Britannia Buildings

Britannia Buildings is a former bank built in 1893 by E. W. Johnson of Southport for the Halifax and Huddersfield Banking Company. The building is constructed of ashlar and features Aberdeen granite columns. It showcases a giant Corinthian order that stands on a plinth and supports a richly decorated entablature and balustrade adorned with urns. At the outer ends, there are pilasters, and coupled columns at the center support a pediment that projects forward, featuring an enriched frieze and tympanum. The tympanum includes a cartouche, and at the top of the pediment is a large figure of Britannia. Below this, there is a three-light window with foliated consoles acting as mullions. The doorway has been altered but retains a modillioned pediment above it. The side panels are decorated with intricately carved coats of arms, with the Halifax coat of arms on the left. The building is prominently located at the head of Elland Bridge.