Union Cross

Union Cross - 15 Market Street

Halifax's Union Cross Inn is the oldest pub in town, dating back to at least 1535.

It was originally named simply the 'Cross', for its position opposite the Market Cross. The 'Union' was added at the time of the Jacobite Rebellion.

The inn was the central coaching and packhorse halt in town. Local entertainment included cockfighting and maypole festivities. This caused religious leaders such as Oliver Heywood and John Wesley to despair. Wesley had to give up an attempt to preach from the steps of the Union Cross. On a different note, it is believed that Daniel Defoe wrote part of 'Robinson Crusoe' while staying at the inn.