Old Lane Mill: A Haunting Reminder of Halifax's Industrial Past

Perched above the Ovenden Valley in Halifax, a remarkable ruin stands as a silent sentinel to a bygone era. Old Lane Mill, a towering stone structure with gaping windows and a prominent chimney, isn't just another abandoned building; it's a piece of living history. Built in 1825 by visionary textile manufacturer James Akroyd, this mill holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving multi-story, steam-powered, iron-framed textile mill in Halifax, and quite possibly, the entire United Kingdom.

---

A Glimpse into the Past

Old Lane Mill was a marvel of its time, a testament to industrial innovation. Akroyd wasn't content with traditional building methods. He pioneered the use of a cutting-edge iron frame and durable stone floors to support the massive weight of his newly acquired Jacquard looms—the first to be used in Britain. These revolutionary looms allowed for the creation of intricate patterns and marked a pivotal moment in textile production.

Despite its sturdy construction, the mill wasn't entirely fireproof. A devastating fire in 1905 caused significant damage, but the mill was resilient and continued to operate, changing hands and adapting over the decades. It even became a part of the larger Dean Clough Mill complex for a time, a testament to its enduring legacy.

---

The Present and the Future

Today, Old Lane Mill is a dramatic and poignant sight. Time and vandalism have taken their toll, leaving the building a hollow shell. Yet, even in its derelict state, the mill retains a powerful presence. The broken roof, empty window frames, and the massive engine house with its soaring chimney tell a story of a once-thriving industrial heart. Nature is slowly reclaiming the site, with trees and shrubs sprouting from the walls and a peaceful brook, the Ovenden Brook, flowing beneath the mill's remains, as if a life-giving force in the midst of decay.

The future of Old Lane Mill is uncertain, but there is hope. Its historical significance has made it a priority for preservation efforts. Whether it's ultimately restored or repurposed, it's clear that this mill deserves to be remembered and honoured. It stands as a profound reminder of Halifax's rich textile heritage and the ingenuity of those who built its industrial foundation.

I took these pictures on the 15th April 2015 with a Polaroid is2132 camera. Clicking anyone of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography Store on Zazzle.

The water outlet stands just to the south of Old Lane Mill, it carries
the Ovenden Brook underneath the mill and probably provided some 
of the power source for the mill historically.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green. Please don't take the approach of an estate agent who a few years ago was marketing the mill and decided to use my pictures without permission, suitable recompense and no credit. The not even bothering to credit me really was the most annoying bit.

All Souls Church, Haley Hill: A Victorian Masterpiece in Halifax

Nestled on Haley Hill in Halifax stands All Souls Church, a magnificent Victorian edifice with a fascinating history. This redundant Anglican place of worship, now lovingly cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust, is a testament to the vision of a local industrialist and social reformer, Edward Akroyd.

Akroyd, a prominent figure in Halifax, commissioned and funded the construction of All Souls Church, which was consecrated on November 2nd, 1859. Interestingly, the church's location, to the southwest of Akroyd's home, Bankfield, was reportedly chosen to obstruct the view of the Square Congregational Church, a prominent nonconformist place of worship. A touch of Victorian rivalry perhaps!

One of All Souls' most striking features is its towering spire, reaching an impressive 236 feet. This makes it approximately one foot higher than the spire of the Square Congregational Church and the second tallest in West Yorkshire, surpassed only by Wakefield Cathedral. From its intricate stonework to its commanding height, the spire is a true architectural marvel, as seen in the accompanying photos that capture its grandeur against a bright blue sky.

The church remained an active place of worship for many decades until a dramatic event in January 1977. Falling stone from the spire led to the church's closure, and the significant cost of repairs meant it was deemed uneconomical to maintain. For a time, the future of this architectural gem hung in the balance, with the threat of demolition looming.

However, a dedicated group, the Friends of All Souls Church, along with the National Heritage Memorial Fund, rallied to its cause. Repairs were undertaken in the early 1980s, and on August 2nd, 1989, the church was thankfully transferred into trust. All Souls was initially granted listed status on November 3rd, 1954, and this was subsequently amended to Grade I listed on November 23rd, 1973, recognizing its exceptional architectural and historical significance.

Today, All Souls Church is no longer in regular use but is open to the public on occasional Saturdays and during Heritage Open Days, allowing visitors to step inside and admire its breath taking interior. These photographs, taken on August 11th, 2018, with a Nikon D3300 SLR, offer a glimpse into the church's preserved beauty.

Inside, the church reveals a wealth of stunning details. The pulpit, with its elaborate carvings and contrasting marble columns, is a true work of art. The vibrant stained-glass windows, depicting biblical scenes and intricate patterns, cast colourful light across the nave, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere. The baptismal font, a sturdy and beautifully crafted piece, stands proudly beneath more exquisite stained glass. Looking from the front to the back of the church, one can appreciate the impressive scale of the nave, lined with rows of dark wooden pews leading to the grand altar.

The external views, including a sepia-toned shot showcasing the side entrances and the main arched doorway, hint at the rich history embedded in every stone. The detailed craftsmanship of the entrance, visible even through the dappled light filtering through the trees, invites contemplation of the countless individuals who have passed through these doors over the centuries.

All Souls Church, Haley Hill, stands as a testament to Victorian ambition, artistic skill, and the power of preservation. It's a truly special place that continues to inspire and offers a unique window into the past. If you ever have the opportunity, a visit to this magnificent church is highly recommended.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The spire reachers a height of 236ft, 71 metres.

The west entrance.

The south entrance, this was bordered up to stop access when the church
closed, this was considered poor and a set of gates were commissioned
to make the entrance more appealing.

The font is made of Aberdeen granite and Cornish serpentine.

All Souls Nave pictured from the choir area.

Looking from the west part of the church east towards the choir.

The rear of the church.

The Pulpit by sculptor John Birnie Phillip is made of Caen
stone and Derbyshire limestone.

All the windows in the church are stained glass, these
were produced by John Hardman, William Wailes and
Clayton & Bell.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.