Ravensthorpe Station: A Quiet Enigma on the Huddersfield Line

Tucked away between Mirfield and Dewsbury in West Yorkshire lies Ravensthorpe Railway Station, a small suburban stop on the Huddersfield Line. With just 35,342 passengers in 2018-19 (around 680 people per week), it's fair to say Ravensthorpe is far from a bustling hub. You can't help but wonder if its fortunes would change dramatically with the addition of platforms serving the lines towards Wakefield, which conveniently branch off just before the station.

A Glimpse into the Past

Opened in 1890, this was actually the second station to serve the Ravensthorpe area. The first, on the Ravensthorpe branch of the Spen Valley Line, opened in 1869 but closed its doors in 1962. The current station was built with a keen eye on freight, featuring a goods shed added 42 years after the line's opening. It also boasted rather grand station buildings, which were listed for preservation before a fire led to their demolition and replacement with the basic shelters you see today.

A Character All Its Own

Ravensthorpe station possesses a unique character that's hard to put your finger on. Logically, its location within an industrial suburb of Dewsbury should give it the feel of a busy commuter stop. Yet, when you're standing on the platforms, there's an undeniable sense of rural calm, almost as if you've stumbled upon a countryside halt. It's this intriguing contrast that makes Ravensthorpe stand out.

Basic, But Functional

As for facilities, Ravensthorpe is no-frills. You'll find limited shelters on both platforms, but no toilets or ticket machines. Information boards and timetables are available, and the station is unstaffed. If you're heading to platform 2, access is via a bridge and steps.

The pictures below were taken on December 30 2019 with a Nikon d3300, Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The lines to the left of the picture, there has never been a station serving
those line at this location, this may change as there are plans to demolish
and re-site the station just beyond the bridge in the picture, as part of plans to
put 4 tracks along this route.

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The Halifax Gibbet: A Precursor to the Guillotine and a Brutal Past

When you think of the guillotine, your mind likely jumps to the French Revolution. However, centuries before the streets of Paris ran red, a similar, equally brutal device was at work in the quiet town of Halifax, England. Known as the Halifax Gibbet, this early form of public execution offers a chilling glimpse into medieval justice.

Centuries of Swift (and Not-So-Swift) Justice

The Halifax Gibbet first saw use in the 13th century, a staggering 500 years before its French counterpart gained notoriety. The earliest confirmed execution dates back to 1286, when John of Dalton met his end. Over the centuries, at least 52 confirmed executions took place, though local belief suggests the true number exceeds 100. The last to face the gibbet's blade were John Wilkinson and Anthony Mitchell on April 30th, 1650.

The Mechanics of Death

Standing approximately 15 feet high on a 4-foot-high, 13-foot-square platform, the gibbet was a formidable sight. The blade itself was surprisingly simple: a 10-inch by 8-inch piece of metal, not sharpened, but relying on speed and weight to sever the head from the body. It was held in place by a pin, which was dramatically withdrawn by a cord at the moment of execution.

The Infamous Gibbet Law

The Halifax Gibbet operated under its own unique and unforgiving set of rules: the Gibbet Law. This law decreed that any thief caught or confessing to stealing cloth, goods, or animals worth at least 13 1/2d within the boundaries of Sowerbyshire or the Forest of Hardwick (which included Halifax) would be arrested. After a trial by jury, if convicted, the individual would endure six days in the town stocks before their execution on the seventh day. The Gibbet Law made no distinction between men and women, and sadly, at least five women are confirmed to have been executed by this method, their names etched into the grim history:

• July 13th, 1588: Wife of Thomas Roberts, Halifax
• February 22nd, 1603: Wife of Peter Harrison, Bradford
• November 23rd, 1623: George Fairbank & his illegitimate daughter Anna
• July 5th, 1627: Wife of John Wilson, Northowram
• December 8th, 1627: Sarah Lum, Halifax

The "Running Man" and a Glimmer of Hope

Remarkably, Gibbet Law offered a slim chance of escape. If the accused could withdraw their head after the pin was released and flee across the Hebble Brook (the then-boundary, approximately 500 yards from the gibbet), they would be granted freedom, provided they never returned to the prescribed boundaries. Two men are said to have achieved this remarkable feat: a Mr. Dinnis and the more famous John Lacey, also known as "the Running Man."

Lacey's escape in 1617 became legendary. However, his story has a tragic postscript. A few years later, he foolishly returned to Halifax, was recaptured, and ultimately met his fate on January 29th, 1623.

The End of an Era and Rediscovery

The reign of the Halifax Gibbet came to an end in 1650 when it was outlawed by Oliver Cromwell. The last two victims, Anthony Mitchell (convicted of stealing 16 yards of cloth) and Abraham Wilkinson (convicted of stealing two horses), were executed on the same day, April 30th, 1650.

For centuries, the gibbet's site was lost to time, buried under layers of rubbish and soil. It wasn't until 1839, when Mr. Bates purchased the land for a warehouse, that its gruesome past was unearthed. Workmen discovered the bodies and heads of two individuals (believed to be Mitchell and Wilkinson), and further excavation revealed the gibbet platform.

Today, a 15-foot high replica of the gibbet stands on the restored platform, erected in August 1974, a stark reminder of Halifax's dark history. The original gibbet blade, once thought lost, was miraculously discovered in 1970 in a solicitor's office in Wakefield and is now a chilling exhibit at the Bankfield Museum in Halifax.

The Halifax Gibbet serves as a powerful reminder of the brutal realities of justice in centuries past, a local innovation that predated its more famous French cousin by half a millennium, leaving an indelible mark on the town's history.

The pictures were taken on the 23rd August 2014 using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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From Mansion to Memorial: The Enduring History of Crow Wood Centenary Park

Nestled in Sowerby Bridge, Crow Wood Centenary Park is more than just a green space; it’s a living testament to history, community, and remembrance. This 5.49-hectare park, situated at Upper Bolton Brow, offers a fascinating journey through time, from its grand beginnings as a mansion estate to its vital role in local life today.

Originally the site of the imposing Crow Wood Mansion, the grounds witnessed a significant transformation during World War 1 when the mansion served as a hospital, providing essential care until its closure in March 1920. In May 1919, the forward-thinking Sowerby Bridge Council recommended purchasing the estate. Their vision was grand: to create a public park, a maternity home, and a child welfare centre – a true hub for the community.

The mansion itself, once standing near what are now the tennis courts and gardens, was demolished before the park officially opened its gates in April 1923. But its spirit of service lived on. A poignant addition to the park’s landscape came on November 10, 1929, with the unveiling of the Memorial Gate. This powerful monument was initially dedicated to those who perished in the Great War and now honours all the fallen of both world wars from the Sowerby Bridge area, serving as a solemn reminder of sacrifice and courage.

Over the years, the park has adapted to changing times and community needs. In 1930, a bandstand was added, offering picturesque views across the parkland. While its days of hosting musical performances are long past, it has found a new life as a vibrant skate board area, echoing with the sounds of a new generation. Another notable change saw the park’s paddling pool – a source of joy for many years – replaced by a car park near the garden area.

Perhaps the most significant renaming occurred on August 4, 2014, when the park became Crow Wood Centenary Park. This thoughtful change marked 100 years since the onset of the First World War, reinforcing its historical significance and its role as a place of reflection.

Today, Crow Wood Centenary Park continues to be a beloved community asset, offering a diverse range of amenities. Visitors can enjoy the modern skate board area, challenge friends on the bowling green or tennis courts, stroll through the tranquil gardens, or watch children play in the dedicated children's play area.

So, next time you’re in Sowerby Bridge, take a moment to explore Crow Wood Centenary Park. You’ll not only discover a beautiful green space but also a rich tapestry of local history woven into every corner.

The pictures were taken on New Years Day 2020 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The Memorial gate which was unveiled on the 10th November 1929. The towns annual remembrance day parade congregates here.

The parks former band stand now part of a skate park. The bandstand was opened on the 4th May 1930, despite living in the area for over 45 years, I don't recall the bandstand being used regularly or having a roof covering the whole octagon.

The cobbled walkway leads down from the park in the direction of Pye Nest Road.

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My First Tube Ride: From Skeptic to Supporter at Green Park Station

For years, London's iconic Underground remained a mysterious, somewhat intimidating beast to me. Despite countless visits to the capital, I’d always heeded the warnings of disgruntled locals – tales of crowded carriages, sweltering heat, and confusing routes. "Avoid the Tube," they’d say. So, I did. Until May 2019, that is, when a determined daughter finally twisted my arm, leading me to the depths of Green Park Tube Station for my very first underground adventure.

Stepping onto the Jubilee Line platform at Green Park, I was braced for the worst. But to my genuine surprise, what I found was efficiency, frequency, and a diverse tapestry of humanity moving with impressive synchronicity. The trains arrived almost instantly, the service was seamless, and despite the numbers, there was an unspoken rhythm to the flow of people. My verdict? A resounding thumbs up. I'm officially a Tube convert!

Green Park isn't just any station; it's a vital artery in London's vast underground network, serving the Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria Lines. My two quick snaps were taken specifically from the Jubilee Line platform, a line steeped in its own fascinating history. Imagine Prince Charles himself, on April 30th, 1979, officially opening the first stage of the Jubilee Line with a journey from this very station to Charing Cross! While its initial phase was a royal affair, the complete line wasn't fully realised until 1999, finally connecting Stanmore in North-West London all the way to Stratford in East London, a truly impressive feat of urban planning.

More than just a transit hub, Green Park Tube Station holds a place in London's heritage. Located firmly within the City of Westminster and in fare zone 1, this bustling interchange is a Grade II listed building, a status granted on May 30th, 1972, recognising its architectural and historical significance. And "bustling" is no exaggeration: in 2017 alone, over 39.24 million passengers passed through its gates – that's an average of approximately 756,000 people every single week, or a staggering 108,000 per day!

My initial trepidation transformed into genuine appreciation at Green Park. It’s more than just a functional stop; it's a piece of London's living history, a testament to remarkable engineering, and a constant hive of activity. My two simple pictures from that day might not capture its full grandeur, but they certainly mark the moment I discovered the true, efficient, and surprisingly enjoyable pulse of the London Underground.

Clicking any of the pictures below 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.

Low Moor's Phoenix Moment: A Modern Station Reconnecting West Yorkshire

In an age where railway stations often feel like relics of a bygone era, Low Moor stands out as a vibrant testament to progress. Reopened in 2017 after a hiatus of over half a century, this isn't just a stop on the Caldervale line; it's a £10.8 million investment in connecting communities, offering a crucial link between Bradford and Halifax, and a smart solution for commuters in West Yorkshire.

The Past Paves the Way for the Future: Low Moor might be "new," but its roots run deep. The original station graced this very spot back in July 1848. In its early days, it was a bustling hub – a vital terminus for trains arriving from Halifax and the Spen Valley line, which weaved its way through towns like Heckmondwike, Liversedge, and Cleckheaton. The direct line to Bradford wasn't even completed until 1850! This grand era of rail travel continued for over a century, with Low Moor remaining a busy junction until the infamous Beeching cuts of the 1960s. Passenger services ceased on June 14, 1965, followed by goods traffic two years later, leaving a silent void where once there was a thriving railway heart.

A Modern Comeback: But the story of Low Moor wasn't over. Fast forward to April 2017, and the triumphant return of a railway station designed for the 21st century. Serving the local villages of Low Moor and Oakenshaw, its strategic location near the M62 and M606 motorways quickly cemented its status as a key park-and-ride facility. This foresight has been a success, with passenger numbers steadily climbing. In 2017-18 alone, over 133,600 passengers (around 2,570 per week) passed through its gates – a figure undoubtedly bolstered by recent timetable enhancements that now see more services stopping at the station.

Streamlined for Today's Traveller: While Low Moor Station is designed for efficiency, its modern amenities are geared towards the self-sufficient traveller. You'll find sleek, modern shelters on both platforms and convenient card-only ticket machines, emphasizing the need to purchase your ticket before boarding. It's an unmanned station, so don't expect refreshments, toilets, or cash machines – plan accordingly! Access between platforms is made easy with both steps and lifts, ensuring accessibility for all.

Capturing the Essence: I visited Low Moor Station on a brisk December 30th, 2019, armed with my  Nikon D3300 SLR. The aim was to capture the essence of this modern transport hub, its sleek lines a stark contrast to the ghost of its past. The images showcase a station that, while minimalist in its offerings, is a vital lifeline for countless commuters and a proud symbol of West Yorkshire's revitalized rail network.

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

Here's a video slideshow I put together for YouTube.

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

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.