Whatever my views, if you are seriously into Local History you need to read this book. He is very skimpy on two themes that are very much of Spen Valley History, the Luddites and Chartists. I must excuse a lot of his opinions as writing in the 20’s the “Dark Ages” were still dark. I must admit I didn’t get off to a good start when he seemed to imply that prior to the Roman Conquest the Valley was inhabited by tribes of Hunter Gatherers, he seems to have missed the Bronze and Iron age altogether. The book for the most part looks to the History of the Spen Valley through the lens of the History of England with not a great deal of real “local” content, unless you count the lists of men. Overfull of lists of men, in some cases with questionable merit as to the reason for inclusion. The book is 355 pages long and usefully has an index but no illustrations. Thompson was the Librarian in Heckmondwike Library I don’t think he had any formal training as an Historian. That is why the book has very wide margins. Published in 1925 it originally appeared in the Heckmondwike Herald in column format, the deal done was to not take payment for in cash, but the type should be used to publish a limited edition in book form. SPEN VALLEY – Reading list The SPEN VALLEY a local History by Thomas William Thompson
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