DyersCottage, Author at Dyers Cottage Yorkshire - Holiday Cottage Halifax

Easter Monday climb up Wainhouse Tower Halifax April 21 2025

Tags: Calderdale from the Air, Wainhouse Heritage, Wainhouse Tower

The amazing volunteers of Wainhouse Tower are opening the door to enable you to climb the tallest folly in the world. At 84m or 253 feet, this is an octagonal brick chimney surrounded by a local stone case over 60cm thick. The base is square. Inside a series of loopholes allow light into the circular staircase of nearly 400 steps leading to a viewing platform of intricate design.

Ascents are at 10am,11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Thanks to Peter Davies allowing us to use the photo he took on a clear April day 2025 which shows Dyer’s Holiday Cottage Halifax centre left on this photo. Find the red cars at the top of Gainest and we are immediately to the left on the other side of the wooded hillside. The Wainhouse Tavern, formerly West Air, the home of JE Wainhouse is just above us and across the road, the former Wesleyan Sunday School, now apartments, is towards the left corner. In the distance are the beautiful hills of the South Pennines.

From the top you will have the chance of experiencing fantastic views in all directions, stretching to Kebroyd in the Ryburn Valley, Langfield Moor near Todmorden, Castle Hill near Huddersfield and even Blackstone Edge in Lancashire. Of course the best view is towards Pye Nest and Sowerby Bridge because we are easily visible diagonally opposite from the old Wesleyan Sunday School building with its high roof.

Tickets are on sale at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/visit-calderdale-29603793049

The volunteers are planning to open the door regularly throughout the spring and summer so if you have a head for heights, good knees and plenty of energy, do take up this opportunity.

For more amazing images taken by drone, do buy Philip Fearnley’s book Calderdale from the Air. Our guests at Dyer’s Holiday Cottage can see it on the coffee table.

Dyer’s Holiday Cottage Halifax and our links to the Wainhouse family

Tags: Wainhouse, Wainhouse Heritage, Washer Lane Dyeworks

The earliest knowledge we have is in our property deeds and these mention that the properties now known as 48, 64, 66, 68 and 70 Upper Washer Lane were owned in the 19th century by a Miss Wainhouse. It is possible that she was a sister of Robert Wainhouse 1773-1856 who built the Washer Lane Dying and Finishing Company, later known as the Washer Lane Dyeworks. He was also a local JP. He married Hannah Emmett on June 2 1795 but they had no children. However, on his mother’s death in 1829, his nephew John Edward Wainhouse 1817-1883 went to live with the couple at their home Sapling Grove on Masters Lane. Probate records show Robert Wainhouse left a valuable estate of £45,000 and John Edward inherited most of this along with the business.

The 1841 census shows that the property, identified as top of Washer Lane, was occupied by several members of the Kenyon family, notably John Kennion 1777-1848 who was a Master Dyer and family lore tells us that the cottages were available to the Master Dyers to rent in recognition of their skill and loyalty to the Wainhouse family. Without doubt, John Edward Wainhouse owned the building in 1878, but probably much earlier, as he created or altered a water source in what is now our garden wall with his initials inscribed above it. The previous year he had moved into his newly built mansion, West Air, to the left of our building, where he lived until his death. The site was chosen as it was next to the land of his rival, Sir Henry Edwards The house was designed by Richard Swarbrick Dugdale, the same architect who designed the upper sections of Wainhouse Tower and the house exhibits the same eccentricities as many of his other building projects locally. All the stone was from a local quarry but the roof is slate. West Air is a very interesting building, now Grade11 listed by English Heritage. All the windows have different styles, none of the bay windows match and there are small windows in the chimney breast. There are also a number of cryptic Latin inscriptions referring to aspects of his life such as ‘Spare the lowly and make war upon the proud’ which probably is a link to his feud with Edwards.

Although John Edward Wainhouse did work in the dyeworks before he inherited it, he subsequently left the day to day management of it to Henry Mossman, who leased the building from Wainhouse in 1870 and then bought it in 1873. Wainhouse was much more involved in his property empire, parts of which remain although many are in ruins. There is a heritage walk called The Wainhouse Trail, which provides a fascinating walk around his legacy and a copy of the booklet is available for our guests to borrow at Dyer’s Holiday Cottage.

Washer Lane Dyeworks was demolished many years ago but West Air can be visited as it has been a local pub for many years. Originally called The Royal when it was owned by Thwaites Brewery, since 2014 it has been a freehouse now known appropriately as The Wainhouse Tavern. It has won many real ale awards and is also known locally for the quality of its good value, home cooked Yorkshire fayre.

John Edward Wainhouse never married and so after his death, his substantial property estate was auctioned. James Kenyon 1843-1915 acquired 13 of the cottages to the right of West Air, including 66, the cottage where he had been born, and his brother in law Richard Dearden Ward acquired the land behind. Richard Dearden Ward was also involved in the dyeworks working with Mossmann and his final home was coincidentally Sapling Grove, the former home of Robert Wainhouse.

The Washer Lane Dying and Finishing Company, later known as Washer Lane Dyeworks Halifax Yorkshire is below and the featured image shows The Wainhouse Tavern formerly West Air to the left, then the old farmhouse of which Dyer’s Holiday Cottage forms a part with Upper Washer Lane and Wainhouse Tower to the right.

What a view from the top of Wainhouse Tower!

Tags: Easter 2025 EnjoyWestYorkshire, Explore Halifax, Wainhouse Tower

With thanks to Peter Davies who bravely climbed over 370 steps to achieve a fantastic panorama from the viewing gallery at the top of Wainhouse Tower, the tallest folly in the world. We are in the bottom left corner of the photo diagonally opposite the old Wesleyan chapel Sunday School with the distinctive roof profile. After it ceased its religious use, it became a hosiery factory and is now apartments. Wainhouse Tower was built in the early 1870’s, possibly as a chimney for the Wainhouse dyeworks but more likely to ignite the feud between John Edward Wainhouse and his neighbour Sir Henry Edwards which is why it is often referred to as “the tower of spite”. JEW had a wonderful view of it, as does Dyer’s Cottage, from his own house just 30metres from us, originally called West Air but now known as the Wainhouse Tavern. We are so fortunate to have such a great pub so close to us where the locals are keen to welcome our guests and Andy and his team serve up delicious home cooked food and real ales. Dyer’s Cottage Holiday Home Halifax and the Wainhouse Tavern are just down the wooded slope from the 2 red cars.

For more dates when Wainhouse Tower is open, please visit https:// www.visitcalderdale.com. Tickets for Easter Sunday April 20th and Bank Holiday Monday April 21 are available for ascents at 10am,11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm each day from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/visit-calderdale-29603793049

#wainhousetower #visitcalderdale #Easter2025 #EnjoyWestYorkshire

Our fascinating garden wall

Tags: Explore Halifax, Feud, History, Sir Henry Edwards, Wainhouse

John Edward Wainhouse was a local dyeworks owner and his aunt previously owned the building of which we are a part. He inherited it and certainly added the distinctive front porches and the garden wall too as it bears his initials JEW and the date 1878. Part of the wall was a water source, probably a well or trough which has been bricked in more recently. We have now been told that this was actually 3 water troughs which were installed following the failure of a previous scheme called Cockett Well due to land ownership issues with Sir Henry Edwards. On the back wall there was an inscription in gilt lettering which said “And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away” Genesis 21:25. This is a reference to JEW’s feud with Sir Henry Edwards who lived at Pye Nest House and had objected to the building of Wainhouse Tower a few years previously as he thought it was an intrusion of his privacy. It later became known as ‘the tower of spite’. The cottages were allegedly known as Dye Nest which was inscribed on a chimney. More research is required to find out more!

Thanks to Peter Kemp for the photo and Steve for the additional information.

Cycling in Calderdale! Use Dyer’s Cottage as your ‘home away from home’

Tags: Calderdale by cycle, Cycle in Calderdale, Cycling, Day Out, Explore Calderdale by bike

Cycling in Calderdale is very popular. Whether you are a beginner favouring easy routes alongside the Hebble and Calder or Rochdale Canals or an expert keen to pedal off road through the South Pennine landscape, there are routes for everyone. The 2019 Tour de Yorkshire took place here too.

Choose the National Cycle Network Route 66 also known as the Calder Valley Greenway for a gentle ride on a mainly traffic free waterside route from Walsden in the upper valley to Brighouse further down.

Or how about the intermediate level Calderdale Loop which is 15 miles, part of which follows the Pennine Bridleway National Trail?

But if you are super keen, and love off road challenges, the Mary Towneley Loop may be just for you. It’s 47 miles of challenges, steep inclines and descents and beautiful views. For more details see https://www.visitcalderdale.com

Dyer’s Cottage welcomes cyclists and offers interior storage in the kitchen accessed by the back door. We provide towels to protect the floor and a mop, bucket etc.

We sleep up to 3 people. The bedroom has a superking Hypnos bed which can be split into 2 twins upon prior request. We also have a comfortable sofa bed with sprung base and mattress in the living room. Relax in our private sunny garden after a day out exploring and then walk 30 metres to our friendly local pub offering award winning beers and fabulous home cooked Yorkshire food.

Useful Local Contacts

Recharge Bikes formerly Juiced Up Bikes of Luddenden Foot www.juicedupbikes.co.uk offering e-bike hire and more 01422 800286

Blazing Saddles of Hebden Bridge selling parts, clothing, maintenance https://www.blazingsaddles.co.uk 01422 844435

Shay Cycles www.shay-cycles.co.uk 01422 367244

Cycle Gear www.ukbikesdepot.com 01422 344602

Special events at the Bankfield Museum Halifax 2025

Tags: Arts & Exhibitions, Day Out, Explore Halifax, Filming in Calderdale, History

The fascinating Bankfield Museum is just outside the town centre, across North Bridge and along the road to Queensbury. The entrance is slightly hidden so watch out for the stone gate posts leading up a narrow drive just past the magnificent All Soul’s Church which sadly only opens occasionally. It has been a museum since 1887 and tells the story of Halifax, Calderdale and its people and heritage.

Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday 10.00-16.00 FREE ENTRY unless you attend an event or workshop.

The house was originally the home of Edward Akroyd local MP and mill owner and now hosts a very interesting collection of local memorabilia such as exhibits from the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, a toy collection and jewellery crafted by the renowned local silversmith Charles Horner.

In addition, the museum hosts special events throughout the year and below is the schedule for 2025. For more details please visit the website https://museums.calderdale.gov.uk

Exhibition 50 Years of Calderdale. This explores the history of the borough, created in 1974, over the past 50 years from archaeological discoveries to the changing industrial landscape and the new future as a filming location. To December 21st 2025

Exhibition Edith Durham 1863-1944; Explorer, Collector and Champion of The Balkans to March 29th 2025

Exhibition Wild Words. This celebrates the poetry of the area most famously Ted Hughes 1930-1998. To 1st March 2025

Exhibition Welcome to Calderdale, a new exhibition of paintings by local Brighouse artist Roger Davies until 28th June 2025

Exhibition The World of Chris Mould an award winning graphic illustrator. Until 30th August 2025

Event Sketch Away with Chris Mould. Come and join a workshop on 18th February. Book online.

Event Fastest Felting Workshop and create your own wet felting masterpiece. 19 February 2025. Book online.

Event Mask Making Workshop for children 4-12 21st February. Book online.

Event Poetry Inspired by the Brontes to accompany the Wild Words Exhibition. 21st February. Book online.

Event Vintage Sewing Machine Demonstration, a free session on 8th March

Exhibition Let’s go Shopping! Suitable for all ages, this looks at the shops of yesteryear in Halifax with a display of photos and objects. 8th March -13th September 2025

Event Roger Davies in Concert. Join in with a performance by local poet, who is also a talented songwriter, on 11th April 2025. Book online

Event Regency Summer Ball with music from the Pemberley Players. 2nd August 2025. Book online

Below are two of the costumes, from a previous exhibition at the Bankfield Museum, worn by the fictional character Eugenie Pierre played by Albane Courtois in the BBC/HBO tv series ‘Gentleman Jack’. This very popular historical drama focuses on the unconventional life and loves of local landowner Anne Lister who was played by Suranne Jones.

Calendar Pricing and Availability NOW FIXED

Unfortunately our calendar is accurate to March 31 2025 but after then it is being stubborn and any changes won’t save. Please contact Jane at dyerscottageyorkshire@outlook.com or give me a call/send a text to 07359 200053 and I am happy to help. Alternatively our automated booking system via Bookalet is working so if you click on the mauve button Book Now and choose the online option, you will be able to see our availability and pricing.

Christmas Morning Service on BBC1 live from Halifax Minster at 10.15 on December 25th

Tags: BBC, Christmas Morning Service, Halifax Minster

Halifax Minster, previously known as the church of St John the Baptist, welcomes everyone to the live recording of its Christmas service which will be broadcast on BBC1 at 10.15 on December 25th. This is a tremendous honour for the church clergy and its parishioners. Please arrive early as the doors will open at 08.45 followed by a warm-up and rehearsal before the broadcast. For security reasons bags may be searched on entry. The doors will close earlier than 09.30, when all congregation has to be seated, if the church is full.

The service will begin at 10.15 and features the Minster choir accompanied by the organist and Hammonds Band from Saltaire. The bishop of Huddersfield, the Right Reverend Smitha Prasadam, will be the preacher. The service will be broadcast for an hour but if Holy Communion has not finished, the service will continue without the cameras.

View from the top of Wainhouse Tower Halifax UK, the tallest folly in the world

Tags: Explore Halifax, Filming in Calderdale, Filming Locations, History, Wainhouse Tower

Wainhouse Tower is unique! Originally designed to be a chimney for a dyeworks, the creativity of the architect Isaac Booth got ever more bold and it never achieved its original purpose. John Edward Wainhouse, the owner of the dyeworks, was very influential in the architectural design of the local area and this masterpiece took from 1871-1875 to build. It became the most famous landmark in Halifax offering views from the balconies over the whole of Calderdale into the Pennines. Unfortunately it also overlooked the estate of his neighbour Sir Henry Edwards and locally became known as “the tower of spite”. Reputedly, on days with excellent visibility, it is said that having climbed the 369 steps, you are rewarded with a view to Blackpool Tower over 40 miles away. It is 84 metres tall, with a square base, an octagonal shaft and 2 balconied viewing platforms, the upper one not open to the public.

It is now owned by Calderdale Council who arrange special open days when tickets can be booked. In 2024 these were on the third Saturday and the first Wednesday of each month and some Bank Holidays. For more information visit https://www.visitcalderdale.com

Philip Fearnley, a local photographer and owner of Halo Vue Aerial Photography https://www.halovue.co.uk has published an extensive series of stunning photographs taken by drone from the top of Wainhouse Tower in all directions. Dyer’s Holiday Cottage Halifax is proud to feature in the left part of the first photograph which is looking South West towards Sowerby Bridge and in the distance are the Pennines. These photographs are available in a book with more information about Wainhouse Tower called Calderdale From The Air Wainhouse Tower by Philip Fearnley and would make an amazing Christmas gift for anyone who has a connection to Halifax and Calderdale.

Photos credited to Philip Fearnley Photography. Dyer’s Holiday Cottage is in the centre left of this photo just before the bend in Edwards Road, next to a large Victorian building with a slate roof which was formerly the home of John Edward Wainhouse and known as West Air. It is now the very popular pub The Wainhouse Tavern and has won accolades as one of the best real ale pubs in Calderdale and the food is well worth a mention too.

If you would like to see more of Philip’s work, please take a look at the virtual tour on our website https://www.dyerscottageyorkshire.co.uk which takes you around the cottage and then offers you an opportunity to see more of Halifax and Calderdale from the air. He also has worked with tv production companies, notably on ‘Gentleman Jack’ and ‘Canal Boat Diaries’.