Copley

During the 1850s and 60s a number of model communities were established by textile manufacturers in Halifax. Edward Akroyd built houses at both Copley and the modestly named Akroyden, and John Crossley built West Hill Park.

Often seen as acts of philanthropy it is now accepted that the building of workers housing is not only a good way improve your standing in the community but providing rented housing tied to a job is a very good way to encourage a loyal workforce.

In Halifax the situation appears to have been a little different.

Akroyden was originally intended as a development of 350 houses but only 92 houses were built. Reports in the Builder Magazine at the time commented that although these houses looked superior from the outside, the arrangement inside was no different to speculatively built houses in the area. Designed in 1859 by George Gilbert Scott, these distinctive houses neatly arranged around a central square were intended to house workers at Bowling Dyke Mill.

Unlike most similar developments the houses at Akroyden were for sale rather than rent. Although Akroyd's aim was to provide affordable housing for the working classes the final cost of the houses was beyond most of the mills workers.

The many changes to the original design suggests that this was not a wholly successful project.