The Old Cock, Halifax

The Old Cock stands on 27/31 Southgate, Halifax.

Around 1580, the building was a town-house built by William Savile.

In 1879, John Leyland wrote that the house was built by Sir Henry Savile

It became an Inn in 1668.

The pub was a well-known meeting place for the coiners. The coiner, King David Hartley, was arrested here on October 14th 1769

In the mid-18th century, there was a theatre here and the Harmonic Society met at the Inn.

It had a warehouse at the rear for visitors trading at the Piece Hall.

The Oak Room on the first floor is oak-panelled and has a stained-glass window with 20 lights – some of the glass is original.

It was at a meeting of the Loyal Georgean Society in The Oak Room, that the decision was made to establish what became the Halifax Permanent Benefit Building & Investment Society.

A group of friends, including Branwell Brontë, met here and at other local pubs. Branwell ran up bills at the pub, and in 1848, Mr Nicholson wrote to Rev Brontë demanding settlement of the bill.

The Halifax Guardian [Saturday 22nd October 1853] advertised


Sale by Auction on instructions received from Messrs Hartley & Ackroyd of the Old Cock Inn, Halifax (who are discontinuing running their Omnibus).

SIX USEFUL HORSES of various colours, part of which have been run in the bus and are underage, one is four years old and a capital Hunter.

Also Omnibus Phaeton, Gig, Spring cart, Harness, Saddles, Bridles, &c also some furniture and wines

 

The Inn is said to be haunted by the ghost of the husband of a 17th century landlady at the Inn, who ran away to London and married bigamously.

This is discussed in the book Halifax Pubs.


Innkeepers, licensees and landlords:

 

See

This & associated entries use material contributed by Jeffrey Knowles & Clive Whitehead

© Malcolm Bull 2024
Revised 16:05 / 20th April 2024 / 8469

Page Ref: KK_96

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