View of the Independent Chapel in Halifax

Exterior view of the Square Chapel in Halifax, West Yorkshire.

An engraving of the Independent Chapel in Halifax, taken from The Reverend John Watson's "The History and Antiquities of The Parish of Halifax, in Yorkshire. Illustrated with Copper-Plates." Published in London by T. Lowndes, Fleet Street, 1775.

Congregationalists (or Independents as they were then known) had held regular meetings in Halifax since at least 1763 and the Square Chapel was opened in 1772 and was the largest Nonconformist chapel in the land at the time. When the congregation outgrew the building, the Square Church was opened in 1857 and the chapel became the Sunday School.

In the late 20th century, after many years of neglect, the Chapel was restored and converted to use as the Square Chapel Arts Centre in 1992.

The Reverend John Watson was curate of Halifax parish in the 1750s and then incumbent in Ripponden until 1766. He was a member of the Society of Antiquaries in London and published several works including the Halifax volume in 1775 and "Memoirs of the Earls of Warren and Surrey" in 1776. He died in 1783, aged 59.

"(Formerly listed as Congregational Chapel). 1772. Originally the chapel, now divided into 2 storeys. Substantial building of red brick with painted stone dressings. 2 tiers of windows, upper ones with arched heads. Pedimented Doric doorway with engaged columns. High panelled parapet with pediment. Returns of 5 windows as front, with eaves to roof. 3 storey addition at rear not included. Interior mostly altered. Derelict at time of inspection."

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