Cragg Hall, Cragg Vale

Cragg Hall was the centre for many social events. It is interesting to note that Miss Clara Butt stayed at Cragg Hall when she sung at the Victoria Hall in Halifax. Henry Ainley the actor stayed there more than once. Melbourne Inman the billiard champion was also a guest. It is reported that on one occasion Mr Simpson Hinchliffe got him drunk and then beat him at a game of billiards. Afterwards he was always able to say he had beaten Inman at billiards. Thousands of public also enjoyed visits to the hall’s ornamental gardens. Sam Hellowell, a former resident of Cragg Vale, remembers visiting with other Sunday school Scholars at Whitsuntide to sing a few hymns at Cragg Hall. Afterwards they each received 3d and a piece of orange.