Here are 10 fascinating facts about Halifax that you may not have already known. For more picture galleries click here to see photos from a night out in Halifax back in 2008, here to see iconic Halifax nightclubs from over the years and click here for fun things to do in Halifax.
. Town Hall's architect
The architect who designed Halifax Town Hall in 1863 was also responsible for designing the Houses of Parliament. The town hall was his last major commission and was completed a few years after his death. | jpimedia
. Origins of town's name
The name of Halifax comes from the Old English halh-gefeaxe, meaning area of coarse grass in the nook of land. There are several other stories on how the town got its name but this one is the most accepted. | jpimedia
. Gibbet's last victim
Its common knowledge in Calderdale that Halifax Gibbet was an early guillotine that allowed the Lord of the Manor to decapitate thieves but did you know that it claimed its last victim in April 1650? | jpimedia
1. Town Hall design
The architect who designed Halifax Town Hall in 1863 was also responsible for designing the Houses of Parliament. The town hall was his last major commission and was completed a few years after his death.
2. Spelling difference
Unlike many other towns in the UK, Halifax has only had a slight variation in the spelling of its name of the years. It was recorded as Halyfax in 1091 but since then has been known as Halifax.
3. Halifax Gibbet
Its common knowledge in Calderdale that Halifax Gibbet was an early guillotine that allowed the Lord of the Manor to decapitate thieves but did you know that it claimed its last victim in April 1650?
4. Town name
The city of Halifax in Canada takes its name from George Montagu-Dunk, second Earl of Halifax, for aiding the foundation of Nova Scotia in 1749. The Earl of Halifax originally took its name from our town.