Underbank, Sowerby Bridge

The sketch and description were originally published in The Halifax Courier in 1912-1913. Underbank is on the upper side of the tram track where the Pye Nest route runs into Bolton Brow. Earliest records go back to about 1454, when Robert Wainhouse lived there and an oak beam in one bedroom bears the Latin inscription ‘Made Anno Domini, 1558, by LW for IW. Godliness is great riches, if a man be content therewith’. Apart from this there are many traces to be found of an old 15th century timber building which was in later times encased with stone. The Wainhouses had possession later and then Japhet Lister of Northgate House, Halifax, a descendant of whom is Mr John Lister of Shibden Hall. The property left that family in 1796 and after some changes passed to Sir Henry Edwards in 1836. In 1852 he had it partially rebuilt, but the internal arrangements were not greatly altered. Prior to this the house was always known as Broad Gates. PH/28.