Halifax Diary - October 6th
PIECE HALL BECOMES CORPORATION PROPERTY
Historic Cloth Market Now Owned by Halifax Borough
Monday, 6th October 1868
A new chapter in Halifax's history began today as the ancient Piece Hall, the magnificent cloth market that has stood at the heart of the town's prosperity for nearly a century, officially became the property of Halifax Corporation.
The transfer of ownership marks the end of an era for the building, constructed in 1779 as a marketplace for the handloom weavers of the district to sell their "pieces" of cloth. For 89 years, the Piece Hall has witnessed the rise and transformation of Halifax's textile industry, from individual handloom weavers to the great mill-based manufacturing that now dominates the town.
The Piece Hall, designed by Thomas Bradley and built at a cost of £12,000, stands as one of the finest examples of Georgian commercial architecture in Britain. Its quadrangle of 315 rooms surrounding a vast open courtyard has accommodated countless thousands of cloth transactions over the decades.
In its heyday, the Saturday cloth markets were scenes of extraordinary activity. Weavers from across the district would arrive before dawn, carrying their pieces of cloth to display in the small rooms. Merchants would inspect the goods, negotiate prices, and conduct business worth thousands of pounds before noon.
However, the rise of the great mills has fundamentally altered the cloth trade. Individual handloom weavers have largely been replaced by factory operatives. The cloth that once passed through the Piece Hall in small quantities now flows from mills like Dean Clough and Crossley's in vast volumes, sold through different channels.
The Saturday cloth markets have dwindled. Many of the 315 rooms now stand empty or have been converted to other uses. The question of the Piece Hall's future has occupied civic minds for several years.
The decision by Halifax Corporation to acquire the building demonstrates a commitment to preserving this architectural and historical treasure. The Mayor, in announcing the acquisition, stated: "The Piece Hall is not merely a building - it is the very symbol of Halifax's industrial heritage. We have a duty to preserve it for future generations."
The purchase price has not been disclosed, though it is understood to be substantially less than the building's construction cost, reflecting its reduced commercial utility. The Corporation has indicated that the building will continue to serve commercial purposes, though the exact nature of its future use remains under consideration.
Some have suggested converting the Piece Hall into a general market, selling produce, household goods, and sundries. Others propose using portions of the building for municipal offices or storage. Whatever its future use, the building's preservation is now assured.
The Piece Hall stands as a monument to the industry and enterprise of Halifax's weavers - men and women who built this town's prosperity thread by thread, piece by piece. Under Corporation ownership, it will continue to serve the town, adapting to new times whilst preserving the memory of the old.
HALIFAX PALACE IN NATIONAL BROADCAST
Friday, 6th October 1939
Halifax Palace Theatre achieved national recognition today when it was featured in the BBC's prestigious radio programme "Famous Music Halls," broadcast across Britain this evening.
The programme, presented by the renowned broadcaster John Snagge, celebrated the great music hall tradition that has entertained Britain for generations. Halifax Palace was selected as one of only a dozen venues nationwide to be featured, a testament to its importance in the entertainment landscape.
The Halifax Palace, situated in Ward's End, has been a cornerstone of Halifax entertainment since its opening. The theatre has hosted countless performers over the years - from comedians and singers to acrobats and magicians. Many of the great names of music hall have trodden its boards.
The BBC broadcast included recordings of performances from the Palace, interviews with theatre management, and reminiscences from long-time patrons. The programme highlighted the Palace's role in bringing entertainment to working people, offering an evening's escape from the hardships of daily life.
Music hall represents a uniquely British form of entertainment - a mixture of comedy, song, dance, and variety acts performed in an atmosphere of conviviality and audience participation. Unlike the more formal theatre, music halls encourage audience response, with patrons joining in choruses and responding to performers.
The Halifax Palace has maintained this tradition admirably. Its programmes offer something for everyone - from sentimental ballads to raucous comedy, from spectacular acrobatics to local talent showcases.
The BBC's decision to celebrate Britain's music halls at this particular moment - just one month into the war with Germany - is significant. Music halls represent British resilience, humour, and community spirit - qualities that will be sorely needed in the months ahead.
The Palace's inclusion in the broadcast brings pride to Halifax. In these uncertain times, the knowledge that our local theatre is recognised nationally as a bastion of British entertainment provides a welcome boost to civic morale.
The theatre management has expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledges to continue providing quality entertainment throughout the duration of the war, "keeping spirits high and laughter flowing."
CORPORATION TO PURCHASE VICTORIA HALL
Thursday, 6th October 1960
Halifax Corporation announced today its intention to purchase Victoria Hall, the beloved concert venue that has served the town's cultural life for nearly six decades. The acquisition ensures the building's preservation and continued use for public entertainment and civic functions.
Victoria Hall was opened on 8th February 1901 as a gift to Halifax from Sir Henry Savile, the town's greatest benefactor. The magnificent building, designed in the Renaissance style, was intended to provide Halifax with a venue worthy of its status as a great industrial town.
For 59 years, Victoria Hall has hosted concerts, lectures, exhibitions, and civic ceremonies. The Halifax Choral Society has performed there regularly. Distinguished speakers have addressed Halifax audiences from its platform. Countless school prize-givings and civic celebrations have taken place within its walls.
In recent years, however, Victoria Hall has faced financial challenges. The rise of cinema and television has reduced audiences for traditional concert hall entertainment. Maintenance costs for the aging building have mounted. Questions have been raised about the venue's long-term viability.
The Corporation's decision to purchase the building addresses these concerns. As a publicly-owned asset, Victoria Hall will be maintained and operated for the benefit of all Halifax residents.
The Corporation has indicated that Victoria Hall will continue its traditional role as a concert venue and civic space. However, consideration is being given to modernising some facilities and potentially expanding its use.
There has been discussion of converting part of the building into a cinema, reflecting changing entertainment preferences. The large main hall could accommodate film screenings whilst retaining its concert hall function.
The Mayor, in announcing the purchase, stated: "Victoria Hall represents the cultural aspirations of Halifax. Sir Henry Savile gave us this magnificent building so that all Halifax people could enjoy music, lectures, and cultural events. We have a duty to preserve his gift and ensure it continues to serve future generations."
The purchase price and completion date have not yet been finalised, though the Corporation expects the transaction to be completed within the coming months.
Victoria Hall joins the Piece Hall as a historic Halifax building preserved through Corporation ownership - ensuring that these monuments to Halifax's past will continue to serve its future.
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