I had a meeting in Halifax on 23 November 2015 and on my way back to the car took the above photograph of Halifax Town Hall's clock tower
A Town Hall was first proposed here in 1847 and again in 1856 as the council had no central offices.
Building work commenced in 1861 and was completed in 1863 by Whiteley Brothers Builders at a cost of £50,126.
The Architect was originally Charles Barry but he passed away in 1860 and his son Edward Barry completed the design which was erected on a 148 x 90ft plot.
The building was opened during a two day visit by HRH the Prince of Wales who later became King Edward VII on 3 and 4 August 1863. Over 300 trains brought approximately 70,000 people to the town with thousands getting to the event by foot and by other means. The 18 year old Princess of Wales was due to attend and I have read she was to be the star attraction but unfortunately she was absent due to illness. When Edward arrived by royal train he was greeted by a two gun salute and a guard of honour of 300 soldiers.
The tower is 180ft high and built from local Ringby Sandstone from Swales Moor.
The clocks were originally wound by hand but were updated and eventually electrified in 1963. The bells have not rung at night since 1918 when Dame Nellie Melba who was one of the most famous sopranos of the late Victorian / early 20th Century era complained they disturbed her whilst she was staying at the nearby Halifax Princess Hotel.
A Town Hall was first proposed here in 1847 and again in 1856 as the council had no central offices.
Building work commenced in 1861 and was completed in 1863 by Whiteley Brothers Builders at a cost of £50,126.
The Architect was originally Charles Barry but he passed away in 1860 and his son Edward Barry completed the design which was erected on a 148 x 90ft plot.
The building was opened during a two day visit by HRH the Prince of Wales who later became King Edward VII on 3 and 4 August 1863. Over 300 trains brought approximately 70,000 people to the town with thousands getting to the event by foot and by other means. The 18 year old Princess of Wales was due to attend and I have read she was to be the star attraction but unfortunately she was absent due to illness. When Edward arrived by royal train he was greeted by a two gun salute and a guard of honour of 300 soldiers.
The tower is 180ft high and built from local Ringby Sandstone from Swales Moor.
The clocks were originally wound by hand but were updated and eventually electrified in 1963. The bells have not rung at night since 1918 when Dame Nellie Melba who was one of the most famous sopranos of the late Victorian / early 20th Century era complained they disturbed her whilst she was staying at the nearby Halifax Princess Hotel.
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