The Halifax name comes from the old english words Holy and Face, part of a local legend that John the Baptist was burried in Halifax after his execution. Old references to Halifax have the spelling Haliflax, meaning holy field.

Halifax Parish Church can be traced back to as early as the 12 century has always been dedicated to John the Baptist.

Halifax was well known for it’s way of executing criminals. Known as the Halifax Gibbet, it was an early form of guillotine used to decapitate the heads of criminals. Last used in 1650, a replica is on display in Gibbet Street. The original Blade is on display at the Bankfield Museum.

In recent times, Halifax has become well known for Halifax plc which started as a building society in 1853. Halifax is now a brand name of Bank of Scotland, which is now owned by Lloyds Banking Group. The distinctive diamond shaped building was constrtucted in 1973.