Unveiling the Hidden Arches: A Norland Perspective of Copley Viaduct

The Copley Viaduct, a stoic sentinel of stone and rail, is a familiar and imposing sight to many in the Calderdale valley. Its grand, rhythmic arches, usually captured and admired from the more accessible Copley side of the river, are a profound testament to the ambition and structural ingenuity of Victorian engineering. However, on a crisp 5th of November in 2016, armed with my trusty Nikon d3300, I embarked on a personal quest to unveil a lesser-seen, often-overlooked side of this magnificent structure – the view from the wilder, higher Norland embankment.

The Quest for a New Angle

My intention was born from a desire for a unique perspective. The viaduct, an integral part of the railway line stretching towards Halifax, is the longer and more impressive of the two major crossings in the area. Yet, the rugged Norland bank of the River Calder at this point is rarely photographed. I wanted to see it through fresh eyes, framed by the wild, untamed beauty of the western slope, capturing the interplay between the raw landscape and the man-made marvel.

The viaduct itself, a Grade II listed structure completed in 1852 for the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, is a marvel designed by the prominent engineer Sir John Hawkshaw. Its original purpose was to link Sowerby Bridge and Halifax more directly, bypassing the earlier, circuitous branch line. Its 21 to 23 arches (sources vary slightly) elegantly span the valley, crossing not just the River Calder, but also the historic Calder & Hebble Navigation and the Wakefield Road (A6026). This sheer scale and historical importance add immense weight and character to every stone.

An Unrecommended Ascent

The specific viewpoint I sought demanded an ascent. The climb up the embankment was, to put it mildly, a significant challenge. It was a steep, difficult scramble, weaving through thick undergrowth and navigating treacherous, uneven terrain. As I pushed upwards, my mind was half-expecting to encounter a formidable fence at the summit, a clear, sensible demarcation preventing access to the elevated, active railway line.

To my surprise, when I reached the top of the banking overlooking the line, there was no fence. While this offered an unobstructed view, it instantly reinforced the absolute necessity of extreme caution. I maintained a safe and sensible distance away from the active railway lines at all times. The brief moments at the top were only for two quick, carefully composed shots before I commenced the careful and difficult descent back down the banking.

I must stress this point strongly: I absolutely would not recommend anybody else attempt this climb. The risks involved, especially the proximity to a busy, active main railway line like the Calder Valley route, are far too high, and the terrain itself was unforgiving. Safety, around any railway infrastructure, must always be paramount.

The Rewards of the North Bank

The effort, for me, was justified by the images captured, which offer a rare glimpse into the hidden world beneath and beside the viaduct from this unique vantage point.

Looking up from the base of the embankment, the sheer scale of the viaduct becomes strikingly apparent. The imposing, semi circular arches, usually perceived as elegant distant features, now loom overhead, their weathered, rock-faced sandstone a massive canvas of time and history. They dwarf the surrounding trees and give a visceral sense of the colossal effort that went into their construction.

The scene, captured on an autumnal day, is framed by the skeletal trees, stripped bare by the approaching November chill. Their branches reach like gnarled, dark fingers towards the sky, creating natural, gothic frames for the stone arches. The low, crisp light of the day filters through the canopy and between the arches, creating pockets of illumination and deep shadow—a moody, almost ethereal atmosphere that hints at the industrial and natural secrets held within the valley.

The Norland side, less manicured and more rugged, provides a powerful contrast to the structure itself. It reminds you that this incredible piece of Victorian infrastructure was driven right through a landscape that did not easily surrender, a landscape still defined by the steep banks of the River Calder.

The images taken from the top of the embankment offer the true prize: an unprecedented, sweeping view along the length of the viaduct as it vanishes towards Halifax. This perspective, often monopolized by the distant Copley side, reveals the full, majestic sweep of the arches from a parallel, elevated angle—a fitting reward for a difficult photographic quest to see a familiar landmark with completely new eyes.

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The Enduring Arch: Why County Bridge is the Heart of Sowerby Bridge

Standing at the confluence of history, water, and industry in the Upper Calder Valley, County Bridge in Sowerby Bridge is more than just a means to cross a river—it is the very foundation and namesake of the town.

Inspired by the powerful collection of images that capture this pivotal spot, from the solid stone arch of the bridge itself to the converging torrents of the River Calder and the River Ryburn, and the soaring architecture of the railway viaduct, we explore the deep significance of this Yorkshire landmark.

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A Name Etched in Stone: The County Bridge

Sowerby Bridge owes its name entirely to this crossing point. Long before the bustling industrial town we know today, the original settlement, Sowerby, clung to the hillside to the west. As trade and life began to spill into the valley floor, a bridge was essential.

First referenced as early as 1314, with a stone structure mentioned by 1517, the County Bridge was the vital link. It was the commercial artery that allowed traders to cross the powerful River Calder, connecting the historic hilltop communities with the burgeoning valley settlement. This bridge was the seed from which the modern town grew, making it the oldest and most fundamental piece of infrastructure in Sowerby Bridge. Its sturdy, soot-darkened stone is a testament to centuries of relentless traffic, floods, and the sheer grit of the West Riding.

The Lifeblood: Where Two Rivers Meet

The County Bridge stands directly at a geographical and historical nexus: the meeting point of the River Calder and the River Ryburn.

The confluence here speaks to the immense natural power that shaped the town. These waters were the lifeblood of the Industrial Revolution. The steep gradients of the valleys and the consistent flow of the rivers provided the power to turn the wheels of the textile mills that defined Calderdale’s prosperity.

• The Ryburn, flowing down from the hills of Rishworth and Ripponden, brings the energy of the uplands.

• The Calder, a wider, grander river, continues its journey eastwards through the valley towards Elland and Wakefield.

The marriage of these two rivers at the bridge was the key to Sowerby Bridge becoming a commercial centre, supporting not only water-powered mills but also the complex network of canals that soon followed.

The Age of Iron: The Sowerby Bridge Viaduct

Look beyond the bridge, and your eye is instantly drawn to the monumental Sowerby Bridge Railway Viaduct, a magnificent counterpoint to the medieval stone arch.

The viaduct represents the next, even faster, age of industry. Opened in the mid-19th century, this Victorian engineering marvel of stone and steel sliced through the valley, bringing the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway to the town.

This colossal structure, with its rhythmic arches, overshadows the County Bridge, symbolising the moment the railway superseded the rivers and canals as the primary mover of goods and people. The contrast between the squat, centuries-old County Bridge and the soaring, dramatic lines of the viaduct perfectly encapsulates Sowerby Bridge: a town built in layers of ambition, from the packhorse trails to the steam engine.

A Glimpse of Local Life

The photographs of the bridge often capture fragments of the local businesses that grew up around this central hub. A striking image referencing T Whittaker, Warley, County Bridge gives us a personal connection to the commerce that thrived here.

Warley was one of the historic townships that fed into the development of Sowerby Bridge. The mention of a local name like Whittaker connected to Warley and the bridge reminds us that this was not just a place of grand industrial schemes, but a community built by families, tradesmen, and local entrepreneurs. Every stone of the bridge, every ripple in the river, has witnessed the daily transactions and lives of the people who worked and lived by its banks.

A Timeless View

The story of County Bridge is the story of Sowerby Bridge itself: a tale of necessity, industry, and the power of location. It is a place where three defining features of the landscape—the two powerful rivers and the ancient crossing—converge with the ambition of the railway age.

Next time you cross this modest but mighty bridge, pause to appreciate its significance. You are standing on the very piece of Yorkshire ground that gave a town its purpose, connecting the past to the present and reminding us that at the heart of every great industrial town is a simple, enduring arch of stone.

The images were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 3rd May 2025, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Where Beer Met Education: Unpacking the History and Transformation of The Maltings, Halifax

Standing proudly on the outskirts of Halifax, amidst a landscape defined by Yorkshire's industrial past and rolling green hills, is a striking stone building that tells a fascinating story of change: The Maltings.

Your photographs perfectly capture the imposing scale and rugged beauty of this structure, revealing its deep roots in the region's brewing tradition while hinting at its modern, revitalised purpose. Far from being a relic, The Maltings is a living example of how Halifax breathes new life into its magnificent heritage architecture.

From Grain to Greatness: A Century of Brewing

To appreciate The Maltings today, we must journey back to its origins. This magnificent building was erected around 1900 as the maltings facility for the nearby Fountainhead Brewery, home to the famous Samuel Webster & Sons.

Maltings buildings were crucial components of any large brewery. This is where the barley, the heart of the beer, was prepared through the complex process of malting—steeping, germinating, and drying the grain to produce the sugars necessary for brewing. The sheer size and distinct, multi-level architecture of The Maltings reflect this industrial process:

• The Architecture: The building is a superb example of large-scale, late-Victorian industrial architecture. Constructed from local, finely grained York stone with a steeply pitched Westmorland slate roof, it was built to last. The height and generous windows, visible in the images, were designed to manage the critical temperature and ventilation needed for germinating the barley.

• A Landscape Landmark: Situated on Maltings Road in the Ovenden Wood area, the structure was built to dominate the landscape. Even today, long-ranging views across the valley show the building's importance, a silent monument to the commercial power of the Halifax brewing industry at the turn of the 20th century.

Webster's was a dominant force, building up a portfolio of over 100 tied public houses by the 1880s and becoming known for its iconic brands like Green Label and Pennine Bitter. The Maltings was thus a powerhouse of the regional economy.

A Sympathetic Second Act

By the late 20th century, the brewing industry had consolidated, and the Fountainhead Brewery complex faced an uncertain future. Crucially, the main maltings building was listed as a Grade II Listed Building in 1990, securing its architectural future.

In a remarkable act of preservation and redevelopment, The Maltings was sympathetically restored and converted into commercial office space as part of a multi-million-pound project in the late 1980s. This conversion was so successful that it was recognised with a European Heritage Award (Diploma) in 1991, an accolade that speaks volumes about the quality of the restoration work, which involved:

• Restoring the original York stone exterior.

• Replacing 1930s metal windows with new, traditionally styled hardwood units.

• Internally restructuring the floors to maximise natural light while retaining the raw, industrial character of the space—a perfect blend of heritage and contemporary functionality.

The Modern Maltings: A Hub of Education

Today, The Maltings has found its most inspiring purpose yet: as a central hub for Trinity Multi-Academy Trust (MAT).

It now serves as the group’s main offices, housing the administration and supporting education initiatives across the region. This is a wonderfully poetic transformation: a building once dedicated to producing the raw material for a commercial beverage is now dedicated to cultivating the minds of the next generation. The imposing structure, which once held vast stores of barley, now houses the strategic core of a major educational group.

The presence of the Trinity Institute of Education at The Maltings continues its legacy as a site of production—not of beer, but of knowledge and opportunity. When you look at its robust stone walls and towering form today, you see more than just an old brewery building; you see the enduring spirit of Yorkshire's innovation, repurposed for the 21st century.

It stands as a perfect symbol of Halifax: a town proud of its magnificent past, but always looking forward.

I took these pictures with a Nikon d3300 on the 11th July 2020, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Along the River Calder: Exploring the Natural Heart of Copley, West Yorkshire

Hidden between the rolling Pennine hills and the industrial echoes of West Yorkshire lies Copley, a quiet village that sits gracefully on the banks of the River Calder. It’s a place where history and nature blend seamlessly — where the hum of the river tells stories older than the mills that once lined its shores.

The photographs captured here, taken on a crisp autumn day with a Nikon D3300, reveal the enduring beauty of this landscape — from tranquil woodland paths to the whispering flow of the Calder itself.

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The River Calder: A Flowing Thread Through Time

The River Calder has long been the lifeblood of this part of Yorkshire. Rising in the moorlands above Todmorden, it winds through the Calder Valley, shaping towns like Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge, and Elland before merging with the Aire near Castleford.

At Copley, the Calder feels more intimate — a working river that still breathes life into its surroundings. The calm flow is occasionally broken by weirs and gentle rapids, the water folding softly over a man-made lip, framed by overhanging willows and weathered stone.

Here, it’s easy to imagine the centuries of industry and resilience tied to this river — once powering textile mills, now nurturing wildlife and quiet reflection.

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Woodland Walks and Hidden Corners

Venture a little further from the riverbank and Copley reveals another side of its charm: its woodlands.

In the dappled light of late afternoon, the forest floor becomes a patchwork of ochre leaves and deep greens. Paths twist and wind through the trees, occasionally opening onto sunlit clearings where moss and ivy have reclaimed forgotten stones. The smell of damp earth and river air lingers — a sensory reminder of West Yorkshire’s living landscape.

These woods are not untouched wilderness; they are semi-ancient, shaped by centuries of local life. Yet they feel timeless. Birds dart through the canopy, and the rustle of small animals animates the undergrowth. It’s the kind of place that rewards quiet walkers and patient photographers alike.

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The Weeping Willow: A Sentinel of Serenity

One of Copley’s most striking natural features stands near the riverside — a magnificent weeping willow, its trailing branches brushing the ground like a green curtain. Beneath its canopy, the world seems to slow. The willow has long been a symbol of renewal and endurance, its roots reaching deep into the soft riverside soil.

Captured beneath a sky of broken clouds, this tree becomes a focal point of stillness — a reminder of how nature flourishes even in the shadow of history.

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Glimpses of Heritage: The Tower on the Hill

Look up through the trees from the open meadows, and you might spot the Wainhouse Tower, standing proudly on the opposite hillside.

Originally built in the 19th century as an industrial chimney (and later repurposed as an ornate folly), it’s one of Calderdale’s most recognisable landmarks. From Copley’s fields, it rises above the tree line like a sentinel of the valley — a connection between the industrial heritage and the natural beauty that defines this region.

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A River Path for the Soul

Walking the riverside path at Copley feels like tracing a living history — each bend in the river, each cluster of trees, each ripple in the current tells a story.

You can follow the path as it winds alongside the water, past ducks paddling in the shallows and the occasional heron standing motionless on a sandbank. On quiet mornings, the air is filled only with birdsong and the gentle murmur of the Calder.

In these moments, Copley reveals itself as more than a village — it’s a microcosm of the Yorkshire landscape: green, enduring, and deeply rooted in the rhythms of water and time.

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Why Copley Captivates

Copley might not make the headlines like its neighbouring towns, but for those who take the time to explore, it offers something far richer — authenticity.

It’s a place that reminds you that beauty doesn’t always need grandeur. Sometimes, it’s found in the glint of sunlight on moving water, in the hush of the woods, or in the silhouette of a distant tower framed by trees.

For photographers, writers, and wanderers alike, the banks of the River Calder at Copley are a reminder that West Yorkshire’s quiet corners still hold endless inspiration — places where the past whispers, the river flows, and nature writes its own story.

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Discovering Holmes Park, Luddendenfoot: A Haven of History and Greenery

Nestled in the heart of the Calder Valley, Holmes Park in Luddendenfoot is one of those quiet treasures that beautifully blend history, community spirit, and natural charm. On a clear day, the park is alive with the sounds of children playing, birdsong from the surrounding woodland, and the gentle hum of the nearby River Calder. It’s a place that reflects the enduring character of this proud Yorkshire village.

A Green Escape

Holmes Park offers a peaceful retreat with its wide grassy areas, mature trees, and well-kept paths that invite you to stroll and take in the scenery. The playground and sheltered picnic spots make it a welcoming space for families, while the surrounding hills frame the park with an unmistakably Calderdale feel.

At its heart stands a small pavilion, its moss-covered roof a reminder of time’s passage. It provides a shaded place to rest and watch the life of the park unfold. Whether you’re walking the dog, enjoying a morning jog, or simply pausing to admire the landscape, Holmes Park has a timeless quality that captures the essence of village life.

The Crossfield Fountain

One of the park’s most distinctive landmarks is the Crossfield Fountain, a small but elegant stone structure standing on a raised plinth. It bears the name J.W. Crossfield, dated July 1914 — a poignant reminder of an era when the world was on the brink of great change.

The fountain’s design, with its four pillars and domed top, is classically inspired, and although it no longer flows with water, it remains a symbol of the community’s heritage. It was likely erected as a public drinking fountain or commemorative feature, offering refreshment and reflection to generations past and present.

Luddendenfoot War Memorial

A short walk deeper into the park brings you to a more solemn but deeply important feature — the Luddendenfoot War Memorial. This dignified stone obelisk, surrounded by plaques set into a low wall, honours the brave men of Luddendenfoot who gave their lives in service during the First and Second World Wars.

The inscription reads:

“In memory of Luddenden Foot men who gave their lives for their country in the Great War 1914–1918, and in later wars for peace and freedom.”

Each November, this spot becomes the focus of remembrance as wreaths of red poppies are laid at its base — a moving tribute that connects the present generation with those who came before. The memorial’s setting within the tranquil park makes it a fitting place for contemplation and gratitude.

A Place of Community and Continuity

Holmes Park is more than just a green space — it’s a living piece of Luddendenfoot’s story. From the laughter in the playground to the respectful silence around the war memorial, every corner tells part of the tale of this close-knit Yorkshire community.

As the seasons change, the park transforms — spring brings fresh growth and colour, summer offers light and shade, autumn cloaks the trees in gold, and even in winter, the quiet beauty remains.

For locals and visitors alike, Holmes Park, Luddendenfoot stands as a reminder that heritage and everyday life can coexist gracefully — a place to remember, to relax, and to reconnect.

The pictures were taken on the 27th February 2019 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

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Sowerby Bridge Railway Station: A Gateway Through Time

Tucked into the heart of the Calder Valley, Sowerby Bridge railway station is more than just a stop along the line—it’s a beautifully preserved piece of industrial history that continues to serve the community today. Opened in 1876 by the Manchester and Leeds Railway, to replace the earlier 1840 station, this station has witnessed the evolution of West Yorkshire’s transport network, from the age of steam to the modern Northern Rail services that still call here daily.

The Jubilee Refreshment Rooms – A Taste of the Past

The first image captures the charming Jubilee Refreshment Rooms, a rare surviving example of Victorian railway hospitality. Originally opened in the late 19th century, the building was once a bustling rest stop for travellers and railway staff alike, offering tea, coffee, and light refreshments to those journeying through the valley.

After years of neglect and near demolition, the structure was lovingly restored and reopened in 2009, reviving its role as a welcoming hub for passengers. Today, the building continues to echo with history—its brickwork, chimney stacks, and sash windows all whispering stories from the golden age of rail.

The Support Arches – Engineering with Purpose

The second image highlights a series of impressive brick support arches underneath the station, remnants of the engineering ingenuity that defined the railway age. These arches form part of the elevated sections that once supported sidings and goods facilities, essential for handling coal, textiles, and other cargo central to Sowerby Bridge’s industrial economy.

Beyond their functional strength, the arches demonstrate the Victorian engineers’ mastery of form and utility. Their curved design distributes weight evenly, allowing heavy locomotives and loads to pass safely above while enduring the test of time and weather. In recent decades, they’ve stood as silent witnesses to change—part of the enduring industrial landscape that defines this corner of Yorkshire.

A Living Heritage

Sowerby Bridge station remains a working reminder of Britain’s railway heritage. With the restored refreshment rooms, the solid arches, and the echoes of steam still lingering in the air, it connects past and present in a way few modern stations can. Whether you’re arriving for a scenic walk along the Calder or simply watching the trains pass by, there’s a sense that history is always just around the corner.

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The Legacy of Stone: A Look at St Mary's Church, Cottonstones

Tucked away in the beautiful, hilly landscape of West Yorkshire, St Mary's Church, Cottonstones stands as a proud landmark, overlooking the surrounding valley and hillsides. It's a place steeped in local history, particularly tied to the industrial heritage of the area, and serves as a quiet witness to the generations that have called Cottonstones and Mill Bank home.

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A Gift to the Workers

The history of St Mary's is rooted in a significant act of philanthropy during the 19th century. The church was officially opened in 1848. Its establishment was made possible by the Hadwin Family, who gifted the church to the workers of Cottonstones, Mill Bank, and Soyland. This donation underscores the close relationship between the prosperous local families and the communities they employed during the height of the area's textile industry.

The church's prominent position in the landscape is a testament to its importance to the surrounding villages, a spiritual anchor visible from afar.

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Architectural and Parish Facts

St Mary's Church, Cottonstones, is a Grade II listed building. It boasts a relatively intimate size, with a seating capacity for approximately 80 people.

In more recent history, the church joined a larger community of churches in May 2013 when it became part of the Ryburn Benefice. This new "family of churches" includes St. Luke's Norland and St. Peter's Sowerby, working together to serve the parishes of Norland and Sowerby with Cottonstones.

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A Community of Remembrance

The church and its grounds are a repository of local memory. Inside the church, a bronze plaque serves as a memorial to the men from the parish who were killed during the First World War. This memorial, located to the left of the chancel arch behind the pulpit, bears the names of 23 men, including one with the surname Hadwen. This is another powerful link between the founding family and the community they helped establish.

St Mary's also maintains strong ties to the local community through its relationship with the nearby Church of England school. The children visit the church for key events during the school year, such as Easter and the Leavers' Celebrations, continuing the tradition of St Mary's as a central part of village life.

As a structure that has stood for over 175 years, the church offers a charming and peaceful atmosphere, which is a popular draw for special occasions, such as weddings. It's a true piece of West Yorkshire's history, quietly serving its community through the centuries.

I took these pictures in February 2014 with a Polaroid is2132, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.