Wainhouse Tower, Grade II* listed folly tower in Halifax, England
Wainhouse Tower is a stone structure with an octagonal shaft and square base that rises 84 meters above Halifax. Its interior contains a spiral staircase of 405 stone steps leading to two viewing platforms at different heights.
Construction began in 1871 as a chimney for a dye works, required by the Smoke Abatement Act to control factory emissions. The original industrial purpose was eventually abandoned, but the structure remained and became a local landmark.
The name Tower of Spite comes from a personal dispute between the owner John Wainhouse and his neighbor Henry Edwards over privacy boundaries. This local feud remains part of the building's character and draws interest from visitors exploring its story.
The lower viewing platform can be reached after climbing 369 steps and is open to visitors during bank holidays. The upper platform remains closed to the public for safety reasons.
Inside, a substantial brick chimney is encased in stone over 2 feet thick, with small windows lighting the staircase. This construction reveals the original industrial care that went into the building, even though the chimney no longer functions.
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