Halifax History
Steeped in history, and with Victorian architecture to inspire envy, the history of Halifax is fascinating.
The Magnificent Town Hall designed by Sir Charles Barry still retains detailed elegant Victorian features, the magnificent Town Hall , and the Halifax Borough market which takes pride of place in centre of the town are both well worth visiting.
On the edge of Halifax, Bankfield museum with its internationally important collection of textiles, weird and wonderful objects from around the world, plus commissions by leading makers will make for a fascinating visit.
If you enjoy combining history with lesiure time out in the countryside then Shibden Park has lots to offer. Take in the ever changing seasonal view, both out in the park and in the gardens of Shibden Hall. Set in the grounds of Shibden Park, Shibden Hall is a splendid half-timbered manor house which holds pride of place as Halifax's Historic Home and which incorporates a Folk Museum and Barn both give a fascinating insight into a world where craftsmen worked in wood and iron.
With such an array of historical attractions on offer, you’ll certainly leave Halifax with your own piece of magic from a town small in size but rich in charm.
If you are interested in learning more about the history of particular buildings within Halifax, you may enjoy reading one of the many pieces written by local Historian, Geoffrey Washington.
History features by local historian Geoffrey Washington:
Hope Hall
Hope Hall is a distinguished Eighteenth Century Halifax House which is situated in Clare Road close to the Halifax swimming baths. The Hall was built for David Stansfeld during the year’s 1762-1765 and was one of the several imposing mansions erected in or near the town centre... More>>
The Post In Halifax
Sending written messages has been done by one method or another since around 3,000 B.C, but surviving records from our area are much more recent than that. Oliver Heywood (1630-1703) a former Vicar of Coley, was a prolific letter writer and his first reference.
... More>>
Our Early Railways
The year 1825 was a very important year in our history for it was then that George Stephenson personally drove his steam engine ‘Locomotion’ on the line from Darlington to Stockton, hauling 33 wagons and 300 passengers. He went on to pioneer the building... More>>
Halifax Building Societies
Prior to the last quarter of the 18 th century a person wishing to borrow money for the purpose of buying or building a house, did so on a private basis through a money lender or a mortgage provider, although some Friendly Societies such as the Loyal Georgian Society... More>>
The Borough Market
Markets have always been an established part of the scene in English social history regulated by Royal Charter, the earliest of which was granted to Taunton traders as far back as 904 AD. In the mid 19 th century a red brick Georgian market place (built in 1790)... More>>
Halifax Town Hall
In the days of the old Town Trustees there was talk of the need for a Town Hall in Halifax where civic business could be conducted. This matter became more urgent following the incorporation of Halifax as a Borough in 1848. Although the newly formed town council... More>>
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