Crossley Heath School Building 01-01-2019

Taken whilst out for a New Years Day stroll these images of Crossley Heath School show a Victorian Architectural gem on the edge of Saville Park Moor.

Built at a cost of £65000, the Crossley Orphan School and Home was opened on the 29th June 1864, designed by Paull & Aycliffe - John Hogg and paid for by the Crossley family of John, Joseph and Francis. The orphanage was created for boys aged between 2 and 15, and girls up to an age of 17. The children were housed there for free receiving lodging, clothing and education, when opened there was room for between 400 - 500 children.

Thomas Porter a Manchester based merchant made a donation of £50000 to the school in 1879 on the condition the name was changed, so on the 31st January 1887 it became the Crossley & Porter Orphan Home and School. In 1919 day pupils were admitted and the orphanage became the Crossley & Porter School, which is how it remained known until 1985 when a merger with Heath Grammar School saw the school become Crossley Heath School.

The pictures below were taken using a Nikon d3300 SLR on January 1 2019, there are 2 in total plus an artwork created by me. The photo's can also be seen on Clickasnap full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

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Beneath a Halifax Sunrise: A Stroll Across Savile Park

 The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and the promise of a new day. Yesterday morning, under the soft glow of the nascent sun, I found myself wandering across the familiar expanse of Savile Park in Halifax. Or should I say, The Moor? Skircoat Moor? Skircoat Common? This beloved green lung of our town answers to many names, each echoing a piece of its rich tapestry.

More than just a park, Savile Park breathes history with every rustle of leaves. As I walked, the stories embedded in this land seemed to rise with the morning mist. Imagine, this very ground, now a haven for runners and dog walkers, was once the vision of the Savile Family, who wisely decreed it should forever remain open, a gift of green to the community. Their foresight has gifted us generations of open space, a place where the spirit of Halifax has played out in countless ways.

Think of the roar of the crowds at the Halifax Agricultural Show, the thud of boots during Rugby League and Football matches, the determined strides of Crossley Heath students carving paths across the moor. This land has witnessed celebrations, competitions, and the simple joy of open-air activity.

But the echoes of history run deeper still. My mind wandered back to the dark days of World War II, when this very turf was transformed into a vital "Dig for Victory" garden, feeding a nation facing hardship. It's humbling to picture the dedication of those who turned this recreational space into a source of sustenance.

And then there's the grandeur of the Great Yorkshire Show, which graced this very spot on at least four occasions, bringing the best of the region to our doorstep. It speaks volumes about the scale and importance of Savile Park in the wider Yorkshire landscape.

As I continued my walk, the landmarks that frame this historical haven came into view. To the west, the impressive facade of Crossley Heath School stands sentinel, a long-time neighbour and beneficiary of the park's open spaces. To the east, the manicured beauty of Manor Heath Park offers a contrasting, yet complementary, landscape. And nestled in the north-eastern corner, the elegant Thorp Fountain stands as a silent witness to the park's enduring presence.

These fleeting moments, captured through the lens of my trusty Nikon D3300 back on the 20th of October 2016, are more than just pretty pictures. They are glimpses into a place that has been shaped by generations, a place where the echoes of the past mingle with the present-day rhythms of life.

Savile Park, whatever name you choose to call it, is more than just grass and trees. It's a living testament to community, resilience, and the enduring power of open spaces. It's a place to walk, to breathe, to remember, and to appreciate the rich history beneath our feet, especially when bathed in the soft light of a Halifax sunrise.

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The Twin Towers of King Cross, to the right is Wainhouse Tower, and the clocktower to the left is part of the Crossley Heath School Building.

To the north east corner of Savile Park is the Thorp Fountain, the Grade II listed drinking fountain was given to the people of Halifax by Joseph Thorp and unveiled in July 1869, Thorp also donated a drinking fountain which can be found in the grounds of the nearby People's Park. The fountain which is no longer in use bears the inscription "Thank God for water - water is best" and was designed by Levi Gill a stone mason who was born in Pateley Bridge before moving to Halifax. The Fountains Grade II listed status was granted on the 23rd November 1973. The fountain can be seen below.

St Jude's Church can be seen in the background.

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