Did You Know?

The Halifax Piece Hall is a magnificent 18th century building in the heart of Halifax. Its original purpose was to enable woollen handloom weavers to sell their ‘pieces’ to merchants who travelled far and wide for the high quality cloth.

The Wainhouse Tower is a folly in the parish of King’s Cross, on the South West side of Halifax. At 275 feet it is the tallest structure in Calderdale and the tallest folly in the world. It was originally built as a chimney for a local dye works by John Edward Wainhouse in the late 19th century.

Shirley Crabtree, better known as Big Daddy,was a professional wrestler famous for his record breaking 64 inch chest. He was born in Halifax and was a former rugby league player, worked as a coal miner and a lifeguard before becoming a professional wrestler in 1952.

This one might make you giggle! In Halifax, it used to be against the law to throw snowballs. Can you believe it? It was part of an old rule to keep people from throwing things in the streets.

Halifax has a cat that likes to play tricks! But don’t worry, it’s not a real cat; it’s a mechanical one in a local bank! In the olden days, if you wanted to put money in the bank, you’d give your coins to this cat, and it would take them with its paw. Now, that’s a quirky way to save!

On Tuesday June 17 1913 a quiet Siddal street was suddenly thrown into confusion and panic. Passers by scattered in all directions, ducking into available doorways and diving behind stalls. For running up Jubilee Street was a Canadian Grizzly Bear. The massive creature had escaped from Halifax Zoo which has since closed.

Did you know Halifax is a town with a sweet tooth? It’s true! One of the most famous chocolate factories in the world, Quality Street, was born here. If you ever unwrap a toffee or chocolate from a Quality Street tin, you have Halifax to thank for that delightful treat!

Halifax has a cat that likes to play tricks! But don’t worry, it’s not a real cat; it’s a mechanical one in a local bank! In the olden days, if you wanted to put money in the bank, you’d give your coins to this cat, and it would take them with its paw. Now, that’s a quirky way to save!

Speaking of quirky, Halifax’s Town Hall is a building that looks like a wedding cake! With its ornate design and lovely white color, it’s no wonder people often compare it to a beautiful cake.