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