Riding the Rails of History on the Blackpool Tramway

The British seaside is a place steeped in nostalgia, fish and chips, and the unmistakable scent of salt air. But in Blackpool, this classic coastal experience is elevated by a living piece of history: the iconic Blackpool Tramway. These two photos, taken on a beautiful summer's day in July 2018, perfectly encapsulate why this tram system is a national treasure.

A Legacy on Wheels

The Blackpool Tramway holds a distinction that few other transport systems in the world can claim. Opening in 1885, it is one of the oldest electric tramways in the world and remains the only operational first-generation tramway in the United Kingdom.

The beautiful double-decker trams featured in these images are not just tourist attractions; they are a direct link to the golden age of British seaside holidays.

The Star of the Show: The Green and Cream Double-Decker

The stunning tram visible in both photos, with its rich green lower deck and creamy-yellow upper half, is an unmistakable heritage tram. This livery and design instantly evoke the mid-20th century.

In this first picture, the tram dominates the frame, showcasing its magnificent design against a backdrop of classic seaside architecture—a red-fronted arcade and various shops, with the overhead wiring crisscrossing the summer sky. The text on the side, "BLACKPOOL TRANSPORT ILLUMINATION," suggests this tram is ready to participate in the legendary Blackpool Illuminations, a seasonal light festival that requires the very best of the heritage fleet.

The second picture offers a wider vista, capturing two heritage trams side-by-side near a curve in the track and the open expanse of the seaside. The juxtaposition of the historic vehicles against the contemporary street furniture and the brilliant blue sky over the sea highlights their enduring appeal.

The Atmosphere: July in Blackpool

These photos perfectly capture the quintessential feeling of a summer's day on the Fylde Coast:

1. The Coastal Light: The bright, slightly diffuse light suggests a day with a mix of sun and clouds—perfect weather for a seafront stroll or a tram ride. The shadows are sharp, emphasizing the geometry of the trams and the tracks.

2. The Environment: The tracks run parallel to the coast, with a strip of dry, coastal grass and gravel visible in the foreground of the first image, contrasting with the wide, modern pavement and the sea beyond in the second.

3. A Blend of Eras: Blackpool today features a mix of high-tech Bombardier Flexity2 trams (introduced in 2012) and the preserved Heritage Fleet you photographed. This dual system offers passengers the choice between a modern, smooth journey and a historic, rattling ride—a choice between efficiency and experience.

Why This Tramway Matters

The continued operation of the heritage fleet is a testament to dedication. Since 2012, the main line has been upgraded, but a selection of the older trams, like the ones captured, are maintained for special services, particularly during holidays and the Illuminations season.

Riding one of these historic vehicles is more than just transportation; it's a sensory experience:

• The whine of the electric motor as it starts up.

• The clatter and sway of the carriage on the rails.

• The unique vantage point of the upper deck, offering unparalleled views of the Promenade, the Piers, and the Irish Sea.

These photographs freeze a moment in time: a classic Blackpool summer, where history rolls right alongside the modern world, inviting all who visit to hop aboard and experience a truly timeless trip.

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Best Wishes, from Muriel: A Snapshot of 1930s Affection

This beautiful, sepia-toned postcard is more than just a greeting; it’s a tiny time capsule of friendship, dogs, and the golden age of the picture postcard. Here is a look at the history and charm behind this postcard find.

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The Stars of the Show: A Cairn and a Spaniel

The front of the postcard features a delightful image of two beloved dog breeds posed outdoors among the heather or rough terrain:

• The Westie/Cairn Terrier: On the left is a shaggy, charismatic terrier. While often simply labelled "Westie" (West Highland White Terrier), the slightly darker, shaggier coat suggests it may be a Cairn Terrier, a close cousin that was also hugely popular in the UK during the 1920s and 30s.

• The Springer Spaniel: On the right is a gorgeous black and white Spaniel, likely an English Springer Spaniel or Cocker Spaniel, known for its soulful eyes and friendly demeaner.

The use of "Real Photograph" is key. Postcards of this era were often produced by literally printing the image onto photographic paper, giving them a much higher quality, depth, and permanence than lithographed cards. This suggests the publisher considered it a premium card.

The Verse

The lovely script on the right side contains a classic, sentimental greeting for a birthday, using the formal term "Natal Day":

This bears a hearty greeting,

A message, just to say,

I wish you many glad returns,

On this your Natal Day.

Best Wishes

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Unlocking the History: The Publisher and Date

The details on the back of the card provide crucial clues:

Detail	Insight
W.B.L. "Academy" Series, London, E.C.2.	This identifies the publisher as W.B.L. (likely W.B. Lowe or a similar firm) and the series name "Academy." E.C.2 (Eastern Central 2) is a London postal district.
"PRINTED IN ENGLAND"	Confirms the origin of the card's printing.
"THIS IS A REAL PHOTOGRAPH"	Reinforces the quality and format of the postcard.
Card Number (Front lower right): 4710/3	This specific number helps collectors identify the image, suggesting it was part of a large catalogue.
Style of Card	The split back (separate spaces for communication and address) was standard for British postcards after 1902. However, the style, subject matter (sentimental animal photos), and the specific "Academy" series point strongly to the 1930s. Other similar cards from this series are also commonly dated to that decade.

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🖋️ The Personal Message: A Glimpse of "Muriel"

The handwritten message is perhaps the most charming part of this collectible:

"Best Wishes, from your loving friend Muriel"

The handwriting is a neat, looping cursive, typical of the era.

And what about the collection of "Xs" at the bottom? These are almost certainly kisses or hugs—a common and endearing way to end a personal message between friends or family members on a card. Muriel clearly had a lot of affection for the recipient!

The fact that the card was left unposted and unstamped indicates that Muriel either delivered it by hand or enclosed it inside a sealed envelope. Since the card's purpose was to be a birthday greeting ("Natal Day"), it suggests a close friendship where a personal delivery was possible.

This postcard is a lovely example of the early 20th-century trend of sending high-quality, sentimental "real photograph" cards, capturing a moment of warm human (and canine) connection from the 1930s.

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An August Evening in the Pennines: Where Moorland Meets Motorway at Scammonden

Date: August 4th, 2018 Location: Scammonden, West Yorkshire

The Yorkshire Pennines, with their sweeping moorlands and dramatic valleys, hold a timeless quality. Yet, there’s one spot where the ancient landscape collides spectacularly with modern human ingenuity: Scammonden. Looking back at the photographs I captured on an early August evening in 2018, the unique character of this location—a crossroads of history, engineering, and stunning nature—is vividly apparent.

The Scenery: Golden Hour on the Moor

• The Light: The sun, low in the sky, bathes the scene in a warm, amber glow. On a summer evening, particularly following what was a famously hot summer in 2018, this light is intensely beautiful, bringing out the deep, earthy tones of the heather and rough grasses that cover the hills.

• The Landscape: You can sense the vastness of the exposed Pennine moorland—a land shaped by centuries of wind and rain. The slopes look rugged yet inviting, a perfect place for quiet reflection as the day cools down.

This area, high up on the backbone of England, offers a breath taking sense of isolation, a characteristic that makes its juxtaposition with the nearby motorway all the more striking.

The Modern Marvel: The M62 at Scammonden Dam

The M62, the vital trans-Pennine route, here performs one of its most impressive feats. Instead of a conventional bridge, the motorway runs along the crest of a massive structure known as the Scammonden Dam, which impounds the water to form Scammonden Reservoir (or Scammonden Water).

• A World-Class Design: Completed in the early 1970s, this dam was the first in the world to carry a motorway along its crest, and remains the only one of its kind in Britain. It's a spectacular example of multi-purpose civil engineering, solving the problems of both crossing a deep valley and providing a much-needed water supply for Huddersfield.

• The Viewpoint: Your pictures clearly show the elevated position of the motorway, giving an incredible vantage point for drivers and observers alike. The sheer scale of the cutting and the embankment is immense—a lasting monument to the ambition of the mid-20th-century road builders.

The faint streams of traffic in the images—perhaps captured with a slightly longer exposure as the light faded—represent the ceaseless flow of commerce and life connecting the East and West of the country, all happening atop this silent, earth-filled wall.

The Companion Reservoir: Booth Wood

• Booth Wood's Role: Lying just north of the M62 and Scammonden, Booth Wood Reservoir is another important feature in this water-rich landscape, supplying water to Wakefield. Like its larger neighbour, it was completed around the same time, in 1971.

• A Complex Water System: Looking out over Booth Wood, you get a sense of the complex network of reservoirs in this area, catching the water from the high moors and channelling it down to the towns and cities of West Yorkshire. It's a reminder that this scenic expanse is also a crucial utility landscape, quietly sustaining the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

A Village Beneath the Water

Perhaps the most fascinating detail of all lies beneath the surface of Scammonden Water. The reservoir's creation required a significant sacrifice: the valley floor was once home to the small village of Deanhead.

When the valley was flooded, most of the village's structures were demolished. However, the old Deanhead Church was spared and converted into what is now the local sailing club headquarters, sitting on the reservoir's edge—a tangible connection to the community that was displaced. Imagine the history held within the silent water, with the roar of the M62 overhead creating a truly unique historical contrast.

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Scammonden is more than just a stop-off; it is a profound location that tells a story of:

• Natural Beauty: The enduring wildness of the Pennines.

• Human Endeavor: The audacity and scale of its civil engineering.

• Lost History: The ghost of the village that sleeps beneath the dam.

Your photos from that August evening perfectly capture this three-part harmony. It's a place that commands attention, making you pause and appreciate the layers of life, nature, and engineering piled one atop the other.

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Venice After Dark: A Photo Journey Through the Ethereal Floating City

The Floating City is famous for its bright summer sun and crowded piazzas, but to truly feel Venice, you must meet her at night, in the crisp air of late autumn. These photos, taken on November 1st, 2018, with my Nikon D3300, capture that elusive, quiet magic—a city of stone and water, transformed by the theatrical glow of lamplight.

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Twilight on the Grand Canal

November in Venice offers a different experience than the peak tourist season, with fewer crowds and the chance to appreciate the city's historical architecture in a more intimate setting. While the temperatures were cool, the air was clear, creating perfect conditions for reflections on the water.

In the first two images, the Grand Canal is an inky mirror, doubling the golden light spilling from the grand palaces . The rows of gondolas, usually bustling with daytime activity, are now moored, their sleek, dark forms waiting patiently beneath their blue covers. The glow highlights the stately, arched windows of the surrounding buildings, hinting at centuries of life and history behind those Venetian facades.

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San Marco's Basin at Dusk

As twilight deepens, the lagoon reveals some of Venice's most iconic landmarks, beautifully framed by a dramatic, cloud-strewn sky.

The most striking view is the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, a breathtaking Baroque masterpiece . Built as a votive offering after the devastating plague of 1630, the church's massive central dome and volutes stand prominently where the Grand Canal meets the San Marco Basin. Its construction began in 1631/32 and was consecrated in 1687. This magnificent structure is still the focus of the annual Festa della Salute on November 21st, when a temporary bridge is built across the Grand Canal to commemorate the city’s deliverance from the plague.

Further along the waterfront, the view across the basin captures the bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore rising from its own island, a classic Venetian vista that becomes even more serene under the blue wash of evening .

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Bridges and Back Alleys

Away from the Grand Canal, the magic continues in the intimate, smaller squares and alleyways. The stillness of November nights allows you to fully absorb the architectural details.

• Ponte della Paglia: This famous stone bridge, which has its current structure dating from 1847, offers an incredible view of the adjacent Doge's Palace . Its name is thought to come from the boats that would moor nearby to unload straw (paglia).

• Campo San Giacomo di Rialto: Here, the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto (known as San Giacometto) stands illuminated. Believed by tradition to be the oldest church in Venice (built in 421 AD), it is notable for the large, 15th-century clock on its façade and the original Gothic portico.

• The Narrow Streets: The warmth of interior light pours from shops and apartments onto the slick cobblestones of the Calli and Campi . In Calle della Madonna or Campo San Gallo, people gather, their silhouettes absorbing the golden glow, giving the ancient city a pulse of modern life. 

Venice in November is a city of quiet reflection and stunning contrast, where the dark skies make the man-made light feel all the more precious. If you ever visit the Serenissima, trade the summer sun for a late autumn night—you'll see a side of Venice few ever truly experience.

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A Seaside Secret: Decoding a Vintage Postcard from Blackgang Chine

The humble postcard—a fleeting communication, often dashed off in a moment of seaside delight—is a treasure trove of historical snapshots. Today, we're holding one such treasure: a vintage card featuring the dramatic cliffs of Blackgang Chine on the Isle of Wight, paired with a charming, personal message.

Let's dive in and see what secrets this century-old correspondence holds.

Part I: The Postmark & Dating the Card

To get a precise date, we can analyse the stamp and the faint postmark details:

1. The Stamp

The stamp is a King George V Halfpenny green definitive stamp. This particular design, featuring the King's profile, was in use for a long period, but the 'Halfpenny' value places it generally within the years where that rate was standard for postcards. The design shown, often referred to as the 'George V Head', was first issued around 1912.

2. The Postmark

The visible part of the postmark clearly shows "TUNBRIDGE WELLS" (or possibly "TUNBRIDGE W[ells]") and a date that includes "NOV" and a visible "2" in the year slot (though this is less certain). The stamp itself has a faint cancellation mark showing a date of "NOV 2 19[xx]".

Considering the style of the script, the postcard format, and the King George V stamp, a likely window for this card is the 1910s or 1920s. Given that the postcard is often a brief holiday note, the "NOV 2" date suggests it was mailed after a visit, perhaps a late autumn break or a trip related to the writer's work.

Part II: The Image – Blackgang Chine

Blackgang Chine is famous as the UK's oldest amusement park, established in 1843. However, the photograph here focuses on the natural drama of the chine (a steep coastal ravine).

The image shows a wild, rugged landscape with clear, dramatic erosion of the soft sandstone and clay cliffs. Note the stepped pathways and wooden railings snaking up the slope. This is typical of Blackgang Chine's early appeal, where visitors were drawn not by dinosaurs and theme rides, but by the sheer, imposing geology and the Victorian fascination with the sublime and sometimes dangerous coastline. The chine is notoriously prone to landslips, and this picture perfectly captures its imposing and ever-changing nature.

Part III: Decoding the Message

The message, addressed to "Dear Mum" (or perhaps "Dear Nunn", though "Mum" is more likely for the time), reveals a fascinating personal story:

• The Writer's Location: The writer is clearly away from home and is posting the card from Tunbridge Wells.

• A "Busman's Holiday"? The key phrase is, "I have been playing in the Band at a large Hospital and had a lovely time." This suggests the writer is a musician who may have travelled to Tunbridge Wells to perform for the patients at a large military or convalescent hospital. The use of "lovely time" indicates a positive experience despite the context of a hospital.

• The Missing Man: The writer mentions not having seen a friend or relative named "Harry" yet. The reason for this delay is intriguing: "He has been up to see me in a bit of a rush and was got in so he must wait till I have time to run up and see him again." This is a little unclear but likely means Harry was busy, perhaps with his own duties or work, and the writer was busy with the band, forcing a delay in their meeting.

• The Recipient: The card is addressed to:

  • Mrs Tanner

  • 62A London Rd

  • W Croydon, Surrey

The detail of "62A" is important, as it suggests the Tanners may have lived in a specific flat or a property divided for multiple occupancy, a detail that could allow a genealogist to precisely locate the family.

The Conclusion: A Glimpse of Sacrifice

This postcard, despite its brief nature, paints a vivid picture. It captures a moment of respite and personal connection during a time likely marked by collective sacrifice. If this card dates to the 1914–1918 (WWI) period, the "large Hospital" could very well have been a military hospital or convalescent home treating wounded servicemen, making the band's performance an act of patriotic morale boosting. The sender's cheerful tone about having a "lovely time" is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the era.

This little card, though traveling only from Kent to Surrey, carries the echoes of a dramatic Isle of Wight coastline and a touching moment of service.

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The Enigmatic Gate: Unlocking a 35mm Mystery

Every slide in an old collection holds a secret, a moment frozen in time. But what happens when the label is blank? What if all you have is the image itself? That's the captivating challenge presented by this latest 35mm find: a striking photograph of a crumbling stone gatehouse.

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The Image: A Study in Time and Texture

Look closely at the picture. What strikes you first?

The structure is clearly a ruin, yet it retains a powerful, imposing presence. We're looking at a massive stone gatehouse, likely medieval or earlier, with a large, beautiful pointed archway that serves as the main entrance. The rough-hewn stone blocks speak of centuries of weather and conflict. Above the arch, much of the upper wall is missing, leaving a jagged silhouette against the bright sky.

This is clearly not a pristine, modern restoration; it’s a monument that has been left to the slow, beautiful decay of time.

• The Architecture: The scale suggests a fortified entrance to a castle, a walled town, or a large monastic precinct. The use of rough, grey stone is typical of fortifications across the British Isles and Western Europe.

• The Human Element: The two figures—one standing inside the deep archway, the other perhaps just stepping out—add an essential sense of scale and life. They are tourists, modern visitors passing through a portal built for a completely different world. Their presence highlights the structure's sheer size and the journey of time it represents.

• The Setting: The ground is rough and uneven, covered in grass and debris. The foliage seems dense behind the arch, suggesting the ruin is set in a natural, perhaps rural, landscape.

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A Portal to the Past

While we may not know the exact location or year this photograph was taken, the image transports us instantly. This gatehouse was once the ultimate symbol of power and security.

Imagine the scenes this archway has witnessed:

• The clatter of knights in armour riding out to battle.

• The anxious crowds sheltering behind the stone walls during a siege.

• The solemn procession of monks or merchants passing in and out.

• The simple, everyday coming and going of a community whose entire life revolved around the safety this structure provided.

Now, all that remains is a grand, silent shell. It's a testament not to permanence, but to endurance. It stands not as a working defence, but as a silent storyteller, its missing stones the lost pages of a history book.

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Where in the World is This?

The classic pointed arch, the rugged stone, and the general form strongly suggest a medieval gatehouse in the United Kingdom or Ireland (think structures in Wales, England, or Scotland, where these types of ruins are common). It could be a place like Beaumaris Castle, an ancient town gate, or the entrance to a powerful abbey.

For me, the real joy of a mystery slide like this is the research—the digital detective work. If you recognize this imposing ruin, please let us know!

Until then, this forgotten slide remains a magnificent monument to mystery, inviting every viewer to step through its broken archway and imagine the stories it holds.

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A Summer Stroll Through Crow Wood Park, Sowerby Bridge

Stepping into Crow Wood Park in Sowerby Bridge, especially on a lovely day like the one captured in these June 2023 photos, feels like discovering a peaceful, green oasis. The mix of open, rolling lawns, mature woodlands, and charming historic features offers a welcome escape.

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The Rich History Beneath the Grass

What many visitors may not realise is the fascinating history woven into the very fabric of this beautiful public space. Crow Wood Park wasn't always a park—it was once the grand grounds of Crow Wood Mansion.

• A Wartime Legacy: The mansion itself played a significant role during World War I, serving as a hospital until its closure in 1920.

• A Public Vision: The forward-thinking Sowerby Bridge Council purchased the estate in 1919 with the vision of creating a public space, a true community hub. The mansion was subsequently demolished, and the park officially opened its gates in April 1923.

• A Place of Remembrance: A profound feature is the Memorial Gate, unveiled on November 10, 1929. This powerful monument was dedicated to those from the Sowerby Bridge area who perished in the Great War, and now honours the fallen of both World Wars.

• Centenary Status: In 2014, the park was fittingly renamed Crow Wood Centenary Park to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of WWI, reinforcing its historical significance and protecting it forever as a Centenary Field.

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A Park for Every Season (and every Nikon d3300!)

Our collection of photos, taken on a bright summer day, perfectly highlights the park's diverse appeal:

• Winding Paths & Open Views: The asphalt paths invite you for a gentle run or a leisurely stroll, leading you through sun-drenched clearings and offering lovely views over the local valley and the houses nestled below.

• Woodland Serenity: Parts of the park feel wonderfully enclosed, with dappled light filtering through the mature trees, creating cool, lush green tunnels and secluded walkways.

• Historic Charm: Keep an eye out for the remnants of its past! Ornate features like the stone pedestal or what appears to be part of an old fountain or wellhead add a touch of historic grandeur to the formal garden areas.

• Modern Amenities: While the original bandstand has been repurposed, the park remains a vital community space with facilities like tennis courts, now benefiting from recent refurbishment investment!), and open fields perfect for a picnic or simply letting the kids run free.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk, a place to reflect on local history, or a green space to stay active, Crow Wood Park truly is a jewel in Sowerby Bridge's crown. It's a living, breathing testament to community spirit and enduring local heritage.

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Whispers on the Path: The History of Norland's Donkey Bridge

Deep within the wooded valley that divides the villages of Norland and Copley in West Yorkshire lies a hidden gem of local heritage: the Donkey Bridge. Surrounded by mossy stone walls and the vibrant green of the Maple Dean Clough, this little crossing may seem unassuming, but it carries the heavy weight of local history, marking a vital link in the region's industrial past.

Visiting this secluded spot, capturing its serene, almost timeless beauty. The stone abutments, draped in thick moss, and the wooden path over the water tell a silent story of trade, toil, and community connection.

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What the Donkey Bridge Crosses

The bridge spans the Norland Stream, also known as Maple Dean Clough. This small watercourse is more than just a stream; it acts as the historic boundary between the townships of Norland and Copley. The water itself, tumbling over stones in the steep valley, is a typical feature of the Calderdale landscape.

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The Historical Importance: A Pack Horse Route

The name of the bridge is the most telling detail of its past. The "Donkey" in Donkey Bridge doesn't necessarily mean donkeys were the only animals used, but it firmly establishes the structure as a crucial part of a pack horse route.

In the era before turnpike roads and widespread cart usage, pack horses were the primary means of moving goods across the rugged, hilly terrain of the Pennines.

• Trade Connection: This path would have been a lifeline for local commerce, linking the high-lying village of Norland with the lower valley communities, particularly Copley.

• A Route of Necessity: The bridge allowed for the efficient movement of essential goods, raw materials, and finished products between areas. Norland's history is steeped in the woollen industry and quarrying; this path was likely crucial for transporting quarried stone down from the Norland side and perhaps bringing in supplies.

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From Trade to Toil: An Industrial Link

As the Industrial Revolution transformed Calderdale in the 18th and 19th centuries, the bridge’s role shifted from primarily trade to daily toil.

• Factory Workers' Commute: The path over Donkey Bridge became a daily route for many Norland residents who worked in the burgeoning mills and factories down in the valley. Historical records suggest that many locals, including those who worked at Akroyd’s mill in Copley, would have walked this path every day.

• The Dawn Commute: Imagine the journey: walking to and from work over this bridge, often in the dark hours before sunrise and after sunset, as the mill schedule demanded. The rough, setted (paved with small stones) nature of the path would have been difficult even in daylight.

Today, the original stone bridge structure is clearly visible, though the decking and railings are modern replacements ensuring safe passage. The long, moss-covered walls leading up to the crossing create a funnel, suggesting the path was deliberately narrowed and contained, a common feature of old tracks that were too steep for wheeled traffic.

Standing here, listening to the rushing of the Maple Dean Clough, it’s easy to feel connected to the footsteps—human and equine—that have passed over this little bridge for centuries. It remains a poignant reminder of the enduring infrastructure that powered the Industrial Age in West Yorkshire.

I took these pictures on the 20th March 2019 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.