All Soul's Church, Halifax

Illustration of the exterior of All Souls Church, Haley Hill, Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Built by Colonel Edward Akroyd to serve his model village of Akroydon at Boothtown, All Soul's Church is in a corner of Akroyd Park facing Haley Mills. Considered one of the country's finest Victorian Gothic churches, the architect was George Gilbert Scott, famous in his day for London's Albert Memorial, St Pancras Station Hotel and other buildings. It includes much sculpture, metalwork, stained glass and painting by leading artists and artisans of the day.

Building started in 1856 and the church was consecrated in 1859. The church was vast, with a tower and spire of cathedral proportions (236 ft, 72 m), and far beyond the resources of a small congregation. In the late 1970s the roof and spire were in disrepair and the church was closed for service in 1978. Some repairs were undertaken and in 1988, the church's protection and maintenance was taken over by the Redundant Churches Fund (now The Churches Conservation Trust).

The church is a Grade I listed building. The following is from Calderdale Council's scheduled buildings list:

"1856. By Sir G G Scott. Exceptionally fine, large, stone, cruciform building in C13/C14 style. Aisled nave with clerestory. Transepts. Chancel with separately gabled side chapels etc. South porch and north west tower with tall stone spire. Carved figures and other decoration. Slated roofs. Interior has carved caps to nave piers. Arcaded clerestory. Open timber roofs with transverse arches to aisles. Vaulted baptistry under tower. Excellent fittings including front, pulpit, lectern, screen and gates, reredos, tiled pavement etc. Good stained glass (by Clayton and Bell and others) especially to sanctuary and large west window."

Postcard date stamped Halifax Feb 19, 1911.

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