Before its stunning transformation into a vibrant modern destination, The Piece Hall in Halifax held a different, yet equally captivating, charm. Built as the last remaining cloth hall in the United Kingdom, this historic edifice has witnessed centuries of change. It's truly remarkable to think that in 1972, there were even discussions about demolishing this incredible piece of heritage!
I had the opportunity to capture some images of The Piece Hall on December 1, 2013, using my Samsung Galaxy Tablet. These photos offer a fascinating snapshot of the hall just prior to its multi-million-pound refurbishment, providing a glimpse into its character before it became the multi-purpose leisure and shopping hub we know today.
The Courtyard: A Canvas Awaiting Renewal
The courtyard in 2013, as seen in the images, was spacious and somewhat austere, with its vast expanse of paving. There were picnic benches scattered around, suggesting it was already a place for people to gather, albeit perhaps more casually. A large Christmas tree stood proudly in the centre, hinting at the festive spirit that still permeated the old hall even then. You can spot a temporary stage in some shots, indicating that events were held, but the overall impression was one of historical grandeur waiting to be fully awakened.
The various angles of the courtyard showcase the impressive architecture, with its countless windows and the repeating rhythm of the colonnades. The surrounding hills provide a dramatic backdrop, reminding us of Halifax's unique setting.
Architectural Details and Hidden Gems
Walking through the balcony walkways, captured in one of the black and white images, you can truly appreciate the sheer scale of the building. The long corridors, lined with pillars and windows, evoke a sense of history and the countless footsteps that have traversed these paths over the centuries.
And then there's the delightful surprise of the stairwell artwork! This vibrant and whimsical mural, with its trees, birds, and hot air balloons, adds a splash of colour and playfulness that might not be immediately associated with a grand Georgian building. It's a wonderful example of the character and unexpected artistic touches that existed within the hall before its modern overhaul. The "DANGER-WARNING" sign about small children squeezing through the railings also adds a touch of bygone charm and a reminder of public safety concerns even back then.
The Gates: A Welcome to History
The North and West Gates, with their imposing facades, served as the primary entry points. In 2013, the North Gate prominently displayed "The Piece Hall Halifax" and "Britain's oldest remaining Cloth Hall, Opened January 1st 1779," clearly emphasizing its historical significance. The West Gate also shared this information, along with details about the available shops, galleries, and tourist information. These entrances, while grand, perhaps didn't hint at the bustling vibrancy that would come to define them after the refurbishment.
Looking back at these images, it's clear that The Piece Hall, even before its recent transformation, was a place of immense historical importance and quiet beauty. While the refurbishment has undoubtedly brought new life and opportunities, these 2013 photographs serve as a valuable record of a moment in its long and fascinating journey. They remind us of the layers of history contained within its walls and how a vision, even when faced with calls for demolition, can save and re-imagine a truly iconic landmark.
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| The North Gate, this and the South Gate were the original entrances to the Hall, the West Gate being added in 1785 and the east Gate during the hall's recent refurbishment. |
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| The halls balcony areas featured a number of shops in 2013, today there are still a number shops, eateries and bars surrounding the courtyard. This was the western area of the hall. |
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| Looking across the then cobbled courtyard towards the south western corner. |
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| The west gate entrance to the hall, this was added in 1785. |
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| The south eastern corner of the hall, the South Gate seen in the middle of the picture, this is often used as the halls main access point, the bridge raises up to allow larger vehicle entry. |
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| The balcony area that surrounds the courtyard, this was taken from the south eastern corner looking west. |
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| Artwork in one of the halls corner stairwells. |
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| The north western corner of the Piece Hall. |
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| Looking north east across the cobbled courtyard. The north gate was once considered the halls main entrance, this was changed in 1785 when the west gate opened. |
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| The halls north gate seen across the courtyard. |
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| The Piece Hall's South Gate, the hall and area around the gate was recently filmed as part of a Marvel's Secret Invasion production, doubling as an Eastern European Country |
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| One of the halls corner stairwells. |
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