Calderdale today represents much the same patch as the former medieval Parish of Halifax, once the richest in the British Empire. The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, textiles shaped the

landscape, much of which lies within the South Pennines Heritage Area.  From the farms and hamlets in a walled patchwork of fields, old packhorse ways, canals and iconic buildings, Calderdale is home to it all. Textile wealth crafted the picture postcard Mankinholes, Luddenden and Heptonstall; the Georgian masterpiece Halifax Piece Hall and Grade I listed Todmorden Town Hall, whilst Halifax boasts a reputation as "one of the most complete Victorian Towns" complete with its Town Hall, the work of Charles Barry, designer of the Houses of Parliament and 15th century Halifax Minster, an integral part of the community for over 900 years. Visit one of our fine historic houses, 15th century Shibden Hall, home of the early feminist writer Anne Lister, and Bankfield Museum, the mill magnate's mansion, noted for its textile collection and site of the Duke of Wellington's Regimental Museum. For something a bit different visit the National Trust's water-powered Gibson Mill at Hardcastle Crags, "unique in Europe" for sustainable development.