Inside the 280ft Tower with a Hidden Secret

This is the world's tallest folly... or is it? 🤔 Standing at around 280 feet tall, Wainhouse Tower in Halifax (West Yorkshire) is widely regarded as a record-breaking folly, but concealed inside the 369 steps that lead to its ornate viewing balcony is a massive hidden feature: a brick-lined chimney.

Originally designed and built to operate as a fully functional chimney, those plans were ultimately abandoned and by the time constructed was completed it was simply a functionless tower. The big mystery however, is why. Why was the chimney feature abandoned? That's where the mystery (and gossip!) comes into play.

In this video we're stepping inside the tower to climb the 369 steps all the way to the top. Along the way we'll uncover the truth behind the building's most well known nickname, the "Tower of Spite". We'll also delve into the numerous unusual stories attached to the tower, some true, some false, others... questionable. And we'll find out exactly why the man behind the tower, John Edward Wainhouse, ended up in such a bitter, public feud that ruined a friendship and bankrupted a rival.

Find out how to visit the tower: https://www.visitcalderdale.com/see-and-do/attractions/wainhouse-tower/

⏳ Chapter Breakdown:
0:00 The Tallest Folly... or a Hidden Chimney?
2:05 Built on Bedrock: 280ft Tall
3:32 The Climb Begins
5:18 The Truth About the "Tower of Spite"
9:54 369 Steps Later: The Summit View

#hiddenhistory #weirdhistory #hiddengems