In July 1844, the station for a single branch line was opened at Shaw Syke, Halifax.
This became the goods yard when the present station building was opened on 23rd June 1855 as a joint effort by the Great Northern Companies, the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway and the Leeds, Bradford & Halifax Railway. This was known as the Joint Station.
The building was designed by Thomas Butterworth of Manchester, and built by George Thomson & Company and completed in 1850. The platform was 236 ft long.
The décor included a rose motif on the pillars: red for those on the side going west to Lancashire, and white for those coming from Lancashire to Yorkshire.
In 1885, the station was extended by William Hunt, regional architect to the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway. At that time, the main entrance – originally through the old building – was moved to a higher level and the approach led into Horton Street. The forecourt approach to the station – a continuation of Horton Street – was constructed in 1886.
There were 7 platforms at the station. There were separate booking offices for the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway and the Great Northern Railway.
From 1890, it was known as Halifax Old Station, to distinguish it from St Paul's Station.
The Halifax Guardian [September 1880] advertised
HALIFAX RAILWAY STATION
NEW DINING ROOM & RESTAURANT NOW OPENTABLE D'HOTE DINNER 2s.6d each consisting of SOUP, FISH ENTREE, JOINTS, VEGETABLES, PASTRY and CHEESE.
From 12.30 to 3 p.m.
Luncheon a la Carte.
Separate tables. Lavatory.
Ladies visiting the town will find this very convenientGEORGE WHITE, Scarborough
Refreshment Contractor.
Only maker of 'absolutely' PURE GREEN GINGER ALE
(Prize Medal)
In December 1908, there was an incident in which a train jumped the rails just outside Halifax Railway Station, blocking Beacon Hill Tunnel and dislodging masonry which fell into the yard of J. & J. Baldwin Limited.
The Station was called Halifax Town from 1951, and Halifax from 1961.
The building is Palladian design with three pavilions joined by lower blocks. The plan is slightly curved to align with the railway line.
The station had 2 ticket offices: one for the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Company and the other for the Great Northern Railway Company.
The Coal Drops on Berry Lane are listed.
The Great Northern railway engine shed in South Parade was built in 1885 for the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Company & the Great Northern Railway Company. The building is listed.
| The station today |
The building of 1855 is the property of the Eureka! Museum for Children and has recently been restored. The restoration won the Railway Heritage Trust Award in 2001. It is not a part of the railway system.
The building – now known as The 1855 Building – is used as offices.
The public railway station has been reorganised and there are now only 2 platforms
Stationmasters at the Station have included
See Beacon Hill Viaduct, Halifax, Elevation of Halifax, Thomas William Helliwell, Horses at Work Museum and Lamb, Halifax
This & associated entries use material contributed by Jeffrey Knowles
Page Ref: KK_201
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