Sunday, September 10, 2006

One vote!

Piece Hall in Halifax opened on January 1st 1779 to trade lengths of handwoven cloth some 30 yards long (called 'pieces'). Trading took place for just 2 hours on a Saturday morning from 10 - 12, and fines were imposed on any trader that sold a piece of cloth outside those times.


The Piece Hall only flourished for about 35 years, as handwoven fabric was replaced by mechanised methods. In 1868 it was given to Halifax Corporation and converted into a market.

In the 1970's, a proposal to demolish the Piece Hall to build a shopping centre was defeated by just one vote. Thankfully, the decision was made to restore and re-open it, and it is now a thriving centre.

5 Comments:

Blogger Lin said...

SUPER JOB on this, Carol!! I love how you caputured the shadow under the dome -- I always forget that --!! Love your story too -- glad they saved this beautiful building!

9:54 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wonderful story, Carole.
Nice pictures, history is more important than we realize at times isn't it?
Have you heard anymore about the "Season of Inspiration?"
Connie

2:50 pm  
Blogger Carole said...

Hi Connie,
Thank you! Yes, history is important I think.
I haven't heard any more about SOI, but will post something here if I do!
Carole

7:04 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love the Piece Hall. Have yoou been to the little cafe there? They do lovely sandwiches and coffee - a great place to while away a Sunday afternoon, with a brass band playing outside.

9:54 am  
Blogger Carole said...

Beth,
We did have lunch at the cafe. It's a gorgeous place to sit out, and we had sunshine too. It's quite a special place.

6:35 pm  

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