Lake Akroyd Park Halifax
View of the lake in Akroyd Park, Boothtown, Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Author: Unknown
Date: not dated
Location: Boothtown
Format: Postcard - Colour
Document ID: 100105
Library ID: 34559347
Akroyd Park's 8 acres and Bankfield House were built for Edward Akroyd (1810-1887), who lived there from 1837 to 1856. They were opened to the public after his death in 1887. He was the grandson of James Akroyd, who in 1811 founded the world's largest worsted manufacturers, James Akroyd & Son.
Edward was a benevolent employer, supporting many organisations and institutions which enabled his employees to seek better living conditions. He built Copley model village in the 1840s, and Akroydon in the 1860s to house his workers and provide them with low cost allotments. He also founded All Souls Church in 1855, after purchasing a former Baptist church at Haley Hill. Bankfield House is now Bankfield Museum, which presents international exhibitions of costume, fabrics, textiles, and toys.
Still standing 2003.
