Howroyde Hall, Barkisland

The sketch and description were originally published in The Halifax Courier in 1912-1913. Howroyde, with its ivy-clad walls, rookery, fish pond and glorious prospect of hill and dale, is deeply impressed with old-world characteristics. It was built, so far at least as its outer walls are concerned, in 1642 by Wm Horton, the lineal ancestor of the present owner and occupier, Mr Joshua Thomas Horton. This family has retained uninterrupted possession through the centuries and thanks to this succession of owners, proud of their heritage, the building has undergone no radical change. It is more of the 14th and 15th century type of Yorkshire mansion than of the 17th century, and tradition says that Wm Horton planned and erected Howroyde after the model of his former home, Firth House. Over the fireplace in the hall are the original colours presented to the Halifax Militia by Lady Mary Horton, wife of Col Thomas Horton, JP, on Jan 10, 1804. PH/28.