Built on Generosity: The Story of Crossley Heath School

There's something special about a New Year's Day walk. The air is crisp, the world feels quiet, and it's a perfect time to reflect and discover. While out for a stroll on January 1st, 2019, I came across a magnificent Victorian building on the edge of Savile Park Moor—the Crossley Heath School. The images I captured, taken with my Nikon d3300 SLR, don't just show a school; they show a piece of living history.

This stunning architectural gem, with its intricate details and imposing presence, has a fascinating past. The story begins with the philanthropic Crossley family—John, Joseph, and Francis—who had a significant impact on the town of Halifax. They commissioned architects Paull & Aycliffe and John Hogg to design the Crossley Orphan School and Home, which opened its doors on June 29, 1864. Built at the impressive cost of £65,000, the orphanage was a sanctuary for children in need.

It provided free lodging, clothing, and education for 400 to 500 children. Boys could stay until age 15 and girls until 17, giving them a chance at a better future.

The school's name changed over time, reflecting its evolving purpose and benefactors. In 1879, a generous £50,000 donation from Manchester merchant Thomas Porter led to a new name: the Crossley & Porter Orphan Home and School. The school's mission continued to adapt, and in 1919, it began admitting day pupils, becoming simply the Crossley & Porter School.

The final chapter in its name change came in 1985 when it merged with Heath Grammar School to become the Crossley Heath School we know today.

Standing before this building, you can't help but feel a sense of awe at the vision of its founders and the many lives it has touched. It's a powerful reminder of how a single structure can hold so many stories.

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Beneath a Halifax Sunrise: A Stroll Across Savile Park

 The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and the promise of a new day. Yesterday morning, under the soft glow of the nascent sun, I found myself wandering across the familiar expanse of Savile Park in Halifax. Or should I say, The Moor? Skircoat Moor? Skircoat Common? This beloved green lung of our town answers to many names, each echoing a piece of its rich tapestry.

More than just a park, Savile Park breathes history with every rustle of leaves. As I walked, the stories embedded in this land seemed to rise with the morning mist. Imagine, this very ground, now a haven for runners and dog walkers, was once the vision of the Savile Family, who wisely decreed it should forever remain open, a gift of green to the community. Their foresight has gifted us generations of open space, a place where the spirit of Halifax has played out in countless ways.

Think of the roar of the crowds at the Halifax Agricultural Show, the thud of boots during Rugby League and Football matches, the determined strides of Crossley Heath students carving paths across the moor. This land has witnessed celebrations, competitions, and the simple joy of open-air activity.

But the echoes of history run deeper still. My mind wandered back to the dark days of World War II, when this very turf was transformed into a vital "Dig for Victory" garden, feeding a nation facing hardship. It's humbling to picture the dedication of those who turned this recreational space into a source of sustenance.

And then there's the grandeur of the Great Yorkshire Show, which graced this very spot on at least four occasions, bringing the best of the region to our doorstep. It speaks volumes about the scale and importance of Savile Park in the wider Yorkshire landscape.

As I continued my walk, the landmarks that frame this historical haven came into view. To the west, the impressive facade of Crossley Heath School stands sentinel, a long-time neighbour and beneficiary of the park's open spaces. To the east, the manicured beauty of Manor Heath Park offers a contrasting, yet complementary, landscape. And nestled in the north-eastern corner, the elegant Thorp Fountain stands as a silent witness to the park's enduring presence.

These fleeting moments, captured through the lens of my trusty Nikon D3300 back on the 20th of October 2016, are more than just pretty pictures. They are glimpses into a place that has been shaped by generations, a place where the echoes of the past mingle with the present-day rhythms of life.

Savile Park, whatever name you choose to call it, is more than just grass and trees. It's a living testament to community, resilience, and the enduring power of open spaces. It's a place to walk, to breathe, to remember, and to appreciate the rich history beneath our feet, especially when bathed in the soft light of a Halifax sunrise.

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The Twin Towers of King Cross, to the right is Wainhouse Tower, and the clocktower to the left is part of the Crossley Heath School Building.

To the north east corner of Savile Park is the Thorp Fountain, the Grade II listed drinking fountain was given to the people of Halifax by Joseph Thorp and unveiled in July 1869, Thorp also donated a drinking fountain which can be found in the grounds of the nearby People's Park. The fountain which is no longer in use bears the inscription "Thank God for water - water is best" and was designed by Levi Gill a stone mason who was born in Pateley Bridge before moving to Halifax. The Fountains Grade II listed status was granted on the 23rd November 1973. The fountain can be seen below.

St Jude's Church can be seen in the background.

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