The history of Todmorden Town Hall has been brought to life in a new guidebook featuring the many stories that the building holds.
Dr Emma Stafford, Senior Lecturer in Classics and Deputy Head of the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies at Leeds University has written the guidebook, pulling together research and stories from the volunteers who work at the Hall.
The finished piece is a 36 page full colour guidebook, filled with interesting snippets of history and up to date information about Todmorden Town Hall.
The building has many stories to tell, it was situated in both Lancashire and Yorkshire until the county boundary was moved on 1 January 1888. Inside the building there is an old Magistrate’s Court which now serves as the Todmorden Town Council Chamber. The ballroom upstairs spans the length of the building and holds many memories for those who have attended the variety of events held in the Town Hall for over 140 years.
Today, the building is also home to the HLF Heritage Centre, which includes an exhibition of historic objects and digital archive material with local people at its heart.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, Cllr Susan Press, said:
“The new guidebook is a great way to find out more about the fascinating history of Todmorden Town Hall. The guide book only launched last week, so it’s the perfect Christmas present for those with an interest in the history of Todmorden or of Yorkshire in general.
“The book really brings the wonderful stories of the building to life, and I’m so pleased that these have been collated for future generations to enjoy.”
The guidebook has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of the Todmorden Town Hall: Telling the Story project, and is for sale at Calderdale libraries, Bankfield Museum, Shibden Hall, Halifax and Hebden Bridge Visitor Centres and Todmorden Information Centre, and is priced at £4.95.
In addition to the guidebook there are free tours of Todmorden Town Hall. The next is on Sunday 4 December and will focus on the history of Christmas at the Town Hall.
If you’d like to find out more, or if you’re interested in becoming a Town Hall Volunteer, contact Daniel Jessop, Volunteer and Events Co-ordinator, daniel.jessop@calderdale.gov.uk, 01706 548105, 07912 891370.