The story of the Halifax chimney that never was

The Grade II* Listed tower, pictured here standing over Halifax in a view from the top of Southowram Bank, was commissioned to be built as a chimney for a local dyeworks. But it never quite got to serve its purpose.

It was the brainchild of a chap called John Edward Wainhouse, who had inherited the dyeworks from his uncle in 1856.

Wainhouse commissioned an architect to design and create the chimney to funnel smoke from the site. It was to be built up the hillside from the works but would be connected to them by an underground tunnel.

“The dyeworks were typical of the day, causing considerable pollution because of smoke emissions,” tourism body Visit Calderdale sets out.

“Halifax was badly affected by smog. For weeks on end the smoke laden atmosphere blanketed the town, reducing sunlight and contaminating the landscape with soot and sulphur trioxide.”

Work began on the tower in 1871, but process of the build was not a smooth one, with Wainhouse’s design attracting complaints from a wealthy neighbour.

By the time it was finished four years later, the dyeworks had been sold to a new owner - with the tower not included.

Nearly 150 years on, it has never been used as a working chimney and, had it done so, it perhaps may not have been in the well-preserved condition that it remains today.

In fact, it is reportedly regarded as “one of Britain’s finest follies”.

Though it has been in the hands of several owners - and with its great height, was even used by military authorities as a lookout spot during the Second World War - it is now under the ownership of Calderdale Council and open on select days of the year.

At the top of a 403 step climb, its viewing gallery offers some pretty impressive vistas of the town below.

Technical details (photo): Nikon D5, 170MM, 1/1000 sec, f/8, ISO 200

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