Halifax's Enduring Icons: The Square Chapel and Spire

In the heart of Halifax are two remarkable buildings with intertwined histories: the Square Chapel and the Square Church Spire. Despite a series of threats, these structures have defied the odds and now stand as a testament to the town's rich heritage.

From Chapel to Arts Centre

Built in 1772, the Square Independent Chapel was a marvel of its time. Costing a hefty £2,000, it was the largest independent place of worship in the country. The iconic red brick, said to be mixed with bull's blood to enhance its colour, made it a distinctive landmark from the start.

The chapel served the community for decades, eventually becoming a Sunday school for the new Square Congregational Church next door. Its story took a dramatic turn during World War II when the British Army commandeered it. After the war, the chapel faced an uncertain future, as the local council twice planned to demolish it. Fortunately, preservation groups like the Victorian Society fought to protect it.

In 1989, the Square Chapel Building Trust purchased the dilapidated building for just £25. What followed was a remarkable transformation, with over £3 million spent on restoration. The chapel was reborn as the Square Chapel Arts Centre in 1992, becoming a vibrant cultural hub for the community.

The Spire That Refused to Fall

Next door to the chapel stands the breathtaking Square Church Spire. When the church opened in 1857, its spire was the second tallest in Yorkshire, reaching a height of 235 feet. Local lore claims that a nearby church's spire was built just one foot taller, a deliberate act by a rival of the Crossley family, who had helped fund the Square Church.

After the church closed in 1970, it was hit by a series of devastating fires and storms. By 1976, the main body of the church was demolished, but the spire remained. It stood alone for years, a solitary sentinel in a rest-garden area. The spire itself faced new threats, including structural issues and calls for demolition. During this time, workers inspecting the structure even claimed to have photographed a ghost in an inaccessible part of the spire!

However, the people of Halifax decided the spire was too important to lose. It was incorporated into a new public library, which opened in 2017. The spire and its magnificent rose window are now a central feature of the library, creating a stunning new eastern entrance to the town's historic Piece Hall.

These photos, taken in October 2019, perfectly capture the enduring beauty of these two historic buildings. They stand as a powerful reminder of how history can be preserved and repurposed to enrich our modern lives.

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The Rose Window seen to the left of the spire is based on the east window at Selby Abbey.

The new Halifax Library Building can be seen built around the spire.

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A Gem in Brighouse: Exploring the Smith Art Gallery and Library

On a crisp December day in 2013, armed with my Samsung Galaxy Tablet, I had the pleasure of capturing the timeless beauty of the Smith Art Gallery and Library in Brighouse. This remarkable institution, steeped in history and culture, serves as a testament to the town's rich heritage and its commitment to public enrichment.

From Private Residence to Public Treasure: The Genesis of a Landmark

The story of the Smith Art Gallery and Library begins in 1841, when the impressive building, then known as "The Rydings," was constructed as the private residence of John Brooke, a prominent local miller. Fast forward to 1897, and this grand edifice underwent a significant transformation. The town of Brighouse acquired the property, embarking on a visionary project to convert it into the Brighouse Library. The surrounding grounds were simultaneously transformed into the town's very first public park, meticulously designed by Charles Kershaw and opened to the public in 1898.

A Royal Opening and a Philanthropic Legacy

The cultural significance of this site was further elevated with the opening of the Smith Art Gallery in May 1907. This addition was made possible through the generous patronage of William Smith, a local mill owner, who not only funded its construction but also contributed significantly to its initial art collection. The gallery's inauguration was a truly momentous occasion, marked by the presence of Princess Louise, who holds the distinction of being the first member of the royal family to visit Brighouse.

A Glimpse Inside: Art Through the Ages

While the Smith Art Gallery originally boasted four galleries, it currently features two. The front gallery offers a captivating exhibition of oil paintings, showcasing the talents of renowned artists. Among them are works by John Atkinson Grimshaw, a celebrated Victorian-era artist from Leeds, known for his atmospheric cityscapes and moonlight scenes. You can also admire pieces by Marcus Stone, an English painter from London and a distinguished member of the Royal Academy, as well as the exquisite landscapes of Thomas Sydney Cooper, an artist hailing from Canterbury.

The rear gallery, in contrast, is a dynamic space that continuously evolves. It hosts a diverse and constantly changing display, featuring everything from the vibrant works of local artists to intriguing touring exhibitions, thought-provoking photography, and captivating sculptures. This ensures that every visit offers a fresh and engaging artistic experience.

The Smith Art Gallery and Library stands not just as a building, but as a vibrant hub of knowledge, art, and community, a true jewel in the heart of Brighouse.

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Todmorden's Unique Guillotine Lock

Nestled near the heart of Todmorden, adjacent to the Golden Lion Bridge (Bridge 30), lies Lock 19 on the Rochdale Canal. This distinctive lock, often referred to as Todmorden Lock or even Library Lock, holds a fascinating secret: it's a guillotine lock.

What makes it a guillotine lock? Unlike traditional canal locks with swinging gates, the eastern gates of Lock 19 were replaced with a guillotine mechanism. This unusual modification was necessary due to their close proximity to the bridge, making conventional gates impractical.

Here are some glimpses of this unique piece of engineering:

The first three pictures, captured on July 11, 2020, showcase the lock in recent times. You can see the intricate workings of the guillotine gate and its seamless integration with the surrounding canal architecture.

For a different perspective, an additional image from November 9, 2013, offers a view eastwards, clearly illustrating the guillotine lock and the adjacent bridge. It's a testament to the enduring presence of this historical waterway feature.

Lock 19 is more than just a functional part of the Rochdale Canal; it's a small but significant piece of engineering history, reflecting the adaptive solutions employed to navigate the challenges of canal construction. Next time you're in Todmorden, take a moment to appreciate this unique lock!

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The following picture is the November 2013 image of the lock, it was taken using a Samsung Galaxy tablet,

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A Spire of History: The Haunting Beauty of Halifax's Square Church

Halifax, a town steeped in industrial history, holds a silent sentinel against its skyline: the Square Church Spire. A lone finger pointing towards the heavens, it's a striking reminder of a grander structure, a story etched in stone and fire.

Imagine, if you will, the bustling Square in 1857. Amidst the clatter of horse-drawn carriages and the rhythmic hum of nearby mills, a new beacon of faith rose. The Square Congregational Church, opened on July 15th, a testament to Victorian ambition and religious fervor. This magnificent edifice stood proudly beside the iconic Piece Hall, a symbol of Halifax's prosperity. It replaced the older Georgian Square Chapel, which, in a charming twist of fate, became the church's Sunday school, a passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

For over a century, the Square Church echoed with hymns, sermons, and the quiet prayers of its congregation. It was a place of community, of solace, and of spiritual guidance. But time, as it inevitably does, brought change. The church's doors closed in 1970, marking the end of an era.

Then, tragedy struck. In January 1971, a devastating fire ripped through the main building, leaving behind a charred skeleton. The once proud structure was reduced to rubble, and in 1976, the final act of demolition was carried out. All that remained was the magnificent, Grade II listed spire, soaring 235 feet into the sky.

This solitary spire, a relic of a lost grandeur, now stands as a poignant reminder of what once was. It's a striking juxtaposition against the modern architecture of the Halifax Central Library, into which it is now incorporated. Standing at its base, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, the faint strains of an organ, the murmur of prayers.

The Square Church Spire is more than just a historical landmark; it's a symbol of resilience, a testament to the enduring power of memory. It's a place where the past and present collide, where the echoes of a bygone era mingle with the everyday sounds of a bustling town.

Next time you find yourself in Halifax, take a moment to gaze upon this architectural marvel. Let its silent story resonate with you, and remember the grand church that once stood beside it, a testament to the enduring spirit of Halifax. It's a reminder that even in the face of destruction, something beautiful and enduring can remain, reaching towards the sky like a whispered prayer.

The pictures below were taken on the 27th May 2018 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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