Ward’s Cottage Homes Upper Washer Lane Halifax
Richard Dearden Ward 1845-1931 was the husband of Hannah Kenyon 1846-1937. She was born in Dyer’s Cottage and was the second child of William Kenyon and Phoebe Trotter. Richard, like most local people, worked in the Wainhouse Dyeworks but rose from being a Master Dyer to become a bookkeeper, then manager and finally the owner when it was known as Ward’s Dyeworks before becoming part of Bradford Dyer’s Association. With each job promotion came a change of residence, finally settling in the prestigious house further along the road in Masters Lane called Sapling Grove.
He was mayor of Halifax from 1905-1907 and during this time, he built Ward’s Cottage Homes. These consisted of 24 cottages on 2 levels to make use of the steep hillside. Traditionally called ‘up and over’ houses, the main living room would face South West affording a light filled and lovely view of Norland which we also have from our bedroom at Dyer’s Cottage just a few houses further along Upper Washer Lane. Built of the best Accrington brick, each property consisted of a living room, bedroom and scullery with communal toilet facilities outside which was the norm for the time. They were provided free of rent and rates to the over 60’s who were unable to work.
By the 1960’s they were deemed unsuitable for modern living and as the occupants died, the cottages were left unoccupied until they were demolished in November 1982. For photos of the demolition please see www.calderdalecompanion.co.uk/ph4252.html
Since then, native tree species have colonised the site and sadly no trace of these charitable homes exist. When staying at Dyer’s Holiday Cottage Halifax, why not turn left out of the gate and stroll along the opposite side of the road until the row of houses ends and see if you can identify where Ward’s Cottage Homes used to be?
Upper Washer Lane now
