Halifax is a historic city in West Yorkshire, England. It lies on the River Calder and used to be part of the West Riding of Yorkshire. It was previously a mill town during the Industrial Revolution and is now an important regional center for both business and culture.
The area around Halifax has been inhabited since at least the Iron Age, with evidence of Roman settlements having been found nearby. The name 'Halifax' is thought to come from Old English words meaning 'holy hair', referring to the legend that St Wilfrid cut off some of his own hair here in AD 645 as part of a religious ritual.
The town of Halifax was founded in the 12th century and developed into an important market center for cloth. During the reign of King Edward I, it received a charter to hold a twice-yearly fair and this contributed to its growth significantly.
In the 16th century, Halifax became known as 'Halifax Piece Hall', which is still used today as a shopping area. The hall was originally built to provide local weavers with opportunities to sell their cloth without having to go through merchants.
The Industrial Revolution brought huge changes to Halifax, with many mills being established in the area. The city's two canals were completed in 1770 and these provided efficient transportation of textiles and coal to nearby cities and towns. By the end of the 19th century, more than 200 mills were operating in Halifax.
The 20th century saw a decline in the city's industrial activity, with many of the mills closing down due to competition from abroad. The city was also heavily damaged during World War II, when it was subject to multiple bombing raids. However, since then it has seen a resurgence as a popular tourist destination and regional business center.
Culture
Halifax is home to numerous cultural attractions, including theatres, museums, galleries and parks. It is particularly known for its Piece Hall, which is the only surviving example of the 18th century cloth halls. It has been restored and now houses a variety of shops, restaurants and cafes.
The city also hosts a number of music festivals throughout the year. These include the Halifax Festival, which takes place in June, and the Hebden Bridge Folk Festival, which takes place in August. The Piece Hall also plays host to regular concerts during summer months.