Calderdale's architecture offers an insight into local heritage, industry and social history. Among its many buildings that impress, Halifax boasts the unique Square Chapel and Somerset House. While in the west, Todmorden Town Hall is a fine Victorian municipal example.
- Local pubs and inns have always been important to town and village life and to travellers. At times, they were used for purposes that were not expected. One of the district's first libraries was in the Lord Nelson Inn at Luddenden.
- Another leisure activity, the cinema, has continued in Hebden Bridge. This has seen the survival, sometimes against the odds, of the 1920s Picture House.
Fine walks and fine buildings
The Calder Valley is well known for its native architecture. More so, for the fine 'Halifax houses' that were built or clad in stone during the 17th century. Many can still be seen today. They are a frequent sight for walkers on the Calderdale Way. (This links many old footpaths in a 52 mile circular trail around the borough or on other rural tracks.)
The houses were typically the homes of wealthy yeoman families. These specialised in a dual economy of farming and textiles and could be found spread across the valleys and hills. By the 17th century, the local textile trade had reached an point where fortunes could be made. One of the choice targets for domestic wealth was to create a home in stone. This was a symbol not just the families' hard work and good fortune, but its perseverance and endurance through generations. In a sense, they were an ancestral gift to future generations.
Every local township and village has its own fine example of this distinctive local architecture. This draws on local traditions of family and working life. Most of them sport distinctive sculptural motifs that were as much part of the local character as the architecture itself.
A walk around the old villages of Norland, Barkisland, Midgley and Heptonstall gives a taste of the local style. Stroll round the towns and villages or travel along the many lanes. This will surely reward you with some of our borough's proudest features. Calderdale Heritage Walks organise around 50 walks a year in Calderdale. It is run by a group of people who have a vast knowledge of all things Calderdale!
The Building of Halifax - a history and celebration
This is produced jointly by Calderdale Council and English Heritage to celebrate the quality of the town. It highlights some of its most important buildings, each of which brings the wider story of the town to life.
The 48-page full colour brochure features iconic buildings and areas. These include:
- The Piece Hall;
- The Minster;
- Shibden Hall;
- Akroydon Village;
- and Dean Clough Mills.
It is available to read in Central Library.