Grade II* listed Wainhouse Tower in Calderdale, one of the most unique heritage landmarks in the country, is all about the big numbers – 253ft high, 403 stairs, 9000 tonnes of materials used in its construction…and now it’s about to reach the grand age of 150!
As the world’s tallest folly, Wainhouse Tower stands proudly in Halifax and can be seen for miles around.
It was originally built as a chimney for the local dyeworks by John Edward Wainhouse, but was never used for this purpose and became known as one of the country’s finest follies.
Construction started in 1871 and was completed in 1875. In World War II the tower was used as an Air Raid Precautions observation post, and today it delights visitors with stunning views from its observatory which can be reached by climbing 369 of its 403 steps (the rest, leading to the upper balcony, are not accessible to the public). The top of the tower lights up from dusk every evening, with the colours periodically changing to mark national awareness days.
Over the years, Calderdale Council has conserved and cared for this much-loved local icon, has invested in keeping its heritage alive, and since 2023, has opened it up to more visitors through volunteer-led open days. Popular with residents and visitors alike, the tower’s ascents have attracted people from as far away as Canada.
Tuesday 9 September 2025 marks Wainhouse Tower’s 150th anniversary, and Calderdale Council has planned some celebrations.
As well as the usual ascents, plus some extra ones for Heritage Open Days and on the tower’s birthday (go to the Visit Calderdale Eventbrite page(external link) for the dates and to book tickets), there will be:
- A free exhibition about Wainhouse Tower at Halifax Central Library and Archives until Saturday 20 September, including a fantastic model of the tower, a Victoria theodolite (a precision surveying instrument), stonemasons’ tools, commemorative plates, brochures and information detailing the feud between owner John Edward Wainhouse and his neighbour Sir Henry Edwards, which gave Wainhouse Tower its nickname of the Tower of Spite. Library opening hours: https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/council-locations/central-library-and-archives(external link)
- Special blogs on social media and visit.calderdale.com – including one exploring the Wainhouse / Edwards feud.
- A ‘History Out Loud’ podcast by the Council’s library service, discussing the facts and fiction surrounding Wainhouse Tower. Listen to the episode on Spotify(external link) (also available on other podcast platforms).
Free children’s craft workshops to create a mini Wainhouse Tower are also taking place in libraries, but these are already fully booked due to popular demand.
On the evening of 9 September, the tower will light up golden yellow for its 150th anniversary.
Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said:
“Happy 150th birthday, Wainhouse Tower!
“We’re so lucky to have this magnificent, unique building as one of many historic landmarks in Calderdale.
“Celebrating our distinctive heritage is a key part of the Vision 34 for Calderdale, a 10-year aspiration for our borough.
“We have always recognised the importance of Wainhouse Tower in preserving local heritage, inspiring local pride and attracting visitors from all over the country and the world. Since March 2025, over a third of the tower’s visitors have travelled from outside Calderdale. We hope to give even more people the chance to climb Wainhouse Tower’s 369 steps in future, to learn about its past and take in stunning views across Halifax. The 150th anniversary gives us the perfect platform to help boost visits.”
Get involved in Wainhouse Tower’s birthday celebrations by following #WainhouseTower150 on social media and heading to www.visitcalderdale.com(external link)
Wainhouse Tower is open from March to October on the first Friday and third Saturday of each month, plus bank holidays.