Wainhouse Tower
The Wainhouse family were very influential in the area as they built the dyeworks which provided employment to most of the local people, our family included. The last member of the family was J.E. Wainhouse who inherited the dyeworks and property, including this cottage, from his uncle. Initially designed as a 77m chimney for the dyeworks and built between 1871 and 1875, with balconies and an elaborate dome, the tower can be seen from miles around.
It was never used for its original purpose and is now regarded as the world’s tallest folly. Open to the public on certain days a year ( see www.calderdale.gov.uk/leisure for dates and times), you can climb the internal spiral staircase of 369 steps for an outstanding 360 degree view – blog.anti-limited.com/369-steps-halifax-atop-Wainhouse-tower.
The top is illuminated at night and provides a spectacular sight when in the cottage garden.
