Old Lane Mill, Ovenden, Halifax

Towering over Ovenden in Halifax, Old Lane Mill stands as a testament to the industrial past of Yorkshire. Built in 1825, it's not just any mill; it's the oldest surviving multi-storey, steam-powered, iron-framed textile mill in Halifax, possibly even the UK.

James Akroyd, the visionary behind Old Lane Mill, wasn't afraid to push boundaries. He incorporated innovative features like an iron frame and stone floors, allowing the mill to support the weight of the revolutionary Jacquard looms he installed in 1827. These looms, the first of their kind in Britain, marked a significant leap forward in textile production.

Despite claims of being fireproof, Old Lane Mill wasn't immune to disaster. A blaze ripped through the building in 1905, causing significant damage. However, the mill persevered, changing hands and purposes throughout the 20th century. It even served as part of the larger Dean Clough Mill complex for a time.

Today, Old Lane Mill stands derelict, a haunting reminder of a bygone era. The empty shell, though ravaged by time and vandalism, still whispers stories of innovation and industry. The stone floors, stripped-out machinery remnants, and the large engine house with its distinctive features offer a glimpse into the heart of a once-thriving mill.

The future of Old Lane Mill remains uncertain. Preservation efforts are ongoing due to the building's historical significance. Whether it's restored to its former glory or repurposed for a new life, Old Lane Mill undoubtedly deserves to be cherished as a vital piece of Halifax's textile heritage.

Please note: Due to the derelict state of the building, exploring Old Lane Mill is not recommended.I was in the area on the 15th April 2015 and visited the mill, I made no effort to enter the building as it looks unsafe and I am not good with heights, preferring to just photograph the outside safely on the ground level. There are many others that have photographed and video the inside available to view online, and Martin Zero did an excellent video on YouTube about the mill some 3 years ago that is worth a look. The pictures were taken using a polaroid is2132 bridge camera, they can be seen below or on my Clickasnap account were they are full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

The water outlet stands just to the south of Old Lane Mill, it carries
the Ovenden Brook underneath the mill and probably provided some 
of the power source for the mill historically.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share.

Clicking any image should open a link in another window to the Clickasnap version.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green. Please don't take the approach of an estate agent who a few years ago was marketing the mill and decided to use my pictures without permission, suitable recompense and no credit. The not even bothering to credit me really was the most annoying bit.

All Souls Church, Halifax

All Souls Church, Haley Hill, Halifax is a redundant Anglican place of worship now under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. Paid for and commissioned by local social reformer and industrialist Edward Akroyd, All Souls Church was consecrated on the 2nd November 1859. The site of the church occupies a plot of land to the south west of Bankfield the home of Edward Akroyd and was said to have been chosen to block out the view of the Square Congregational Church, a nonconformist place of worship.

The Spire is is 236ft, approx 1 ft higher than the Square Congregational Church, it is the 2nd tallest spire in West Yorkshire after Wakefield Cathedral. The church remained in use until stone fell from the spire in January 1977, the church was closed soon after as the cost of repair was seen as uneconomical, for a time the church was under threat of demolition. The church was declared redundant in March 1979, repairs were undertaken in the early 1980's by the Friends of All Souls Church and National Heritage Memorial Fund and the church was transferred into trust on the 2nd August 1989. The church is now open on occasional Saturdays and Heritage Open Days. All Souls was initially granted listed status on 3 November 1954, this was amended to Grade I listed on the 23 November 1973.

These pictures were taken on the 11 August 2018 using a Nikon d3300 SLR, there are a total of 13 which can be seen below or on ClickASnap where they are full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

The spire reachers a height of 236ft, 71 metres.

The west entrance.

The south entrance, this was bordered up to stop access when the church
closed, this was considered poor and a set of gates were commissioned
to make the entrance more appealing.

The font is made of Aberdeen granite and Cornish serpentine.

All Souls Nave pictured from the choir area.

Looking from the west part of the church east towards the choir.

The rear of the church.

The Pulpit by sculptor John Birnie Phillip is made of Caen
stone and Derbyshire limestone.

All the windows in the church are stained glass, these
were produced by John Hardman, William Wailes and
Clayton & Bell.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media.

Clicking any image should open a link in another window to the higher resolution, un-watermarked version on Clickasnap.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.