Plaque honours 'remarkable' Halifax businesswoman and philanthropist
Martha Crossley was key figure in establishing what would grow into Crossley’s Carpets, at one time the largest carpet manufacturer in the world.
Last updated 4th Aug 2026
A plaque honouring remarkable businesswoman and philanthropist Martha Crossley has been unveiled in Halifax.
Born Martha Turner in 1775, she rose from domestic service at the age of just 13 to become a key figure in establishing what would grow into Crossley’s Carpets, at one time the largest carpet manufacturer in the world.
Halifax Civic Trust has unveiled the new blue plaque commemorating “Martha Crossley (1775–1854)”, whose vision, determination and philanthropy helped shape both the industrial success of Halifax and the social legacy of the town.
The plaque, located at Mill House, Dean Clough, close to the birthplace of the Crossley carpet manufacturing enterprise, was unveiled by the Mayor of Calderdale, Coun Andrew Tagg, in the presence of David Glover, Vice-Chair of Halifax Civic Trust, and Simon Price, a descendant of the Crossley family.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Crossley family, other descendants of Martha and John Crossley, together with members of Halifax Civic Trust and invited guests, all celebrating the life of one of Halifax’s most remarkable yet often overlooked historical figures.
Guests were welcomed to the Crossley Gallery by Jeremy Hall, Managing Director of Dean Clough Ltd and President of Halifax Civic Trust, where they enjoyed refreshments before an informative illustrated presentation by David Glover, highlighting Martha Crossley’s extraordinary life and achievements.
The gathering then made its way to Mill House for the official unveiling by the Mayor.
Martha Crossley’s story is one of determination and enterprise, guests heard.
Far from remaining in the background, she played an active role in building the business, managing operations and working tirelessly alongside her husband, John Crossley.
Her diaries record her rising at four o’clock each morning to stitch carpets before breakfast, famously remarking: “I earned two shillings before breakfast before my neighbours were coming downstairs.”
Her influence extended well beyond business. Martha believed deeply that prosperity should benefit the wider community, expressing the principle that would become synonymous with the Crossley family’s generosity: “If the Lord does bless us at this place, the poor shall taste of it”, said the Trust.
This philosophy inspired generations of philanthropic work by the Crossley family, including the creation of People’s Park, support for Halifax Town Hall, the Crossley Almshouses and the Crossley Orphanage and School, now Crossley Heath School.
David Glover, Vice-Chair of Halifax Civic Trust, said: “Martha Crossley was far more than the wife of an industrialist.
“She was a remarkable businesswoman whose hard work, resilience and values helped establish one of Britain’s greatest manufacturing enterprises.
“Her vow to ensure the people of Halifax benefited from the prosperity of Dean Clough, would lead to the creation a philanthropic legacy through her sons, which helped transform Halifax and continues to benefit many today.
“It is only right that her contribution is finally recognised with a Halifax Civic Trust Blue Plaque at Dean Clough, where so much of that story began.”
Simon Price, three times great-grandson of Martha Crossley, said: “For many years, Martha’s story has been overshadowed despite the pivotal role she played in the creation of the Crossley business at Dean Clough and the values that defined our family’s philanthropic legacy.
“On behalf of the Crossley family, I would therefore like to thank Halifax Civic Trust for honouring her in this way.
“This plaque recognises not only an outstanding businesswoman, but also a woman whose belief that prosperity should benefit the wider community helped shape modern Halifax.
“We hope this plaque ensures that her remarkable story, and the example she set, will continue to inspire future generations.”
Halifax Civic Trust extends its sincere thanks to Simon Price a descendant of the Crossley family for supporting and funding the plaque.
As visitors pass Mill House in years to come, the new Blue Plaque will serve as a lasting reminder of a woman whose industry, compassion and foresight helped shape both Halifax and Britain’s industrial story, says the Trust.