Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire: Historic Area Assessment
Author(s): Chris Curtis, Clare Howard, Lucy Jessop
As its name suggests, Sowerby Bridge, approximately 4.8km (2.3 miles) south-west of Halifax in the county of West Yorkshire, developed as a small hamlet around the crossing of the River Calder, particularly on the north bank. Documentary evidence suggests that the settlement started with a fulling mill and chapel located beside the bridge in the medieval period, although the river crossing may have been earlier. However, much of its architectural legacy relates to massive and rapid industrial growth in the 18th and 19th centuries which led to the settlement becoming a town by the mid-19th century. The Sowerby Bridge Historic Area Assessment (HAA) was undertaken in support of the Sowerby Bridge High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), a government-backed scheme aimed at using the historic environment to drive growth in historic places. This report focuses on the main thoroughfare and historic town core, including the historic County Bridge, the south-east end of Hollins Mill Lane, the southern end of Tower Hill, Town Hall Street, Wharf Street and Old Cawsey, as far as the canal basin. It provides an overview of the town’s history, development, character and value in order to inform key decisions about its future.
- Report Number:
- 23/2024
- Series:
- Research Report
- Pages:
- 121
- Keywords:
- Medieval Road Bridge Railway Transport Canal Houses
