Wainhouse Tower from Albert Prom, Halifax

Wainhouse Tower, also known as the Folly and Tower of Spite is a Victorian era folly overlooking the Calder and Ryburn Valley from King Cross near Halifax. Built between 1871 and 1875 as a chimney by John Edward Wainhouse for his nearby Washer Lane Dye Works. Wainhouse had sold the dye works to his manager before completion and the new owner did not want to buy the chimney. Wainhouse converted the tower to an observatory and viewing platform to overlook the estate of rival Sir Henry Edwards, who had claimed his Pye Nest Estate was the most private in the whole of Halifax.
It is Grade II listed, cost £14000 to build, has 403 steps and reachers a height of 280ft. The Halifax Corporation took ownership of Wainhouse Tower in May 1919 at a cost of just £450. It is open to the public on Bank Holidays. www.colingreenphotography.co.uk