the valley has been inhabited since pre-historic times and there are two iron age sites overlooking the town. meltham also includes the small village of helme which has its own school and church. meltham is situated within close reach of several major cities. bradford is 14 miles to the north, leeds is 19 miles north-east, manchester is 19 miles to the south-west and sheffield is 21 miles to the south-east.