The Crossley Almshouses, Margaret Street, Halifax comprise 22 almshouses designed by Roger Ives and built in 1855 for Sir Francis Crossley near to People's Park, Halifax, to provide accommodation for the elderly of the district.
In 1867, 2 more houses were built on an adjoining piece of land from the grounds of Belle Vue Mansion.
The names Belle Vue Almshouses and Belle Vue Cottages have also been used for the houses.
In February 1890, Sir Savile Crossley gave the house, which was formerly used as the lodge to Belle Vue Mansion, to be used as an almshouse.
The residents could be male or female, married or single, widowed or bachelor, and they must have been members of some Protestant Trinitarian denomination for at least 2 years, aged 60 years or more, and each applicant must be unable to work as a consequence of age, disease or infirmity.
The residence is free of rent, rates and taxes, with a free water supply, and an allowance of 6/- per year for gas. 4 chairs, one table, one chest of drawers and window blinds are provided.
Initially, the allowance to each married man was 8/6d per week, and to each woman 6/- per week, and was paid every Friday. In January 1868, the allowances were increased to 10/- and 7/- respectively.
In 1901, the caretaker was John Thompson.
In 1929, the allowances were 15/- per week for each inmate, or 25/- for a married couple, less any amount received for old age pension. Grants for medical or nursing expenses were allowed in exceptional cases.
Each house has a separate entrance, and contains a living room, a bed-room, a pantry and a cellar. The building is a single 2-storey block in Tudor Gothic style. The houses at each end and the one in the centre are 3-storey which gives them the appearance of towers. There was a chapel in the central tower.
Over a second-floor window is a panel with Frank Crossley's arms and a quotation from 1 Chronicles xxix 14
Of thine own have we given thee
There is a garden in front of the block.
The houses have been modernised in recent years.
The almshouses are a registered charity [No. 222746]
This & associated entries use material contributed by Ivan Birch
Page Ref: MMC209
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