Opening of Halifax Town Hall
Commemorative Admission Poster for the opening of Halifax Town Hall
Author: Unknown
Date: 1863
Location: Halifax
Format: Souvenir Booklet
Document ID: 102710
Library ID:
When Halifax was first incorporated as a borough in 1848, there was no administration centre and offices were spread around the town.
The purpose-built Town Hall was first proposed in 1853, with three designs suggested by three different parties led by the Council, Edward Akroyd and John Crossley. The Council asked Sir Charles Barry, architect of the Houses of Parliament, to judge the designs, but he disliked all three proposals, so the council asked him to submit a design also. Barry's design prevailed, and the foundation stone was laid in 1861, after his death in 1860. Barry's son Edward Middleton completed the design, and the Town Hall was constructed by Whiteley Brothers of Leeds, on land owned by John Crossley.
Halifax Town Hall was opened on the 4th of August 1863 by HRH The Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Around 70,000 people attended, with a service in the Piece Hall.
Still standing 2014. It is a Grade II* listed building.
