield promotes well-being – fact. Thornton & Ross, the pharmaceutical giant responsible for products like Covonia cough medicine, Metanium nappy rash cream and Radian B Muscle Rub, is based in the town.

4.   Former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson was born in Huddersfield.

5.   Every year, Huddersfield plays host to the world’s largest contemporary and music festival. It’s called the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, which we think is pretty apt.

6.   Ever wondered where Aston Martin got the ‘DB’ from? David Brown, an entrepreneur from Huddersfield, bought Aston Martin and Lagonda in the 1940’s. The DB range is named in his honour.

7.   Britain’s largest nodding dog, which stood 11 feet tall, was created in Huddersfield for the Dogs Trust. Ohhh yes.

8.   In 1926 Huddersfield Town Football Club became the first team to win three successive league titles, a record which has been matched but never bettered.

9.   Huddersfield is a beacon of talent. Multitasking sports legend Chris Balderstone, who played professional football and cricket at the same time (even on the same day once) and Olympic athlete Derek Ibbotson were both born in Huddersfield. Then there’s the acting talent such as Zoë Lucker and Allo Allo’s Gordon Kaye, and all-round nice guy Roy Castle OBE. Although not born in Huddersfield, Sir Patrick Stewart OBE gets an honorary mention – he was born around the corner in Mirfield and has deep links with Huddersfield itself, including taking up the role Chancellor of Huddersfield University.

Got a fact about Huddersfield? Know something you want to share with the world about any of our 4G locations? Let us know in the comments.