Halifax Town Hall by suvanki
I'd spotted the impressive spire of this building travelling through Halifax, and had assumed it was a church. so, it wasn't until Sunday afternoon when Angiebabe and I were exploring Halifax centre, that I realised it was the Town Hall. Close up, it was even more impressive.It was designed by the same architect that had designed the Houses of Parliament - Charles Barry. The purpose built Town Hall was first proposed in 1853. Three designs were submitted. Councillor Barry was asked to decide on the winning design, but he didn't like any of these. The council then asked him to come up with a design.
Charles Barry sadly died before the foundation stone was even laid, but his son Edward Middleton continued with his fathers design. The Foundation stone was laid in 1861, a year after Barrys death.
2 years later the completed Town Hall was officially opened on the 4th August (1863) by HRH The Prince of Wales (aka King Edward V11)
A crowd of about 70,000 witnessed this occassion. The opening was followed by a service in the Piece Halls
I was quite impressed by the engraved inscriptions around the spire, and the many bas reliefs.
to be continued....