Discover Southowram: A Yorkshire Village with Deep Roots

Perched proudly on the hilltop between Halifax and Brighouse, the village of Southowram offers some of the best views in Calderdale. Sitting on the southern edge of the Shibden Valley, with its sister village Northowram across the way, Southowram is a place where history, community, and countryside charm meet.

A Glimpse into the Past

Southowram’s story stretches back centuries. Once a township in the ancient parish of Halifax, it became its own civil parish in 1866, during a period of growth and industrial change. Over the years, Southowram’s administrative ties have shifted, but its village identity has remained strong.

By the late 19th century, Southowram had its own urban district council, reflecting the area’s growing population and independence. Later, much of the village became part of Brighouse in 1937, before joining the wider Calderdale Metropolitan Borough in 1974. Today, Southowram is proudly part of Calderdale, represented within the Town Ward of Halifax.

A Changing Landscape

The face of the village has evolved over time. During the 1970s and 1980s, parts of Southowram’s centre were redeveloped, but the heart of the community and many of its historic features remain.

One of the most notable relics of the past is the ancient village stocks on Towngate, a reminder of bygone days. While some of the older buildings on New Street were replaced by council housing, much of Southowram retains its blend of old stone cottages, traditional halls, and newer homes, creating a mix of character and comfort that defines the village today.

Lost Halls and Farms

Like much of rural Yorkshire, Southowram has seen change. Several historic halls and working farms that survived into the mid-20th century have since disappeared, but their memory lives on in local stories and landmarks that continue to shape the area’s charm.

Today’s Southowram

Modern Southowram remains a tight-knit, welcoming community. With its mix of old and new housing, scenic countryside walks, and proximity to Halifax town centre, it offers the best of both worlds, peaceful village life with all the amenities of a modern town close by.