Wainhouse Tower: A Monument to Spite (and Stunning Views)

Standing proud atop King Cross, overlooking Halifax, West Yorkshire, Wainhouse Tower isn't your average landmark. This magnificent folly, soaring to a dizzying 275 feet, holds the title of the tallest folly in the world. A climb of 403 steps to the lower viewing area rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views across the Calder Valley – a vista well worth the small entrance fee charged on bank holidays.

But Wainhouse Tower's story is far more intriguing than just its impressive height. Originally conceived as a chimney for the Washer Lane Dye Works, the tower's fate took a dramatic turn when the works manager, upon purchasing the business, balked at the cost of the towering chimney. Enter John Edward Wainhouse, a man with a vision… and perhaps a touch of spite.

Legend has it that Wainhouse harbored a long-standing feud with his neighbor, Sir Henry Edwards, whose estate was renowned for its privacy. Wainhouse, determined to ensure Edwards could never again claim such seclusion, transformed the unfinished chimney into a magnificent viewing tower. And so, the tale of the "Tower of Spite" was born. Whether fuelled by genuine animosity or simply a touch of playful rivalry, Wainhouse poured £14,000 into the project (equivalent to over £1.1 million today!), completing it in 1875.

While the "Tower of Spite" story adds a colourful layer to its history, Wainhouse Tower has served a more practical purpose over the years. It came under the ownership of Halifax Corporation in 1919, served as an observation post during World War II, and finally became the property of Calderdale Council in 1974. Today, it stands as a testament to Victorian ingenuity, a quirky reminder of local rivalries, and, most importantly, a fantastic vantage point for appreciating the beauty of the Calder Valley. So, if you're ever in Halifax on a bank holiday, be sure to make the climb – the views (and the story) are truly unforgettable.

These pictures were taken on various dates during the year 2016. They were taken using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Clickasnap.

The tower pictured from Albert Prom, or The Rocks as it's known locally.

The large building to the front is Halifax Bank's Copley Data Centre, built in the 1980s. The data centre is due to close in the next few years.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.