Halifax is an historic market town on the River Calde in West Yorkshire. Formerly a busy industrial town, dealing in and producing wool and carpets, the wool trade has now gone, but landmarks including the beautiful old cloth market building of Piece Hall, dating from 1770, is still standing on the west side of the town as an events and arts centre. Dean Clough, north of the town centre, was once one of the largest textile factories in the world at more than 800 metres long! Halifax Minster is a handsome 15th Century Grade I listed Parish Church, built in stages, beginning in the 12th century. The mid-19th century town hall was designed by Charles Barry, architect of the Houses of Parliament. The Halifax Bank was founded here and retains large offices in the town. Other attractions include Eureka! - the National Children's Museum and Calderdale Industrial Museum. Shibden Hall and Estate feature in the BBC/HBO drama Gentleman Jack, comprising a 600-year-old medieval manor and grounds. The town is home to a broad selection of shops, cafés, restaurants and bars. There is an annual food and drink festival every July.
