HISTORY

History of the Piece Hall - the Wholesale Market

Commemorative plaque to one side of the South Gate

The Piece Hall became a wholesale fish, game, fruit and vegetable market in 1871, at which time the Piece Hall was officially renamed The Market Hall although use of the name "Piece Hall" persisted.

Part of the South Gate, showing the arms of Halifax in use at the time. The head is that of John the Baptist.

The South Gate was enlarged and the ornate iron gates were installed. A bridge was put in which could be lifted to allow access by large vehicles.

Circular marks, like this one, are all that remains fo the lean-tos erected for the market

The top floors were no longer in use. Instead, when extra space was required, lean-to and sheds were erected in the courtyard.

In 1928 the Piece Hall became a scheduled ancient monument and people started to talk about its future. Any plans - and there were a lot of ideas, ranging from a garden of remembrance to cheap accomodation for the unemployed or even a swimming pool - foundered because the market would have to be moved.

In 1972, while debate raged about the future of the building, the Department of the Environment gave the Piece Hall Grade One listing, thus making it difficult for the local authority to demolish it.

A scheme was approved which attracted a 75% Special Environmental Assistance grant from central government. The work was extensive and included replacing the bridge with an electrically-driven bridge, installing a lift, cleaning the soot-blackened stone and demolishing the lean-tos and sheds. Space was allocated for offices, an Art Gallery, the Calderdale Industrial Museum (now closed), an Arts Resource Centre and shops.

Market traders in the Piece Hall fought the plans to renovate the building but in 1973 plans went ahead and the market was moved to other premises.

Piece Hall in the 18th Century

Piece Hall in the 19th Century

Piece Hall since 1976

© Stephanie Marriott,

	www.piecehall.info © Richard Porter & Stephanie Marriott The Piece Hall Shops Association 2002-2005