Wainhouse Tower, standing high on a hill in the King Cross area of Halifax, is the tallest structure in Calderdale and a prominent landmark that can be seen for miles around. It has been called the world’s tallest folly because it never got to be used for the purpose for which it was constructed. It’s also associated with an interesting legend.

The tower was commissioned as a chimney by John Edward Wainhouse, who owned the local dye works, in order to comply with the new smoke abatement act of 1870. Wainhouse, who had a good appreciation of architecture, wanted the chimney to be an object of beauty.

Wainhouse Tower in Halifax, England. Photo credit: Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/Shutterstock.com