Long before there were hospitals or doctors in Kirklees, people cared for their health using local knowledge and natural remedies. Archaeological finds from sites like Castle Hill show that people have lived here since prehistoric times. 

Animal Bone Tool

Communities relied on folk healers, wise women and later barber-surgeons, who used plants, superstitious charms and simple surgery to treat wounds or illness.

Herbs like yarrow, willow bark, and nettle were common cures, and smoke or burning herbs were used to “cleanse” bad air or evil spirits thought to cause disease.