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Social history

Introduction

Throughout much of history, life has been harsh for many inhabitants of 'Calderdale', whether they lived in remote farming areas or worked in the factories which sprang up following the Industrial Revolution. Poor living conditions in Halifax in the mid-nineteenth century were highlighted in the Ranger Report and also by Charles Dickens, following a visit to the town in 1858.

As the nineteenth century wore on, conditions gradually started to improve and the Wakes holiday fortnight, instituted in 1896, saw many workers head off for the coast year after year, for a well-earned break.

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