Exploring St. John the Divine: A Historic Gem in the Cliviger Valley

Tucked away in the scenic Cliviger valley, on the outskirts of Burnley, lies the beautiful and historic Church of St. John the Divine. This Grade II listed building is a testament to history, with a fascinating story that dates back to the 18th century, and even earlier.

A New Beginning on Ancient Ground

The current church was consecrated in 1794, but its history is much older. It stands on higher ground, a short distance from the site of an earlier, more rustic chapel that had served the community since the reign of King Henry VIII. When the original chapel became too dilapidated and small for the growing parish, it was demolished in 1788 to make way for the new structure. The new church, built in a simple classical style with squared sandstone, was largely funded by Dr. T. D. Whitaker, a local landowner and historian from the nearby Holme Hall.

Architectural Highlights and Hidden Treasures

The church's architecture is a striking departure from the more common Gothic style found in many English parishes. Its clean, classical lines, a pedimented entrance, and a bell turret topped with an octagonal cupola give it a unique and elegant character. But the real treasures are found both inside and out. The churchyard itself is a peaceful and beautiful space, with a winding path leading through a sea of old headstones and memorials.

One of the most notable features of the churchyard is the burial site of General Sir James Yorke Scarlett, the celebrated leader of the Charge of the Heavy Brigade during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. Despite his fame, Scarlett's grave is a humble memorial in this quiet corner of Lancashire. The church also houses remnants of its past, including a 16th-century oak pulpit and two intricately carved oak stalls with misericords, believed to have been moved here from the ruins of Whalley Abbey.

Another interesting detail is the large archway at the entrance, a lychgate, which stands as a welcoming portal to this historic site. Nearby, you'll find a war memorial in the shape of a cross, a poignant tribute to local lives lost in conflict. The church and its grounds are a peaceful place, where history, nature, and community intertwine, making it a compelling spot for a quiet stroll and a moment of reflection.

I took these pictures on the 23rd April 2016 with a Nikon d3300, clicking on any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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The Summit Tunnel Eastern Portal

 Today, I found myself at a place where history and engineering meet nature's wild beauty: the eastern portal of the Summit Tunnel, nestled just outside of Walsden. It’s a spot that, at first glance, is simply a picturesque railway cutting framed by lush greenery and the dramatic Pennine hills. But looking closer, and listening to the low rumble of a passing train, you can feel the weight of its incredible history.

The series of photos I captured tells a small story of this location. From the first glimpse of the tunnel's mouth hidden amongst the trees to the powerful sight of a train emerging from its darkness, and even a peek at the intricate brickwork of the portal itself. The images show a train heading towards the tunnel, and then moments later, another view captures a different train heading away from it. This constant movement is a testament to the tunnel's enduring legacy as a vital artery of the UK's railway network.

The Summit Tunnel is not just any old railway passage; it's a colossal piece of Victorian engineering. When it was opened in 1841, it was the longest railway tunnel in the world, stretching an incredible 2,885 yards (about 2.6 kilometers) beneath the Pennine hills. It was a groundbreaking achievement of its time, a key part of the Manchester and Leeds Railway that connected these two great industrial cities.

The construction itself was a monumental effort. Digging through solid rock and battling difficult geological conditions, the engineers and navvies of the era faced immense challenges. The tunnel was built with a series of vertical shafts to aid in the excavation, and the sheer scale of the work is hard to comprehend today.

Looking at the photo of the tunnel's brickwork, you can see the craftsmanship that has stood the test of time. The arches and the meticulously laid bricks are a silent monument to the people who built it. The railway lines themselves, shining in the daylight, lead the eye into the deep, dark mouth of the tunnel, a gateway to a different world.

Even today, as I stood on the bridge overlooking the tracks, the sight of a train disappearing into the tunnel or bursting out from it feels special. It’s a connection to the past, a link between the bustling cities and the serene countryside. This tunnel has seen the age of steam, the transition to diesel, and now modern trains continue to use it, carrying passengers and goods through the heart of the Pennines.

It's a reminder that beneath our feet and under our landscapes lie incredible feats of engineering that have shaped our country. The Summit Tunnel is more than just a route; it’s a living piece of history, a testament to human ingenuity, and a stunning landmark hidden in plain sight.

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November 2015: When the Calder Roared in Sowerby Bridge

The air in Sowerby Bridge felt different in November 2015. It was a time of unease, a prelude to a significant weather event that would forever be etched in the memories of those who lived there. These sepia-toned images, with their soft, melancholic feel, capture that moment of heightened tension, a time when the River Calder was not the familiar, tranquil waterway but a powerful, surging force.

Standing at Mearclough Bridge, the first thing that strikes you is the sheer volume and speed of the water. It's a churning, brown torrent, consuming its banks and threatening to reclaim the land it once sculpted. The normally visible riverbed is now a distant memory, and the water level has risen ominously high against the old mill building, its submerged windows like dark, gaping eyes. The sepia filter, far from diminishing the drama, adds a sense of timelessness, as if this isn't just a recent event but a recurring story in the valley's history. The leafless trees, with their stark, skeletal branches, seem to echo the stark reality of the rising water, a silent witness to the river's power.

Further upstream, at the Gas Works Bridge, the landscape presents a similar, unsettling picture. The river, viewed from the pedestrian bridge, fills the entire width of the valley. The usual calm flow has been replaced by a relentless, turbulent rush. In the distance, the iconic chimney on the hillside stands like a lonely sentinel, a silent observer of the unfolding drama. The sepia tone lends a painterly quality to the scene, highlighting the textures of the water and the silhouette of the trees against the grey, moody sky.

Looking towards the bridge itself, the images reveal the water lapping dangerously high against its stone arches. It’s a testament to the bridge's enduring strength and the skill of its builders that it stands firm against such pressure. The river, a character in its own right, is asserting its dominance, forcing us to remember that we are guests in its valley, and it is a powerful host.

These photographs are more than just records of a flood. They are a poignant reminder of the vulnerability and resilience of our communities. They speak of the raw power of nature and the way it can transform the familiar into something alien and threatening. They capture the quiet suspense of a town waiting, a community holding its breath before the events of December would truly test its mettle. These images, softened by time and the sepia filter, are a beautiful and haunting chronicle of a turbulent November in Sowerby Bridge.

I took these pictures on the 15th November 2015, approx. 6 weeks before the Calder Valley was devastated by flooding. They were taken with a Polaroid is2132 camera.

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Brighouse Basin: A Canal-Side Escape in West Yorkshire

The Calder and Hebble Navigation is a vital part of West Yorkshire's rich industrial history, but today, it's also a tranquil and picturesque escape. Nowhere is this more apparent than at Brighouse Basin, a peaceful hub of activity where history and modern-day leisure blend seamlessly.

Approaching the basin, the view opens up to a wide expanse of water, dotted with colourful narrowboats moored along the banks. The basin serves as a perfect base for canal boats, providing a sense of community and a home for those who live on the water. It’s a great place to stop and watch the world go by, as a small pleasure boat might putter its way into the open water, or a family of ducks drifts by in search of a snack.

Walking along the towpath towards the main stretch of the canal, you get a real sense of the waterway's character. The path is well-maintained and provides excellent views of the boats and the surrounding architecture. Old stone bridges span the water, their arches framing the canal as it disappears into the distance. The contrast between the industrial heritage buildings, like the old mill and the striking white silo, and the lush greenery of the trees and bushes is a unique sight.

The canal meanders right through the heart of Brighouse, offering a different perspective of the town. You can see people strolling along the opposite bank, enjoying the sunshine and the peaceful atmosphere. The canal here feels like a hidden gem, a green corridor that provides a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the town centre.

Further down the navigation, the canal continues its journey, passing under more bridges and past more moored boats. The architecture varies from traditional stone buildings to modern flats with balconies overlooking the water. It’s a place that caters to everyone—from the serious boater to the casual walker, or anyone simply looking for a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the view. The Calder and Hebble Navigation at Brighouse is more than just a waterway; it's a vibrant, living piece of history that invites you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of a canal-side life.

I took these pictures in August 2018 with a Nikon d3300, clicking on any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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A Journey to Lumbutts: History and Solitude on the Hilltop

Perched on a quiet hillside near Todmorden, West Yorkshire, Lumbutts Methodist Church is a place that feels deeply connected to its past. This charming stone building, with its gothic details and solemn air, stands as a testament to the community it once served and the history it continues to hold. The story of the church begins with a schism in the local Methodist society. In the 1830s, a serious disagreement, sparked by the controversial installation of an organ in a chapel in Leeds, caused a split. The dissenters, who were opposed to the use of organs in worship, withdrew from the nearby Methodist Society at Mankinholes. They decided to build their own place of worship, a new chapel at Lumbutts, which officially opened on July 9, 1837.

However, the current building is not the original. As the congregation prospered, the first chapel was demolished in 1877 and replaced with the larger, present-day structure, which included a school on the ground floor. This new building, designed by J. Horsfall of Todmorden, was constructed in the Gothic style with a hammer-dressed stone and ashlar dressings, giving it a distinctive and enduring look.

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The Old Lady of Lumbutts

Perhaps one of the most interesting pieces of the church's history is its organ, affectionately known as "The Old Lady of Lumbutts." This huge, century-old organ became a focal point for the community. In 1989, villagers rallied together, raising £11,500 to fund its renovation, ensuring that its powerful sound would continue to fill the chapel.

Despite these efforts, the church eventually fell victim to changing times and a dwindling congregation. It was closed in the late 2010s, and its future remains uncertain. However, there has been a recent proposal by the local Scout group, who have been using the grounds for activities, to take over the building. Their plan is to refurbish the Grade II listed building and bring it back to life as a community resource.

Walking through the churchyard, with its well-maintained burial plots, one can't help but feel a sense of peace. The gate to the church, with its intricate ironwork, opens to a space that feels both historic and hopeful. Lumbutts Methodist Church stands as a beautiful reminder of the powerful communities that built these chapels and the potential they still hold for the future.

I took these pictures with a Nikon d3300 on New Years Eve 2016. Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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A Stroll Through History: Exploring the Huddersfield Narrow Canal between Bridges 51 and 48

On a pleasant day, July 25th, 2020, I embarked on a delightful walk along a stretch of the historic Huddersfield Narrow Canal, traversing the picturesque route between bridges 51 and 48, between the charming villages of Marsden and Slaithwaite. With camera in hand, I captured a number of images, which can be seen below, each one telling a story of this fascinating waterway, in a monochromatic way.

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal is a true engineering marvel, a testament to the ingenuity of the Industrial Revolution. It's the highest canal in Britain, renowned for its challenging passage through the Pennines, including the famous Standedge Tunnel. Walking this section, you truly feel a connection to that rich history.

The path itself is a joy to navigate. Even on a summer's day, there's a sense of tranquillity as you follow the towpath alongside the water. The lush greenery on either side, with mature trees providing dappled shade, creates a serene atmosphere. You can see from some of the photos that parts of the towpath are well-maintained gravel, while others reveal the charming, traditional cobblestones, adding to the character of the walk. Even with a few puddles from recent rain, the path was easily walkable and added to the natural feel of the environment.

A highlight of this particular stretch is encountering the canal locks. I was fortunate enough to capture images of Lock 28E, 27E and Lock 26E. These grand structures, with their sturdy wooden gates and the mechanisms that control the water levels, are a constant reminder of the incredible effort it took to build and operate this canal. Seeing the lock numbers clearly marked, truly grounds you in the specific location along this vast network. It's easy to imagine the narrowboats of yesteryear patiently waiting their turn, carrying vital goods across the country.

Beyond the locks, the canal meanders through a landscape that seamlessly blends nature with remnants of human endeavour. The reflections of the trees in the calm water are particularly captivating, and the occasional glimpses of distant hills add to the scenic beauty. You can see the blend of open fields and densely wooded areas, providing a diverse visual experience.

This walk along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal offers more than just a pleasant ramble; it's an immersive journey into a significant piece of British heritage. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, I highly recommend exploring this captivating waterway. It's a truly rewarding experience, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and history that lie just a stone's throw away.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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