About Harry Facks
This is an old portrait pic of me and my family
Welcome, dear friends! I'm Harry Facks, and along with my beloved family, we're your trusted companions through the captivating history of Halifax. Thats my dear wife Ally beside me and she is known for her exceptional Yorkshire puddings and keen eye for local gossip – all historically accurate, of course! Our teenager daughter, 15-year-old Haley (who's quite the history enthusiast herself!) and 10-year-old Alfie (our resident expert on Victorian games and pastimes), make our historical expeditions twice as fun with their endless curiosity.
Born in the bustling 1850's when our town was transforming into an industrial powerhouse, we've made our home in a modest but cheerful terrace house near the heart of Halifax. Ally keeps our home running like clockwork while managing her small millinery shop, while I document every fascinating detail of our town's transformation.
You'll often spot us as a family at local events – me in my trusty top hat, Ally in her finest bonnet (made by her own hands), and the children eagerly collecting stories from every corner of Halifax. Whether we're exploring the magnificent Piece Hall, discovering vanished buildings, or uncovering local folklore, the Facks family is here to make history come alive for curious minds of all ages.
What Makes Us Different? Unlike your typical tour guides, we bring authentic Victorian Halifax to life through stories that are 100% based on historical facts. No tall tales here – just genuine Yorkshire history served with a dash of Victorian family charm! We're particularly fond of sharing:
• Tales from our bustling textile mills • Stories of Halifax's remarkable architecture • Fascinating local customs and traditions • The daily lives of Victorian Halifax folk • Hidden histories of our beloved town.
Our Family Mission
As your dedicated historical companions, the Facks family is here to help you: • Discover the real stories behind Halifax's growth • Understand how our town became a Victorian marvel • Experience history in an engaging, accessible way • Connect with our rich cultural heritage • Explore the authentic character of Victorian Yorkshire
Want to Join Our Family Adventures? Whether you're 12 or 112, if you're curious about Halifax's fascinating past, you're in the right place! Together with Ally, Alfie, and Haley, we'll explore the streets, stories, and secrets that make our town special.
Remember, every fact we share is carefully researched and verified – that's the Facks family promise! Ready to start our historical adventure together?
A recent acquaintance asked me if my stories were true.
Let me tell you. My young apprentice, Col Deedale, (you might recognise his name), well, he searches for all my articles and double checks them by looking for verification. Also, my much wiser friend and assistant is Ian Garland (you may have heard his name before too). He helps with my nationwide articles.
So, you can be sure, they are all verified and as true as your daily courier posts. They just have my Victorian voice to tell them.
Meet 'Col Deedale'
"Col Deedale is Harry Facks' eager apprentice in exploring Halifax's rich history. As a newcomer to historical investigation, Col learns from Harry's vast knowledge while bringing his own fresh perspective to uncovering Halifax's past. Through Harry's guidance, Col is discovering the fascinating stories and hidden gems that make Halifax's history so unique."
"Good afternoon, history enthusiasts! Let me introduce you to one of the most remarkable figures in our Halifax historical adventures - my dear friend and mentor, Ian Garland!"
Adjusting my top hat with a warm smile
[The portrait above shows exactly the fellow I'm speaking of - quite unmistakable with his distinctive appearance!]
Standing rather stoutly and not particularly tall (though his knowledge reaches the highest heights!).
Despite his compact stature, Ian commands attention whenever he enters a room, rather like a learned hedgehog bustling with historical facts! He's always impeccably dressed in his trademark tweed jacket with those worn leather elbow patches, and that ever-present leather satchel bulging with historical documents.
You'll often find him at the Halifax Archives or Central Library, his round figure perched on a chair that seems just a tad too tall for him, completely absorbed in some fascinating historical document. He's our absolute authority on all things English history, particularly Yorkshire's rich past. The children - my Haley and Alfie - absolutely adore him, having dubbed him "Uncle England" (quite clever, considering his name, wouldn't you say?).
What makes Ian truly special isn't just his vast knowledge, but his ability to make history come alive for everyone. Whether he's explaining the intricacies of the Halifax Token Currency or sharing tales about Victorian childhood with my children, he has this magical way of making the past feel present.
Straightens cravat thoughtfully
You know, it's quite wonderful how Ian and I mirror each other's work - while I focus on bringing Halifax's rich history to life through HalifaxPeople, he does the same magnificent work for all of England through his website. It makes him an absolutely invaluable resource for connecting our local Halifax stories to the broader tapestry of English history!
portrait of Ian Garland
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