Howroyde, Barkisland (Document ID: 102261)
Author: H.P. Kendall
Date: 1937
Location: Barkisland
Format: Photograph - Colour
Document ID: 102261
Library ID:
This photograph was amongst those taken in 1937 by local photographer and antiquarian Hugh Percy Kendall, as part of a series capturing old halls and homesteads from across the Parish of Halifax.
This is Howroyde, which is also referred to in earlier documents as "Holerode" and "Holroyde." The present structure was built in 1642 by local gentleman William Horton for his bride, Elizabeth Gledhill. According to local folklore, Mr Horton designed the house to resemble Firth House, his former family home. Amongst the house's many distinctive architectural features is the Charles I coat of arms (which was reputedly put up on the eve of the Civil War), which can be seen above the fireplace in the hall. This is a very bold statement indeed when one considers the fact that many of those living in the local area supported the Republican cause.
Howroyde is also mentioned in the diaries of Oliver Heywood, who not only records visiting the property on at least one occasion, he also attended the burial of Mrs Horton in 1672.
The property has since been passed down through several generations of the Horton family. In 1927 the property was leased to Tommy Marchetti, who was a director of local carpet firm John Crossley and Sons. Upon taking up the lease, Marchetti set about restoring the property, which had fallen into a state of disrepair. The Marchettis remained at the house until the 1960s, when it was sold for the first time in its history. Marchetti's restoration work has been continued by subsequent owners of the property.
Howroyde is a Grade I listed building.
