Our Guide to Calderdale and Kirklees
The village of Golcar is located overlooking the Colne Valley approximately 3 miles West of The Huddersfield Town Centre.
Golcar (pronounced 'Goker') is a village located on a hillside crest above the Colne Valley approximately 3 miles West of Huddersfield, and just north of the River Colne and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. The main access route is from the A62 (Manchester Road), through Milnsbridge in the bottom of the valley or via Scapegoat Hill from the A640 (New Hey Road) at the top of the hill.
When it was a Township, Golcar consisted of Bolster Moor, Golcar, Leymoor, Pole Moor, Scapegoat Hill and Town End.
Golcar is a relatively small village, but it has a long history. Named after St Guthlac, who preached in the area during the 8th century, its name is recorded in the Domesday book as Goullakarres. During the Industrial Revolution Golcar became an important centre for weaving.
To acknowledge this industrial history, three former 1840's Weavers cottages were converted, in 1970, into the Colne Valley Museum. The museum features several restored period rooms which are used to show temporary exhibitions. Exhibits include a handloom and a spinning jenny, invented by James Hargreaves. In the loom chamber, spinning room, weavers sitting room and 'gas-lit' cloggers shop, the volunteer helpers give regular demonstrations of the type of crafts that would have existed during the nineteenth century. The museum is run entirely by voluntary members and is open at weekends and on bank holidays. Various craft and working weekends are held throughout the year.
In addition Golcar has its own Scout Group, the 4th Golcar Scout Group, which was founded in 1951 and several sporting teams including a football team and cricket team