On a sunny day in June 2023, I took a walk through some of the less-traveled parts of Halifax, discovering a few local landmarks with fascinating stories. It's a reminder that even in a familiar town, there's always something new to appreciate.
Pye Nest and Wainhouse Tavern
My journey took me to Pye Nest, a residential area with a great view of the town. The streets are quiet and peaceful, a classic suburban scene that feels a world away from the busy town centre. The walk led me past the Wainhouse Tavern, a building that has stood for many years, offering a glimpse into the social life of the community. Its location at the top of Washer Lane gives it a commanding presence, a spot where locals have gathered for generations.
In the quiet residential streets of Pye Nest, a unique piece of Northern English architectural history comes to life. While many of the homes appear to be standard back-to-back terraces, they conceal a fascinating secret: they are also "over-under" dwellings. This clever design, born out of the need for efficient use of space during the Industrial Revolution, splits a single terraced house into two separate homes, one occupying the ground floor and the other the floors above. This ingenious solution allowed for dense, affordable housing and remains a distinctive feature of the landscape, offering a rare glimpse into the clever and compact living spaces of a bygone era.
Washer Lane towards the Wainhouse Tavern, Halifax.
Once a humble path leading from the old turnpike, Washer Lane in Halifax gets its name from a long-vanished house. It winds its way up the hill, culminating near a stone wall, a gateway to the area's rich past.
At the top of the lane stands a truly unique building, the Wainhouse Tavern. Built in 1877 for local businessman John Edward Wainhouse, the structure was originally a house known as West Air. A testament to Wainhouse's eccentric vision, the building is famously known for having each of its windows in a different style. Over the years, this architectural curiosity has served as a public house under various names, including The Royal and The Folly, before settling on its current name, The Wainhouse Tavern. It's a landmark with a history as eclectic as its design, offering a glimpse into the bold, individualistic spirit of its creator.
Water Troughs and Fountains
One of the more interesting finds was the John Edward Wainhouse Water Trough. This isn't just a simple trough; it’s a piece of local history, a monument to a man who had a significant impact on Halifax. The detailed carvings and sturdy stone show a commitment to public works that is a testament to the town's Victorian heritage.
Further into town, I came across the Prescott Fountain. Like the water trough, this fountain is a beautiful example of public art, a focal point in a small square. Its intricate design and a sense of permanence show the pride that was taken in civic projects back in the day.
These snapshots from a single day's walk show that Halifax's history is not just found in its grand, famous buildings. It’s also in the quiet residential streets, the local pubs, and the small, often-overlooked monuments that tell a richer story of the people who shaped the town.
The Prescott Fountain in Halifax is more than just a stone monument; it's a silent traveler, a beautiful piece of civic history that has changed its address three times. Erected in 1884, this ornate drinking fountain was a loving tribute to Marion Rothwell, known as Mrs. Cyril Prescott, and was a grand replacement for an old horse trough at Ward's End.
Crafted from stunning Cornish granite, the fountain was a marvel of Victorian design and public utility. It featured not just a single basin, but four small troughs for thirsty dogs, two larger troughs for horses, four drinking taps for people, and a magnificent ornate lamp that crowned its central column.
But the fountain's story didn't end there. In 1898, it was moved to a new spot outside The Prince of Wales Feathers at King Cross. Its final journey came in 1932, when it was relocated to its current, peaceful home at Spring Edge, where it stands today near Crossley Heath School. This remarkable piece of urban art has witnessed the passage of over a century, a steadfast reminder of a time when public spaces were designed with both beauty and purpose.
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