Halifax blue plaque honours 18th Century pioneering businesswoman

Martha was a key figure in Crossley family's work

Transcript

00:00The Halifax Civic Trust has installed a blue plaque that honours Martha Crossley,

00:05the 18th century entrepreneur whose vision helped create the world-leading Crossley's Carpets at Dean Clough's Mill House.

00:13Calderdale Mayor Andrew Tagg led the ceremony,

00:16unveiling the plaque alongside Crossley descendants and representatives of Halifax Civic Trust at Dean Clough.

00:24Born Martha Turner in 1775, she began work at 13 and later helped expand the family carpet business,

00:31turning Crossley's into a global leader.

00:35Her belief that prosperity should aid the poor inspired Crossley family gifts like People's Park,

00:41Halifax Town Hall and the almshouses helping the town.