3rd May, 1996. Celebrating the re-opening of the Rochdale Canal through Sowerby Bridge with the construction of Tuel Lane Lock, now the deepest inland waterway lock in the UK at 19ft 8½inches, connecting to the Calder & Hebble Navigation.
A number of myths have accumulated over the years around this unusual landmark which is often referred to as ‘Wainhouse’s Folly’ or the 'Tower of Spite'. The truth is simply that the octagonal tower was erected as a chimney for the Washer Lane Dye…
This is the tallest building in Calderdale and is named after John Wainhouse, the industrialist who funded it. Although originally planned as a chimney it was never used as one and remained as a folly, reputedly the tallest one in the world. …
The then new Aachen Way, which was built to bypass King Cross. The industrial buidlings in the background have since been demolished and is now the site of Tescos car park.