Climbing to a Legend: A Visit to St. Mary's Church, Whitby

There are few places in England as steeped in history and folklore as Whitby, and at the heart of its most famous tales stands the Church of St. Mary. Reaching this iconic landmark is a pilgrimage in itself—a climb up the legendary 199 steps, which rewards you with breath taking views over Whitby's bustling harbour and red-roofed town.

Founded on this dramatic clifftop site in 1110, in the shadow of the imposing Whitby Abbey ruins, the church has witnessed centuries of change. The oldest parts of the building, including the tower and transepts, date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, though many additions and alterations have been made over time, with the interior largely reflecting the style of the 18th century.

But it's not just the age of the church that draws visitors. The church and its graveyard are famously part of the setting for Bram Stoker's gothic masterpiece, Dracula. Stoker's visit to Whitby in 1890 was a pivotal moment in his writing. He found inspiration in the town's atmosphere and the windswept graveyard of St. Mary's. While researching at the public library, he stumbled upon the story of Vlad Tepes, the real-life figure who would lend his name to the fictional count.

The allure of the novel still echoes through the graveyard. For years, visitors have searched for "Dracula's grave," a fictional tomb in a real place. The story of a cracked, weathered tombstone, where a former rector would direct curious seekers, has become a legend in its own right. The truth is, while some gravestones feature a skull and crossbones—often mistaken for a pirate's mark but more likely a mason's symbol—there is no real Dracula buried here.

The photographs, taken on a beautiful August day in 2018 with a Nikon d3300 SLR, capture the essence of the place. They show the stunning views, the ancient, crooked tombstones, and the solid, weathered stone of the Grade I listed church. Visiting St. Mary's is more than just a trip to a historic building; it’s a journey into the heart of a literary legend and a chance to feel the sea breeze that inspired one of the world's most famous tales.

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The church stands besides the former Abbey overlooking the town.

Taken across the harbour from West Cliff.

Looking up from the harbour.

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Sun, Sand, and Sirocco: A Look Back at a Lanzarote Getaway

Sometimes, a trip's memories are best preserved in photos, a snapshot in time that tells a story. I recently rediscovered a set of pictures from a family holiday to Lanzarote in July-August 2013, taken at the Hotel Club Sirocco in Costa Teguise. Looking back on them after nine years, it's not a review—just a collection of moments from a fantastic stay.

The photos bring back the feeling of that summer: the bright, white-washed buildings contrasting with the deep blue sky, the vibrant swimming pools, and the unique, volcanic gardens. I remember the hotel making a fuss over my daughter's 14th birthday while we were there, a small but kind gesture that made the trip even more special for us.

From the inviting pool area, complete with sun loungers and palm trees, to the spacious restaurant where we enjoyed our meals, the pictures capture the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the hotel. I'm unsure what the hotel is like today, and I believe it may have since become an adults-only resort. Still, these images from 2013 serve as a reminder of a wonderful family vacation.

These photos are a testament to the timeless nature of happy memories. They sit on my hard drive, waiting to be rediscovered, a little slice of Lanzarote sunshine on a cloudy day.

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One of the hotels garden pathways. The black ash providing a base
for the plants that need little water to survive. Lanzarote being just off the
coast of Saharan Africa averages 16 days of rainfall per year.

The restaurant.

Looking over the hotel skywards from
the room balcony.

The swimming pool.

The hotel's poolside bar.

Another of the swimming pool.

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Christ Church, Barkisland: A Winter's Tale

There's a special kind of quiet that settles over a churchyard in the winter, especially after a fresh snowfall. The air is crisp, the world is hushed, and the familiar landscape is transformed into something serene and timeless. I recently had the chance to visit Christ Church in Barkisland, a small village near Halifax, West Yorkshire, and found it to be the perfect subject for a winter photography session.

Built in 1852 on land donated by William Baxter of Barkisland Lower Hall, this Anglican church holds a tranquil history. A memorial inside the church honors Baxter, and the building itself is a testament to the work of the architects Mallinson and Healey, who were responsible for constructing about a dozen other churches in the area. Christ Church was granted Grade II listed status in 1984, recognizing its historical and architectural significance.

Wandering the grounds on a cold December day, I was struck by the contrast between the sharp angles of the Gothic Revival architecture and the soft blanket of snow covering the gravestones. The light caught the stone just right, highlighting its texture and creating a sense of warmth against the cold, winter sky. The snow-dusted tombstones stood like silent sentinels, each one telling a small part of the community's story.

The photos, taken on December 29, 2014, with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, capture this unique atmosphere. In both colour and black and white, the images show the church's charming details—the arched windows, the slate roof, and the simple yet elegant spire. This beautiful little church in Barkisland is a hidden gem, and seeing it cloaked in snow felt like capturing a piece of its history frozen in time.

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Step Back in Time in Saltburn-by-the-Sea

There's something magical about a town that feels suspended in time, and Saltburn-by-the-Sea is one of them. Nestled on the North Yorkshire coast, this Victorian-era gem offers a nostalgic escape from the modern world, inviting you to wander through its history. Looking at these images, you can almost feel the sea spray and hear the echoes of generations of visitors enjoying the coast.

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The Pier and Promenade

The heart of Saltburn's coastal charm is its magnificent pier. Stretching out into the North Sea, it's a testament to Victorian engineering and a perfect place for a leisurely stroll. The old photos show it as a lively hub, with people dressed in period clothing enjoying the fresh sea air. This sense of timeless enjoyment remains today. The long wooden walkway, with its sturdy iron railings, feels like a bridge connecting the past and the present. It’s a wonderful place to watch the waves crash or simply take in the vast horizon.

The promenade below the pier is just as captivating. In these photos, you can see people gathering, strolling, and enjoying the lively atmosphere with the pier buildings and cliffs as a dramatic backdrop. It's a reminder of a bygone era when seaside towns were the ultimate destination for leisure.

The Saltburn Tramway

One of the most unique features of Saltburn is its Cliff Tramway. This funicular railway, seen in several of the images, is a marvel in itself. It was built to transport visitors from the town's elegant clifftop gardens down to the promenade and pier below. The tramway's charming little cabins look like they belong in a fairy tale, and its steep descent down the cliff face offers incredible views of the coast. It’s not just a ride; it’s an experience that tells the story of the town’s development as a Victorian resort.

A Tale of Two Cliffs

The pictures also beautifully capture the stunning geology of the area. On one side, you have the dramatic, crumbling slopes that the tramway descends, with the grand Zetland Hotel perched at the top like a crown. On the other, the imposing Hunt Cliff stands tall, its sheer face a striking contrast to the gentle curves of the beach.

Below Hunt Cliff, you can see the cluster of buildings that make up the Ship Inn. With its long history as a smugglers' haunt, the inn and the surrounding cottages feel rugged and authentic, perfectly blending into the landscape of the bay.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea is more than just a place; it's a journey. From the bustling pier and the historic tramway to the dramatic cliffs and the quaint cottages, every corner has a story to tell. It’s a place to slow down, breathe in the salty air, and appreciate a slice of coastal history.

These artworks are based on very old postcards, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Luddenden Village in Art Images

Luddenden's story is inextricably linked to the Luddenden Brook, which flows through its very heart. First referenced in 1274 in connection with a humble corn mill, the village's identity began to shift over the following centuries. The rushing waters of the brook were harnessed to power a growing number of textile mills, transforming Luddenden from an agrarian settlement into a hub of industry. This history is etched into the very stones of the village, a constant reminder of its industrial past.

For centuries, Old Lane was the main artery connecting Luddenden to the wider world, a busy thoroughfare for travellers heading to and from Halifax. However, progress altered the village's trajectory. In the mid-18th century, a new turnpike road was built just half a mile to the south, diverting traffic and commerce. This new route led to the rise of Luddenden Foot, a separate village that grew up around the modern transportation link, leaving Luddenden to settle into a quieter, more residential existence.

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Echoes of the Past, Lingering Stories

Walking through Luddenden is like stepping back in time, with each landmark holding a piece of a larger narrative. The War Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the combined communities of Luddenden and Midgley, a poignant reminder of their shared sacrifices. The towering presence of St. Mary's Church has watched over the village for generations, a spiritual and architectural centrepiece.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing connections to a bygone era lies within the walls of the Lord Nelson Inn. This historic pub was a regular haunt of Bramwell Brontë, the talented, yet troubled, brother of the famed literary sisters. His time spent working on the nearby railway led him to find solace and company at the inn, a detail that adds a fascinating, human touch to the village's lore.

Tragically, like many small villages, Luddenden has seen changes that have diminished its commercial life. Since the 1980s, the small shops and businesses that once served as the village's communal hubs have closed, leaving behind a collection of houses. While the village remains a beautiful place to live, it is a living example of a community that has evolved from a bustling centre of industry and commerce into a quiet, residential enclave, its history preserved in its stone buildings and timeless landscapes.

The images below were originally photo's that I have added various photoshop filters to create artworks. Clicking anyone of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The pictures below feature in the video above.

Old Lane was once part of the main packhorse route towards
Halifax, the M62 motorway of it's day until replaced by the turnpike
in the mid 18th century.

St Mary's Church.

The Luddenden Brook, this once helped to power of a dozen mills
for the textiles and corn (Flour) industries.

In the basement of the former St Mary's School, there were 3 holding cells,
although one has long since been removed. The 2 remaining have the townships
of Midgley and Warley inscribed in the lintel. The nearby Luddenden Brook
was the boundary between the 2, the removed cell is said to have had
Luddenden inscribed above it, no evidence remains. The cells were built
along with the school in 1825 and are not thought to have held occupants
since the 19th century.

The steps disused since the late 80's early 90's once provided
access to the offices of a mill that once occupied the site. Much
of the mill was demolished and replaced by housing.

Luddenden Brook and High Street Bridge.

Luddenden & Midgley War Memorial, unviled 1923.

Lord Nelson Inn from the churchyard of St Mary's.

High Street, Luddenden, the building towards the bottom was
the offices for the steps pictured earlier.

Inside St Mary's Church.

Luddenden Brook.

A closed off stone doorway alongside Luddenden Brook.

A memorial wheel to represent the ones that the corn mill that
once occupied the valley would have used.

Former Water Horse Trough at the bottom of Stocks Lane.

This cobbled yard is actually a bridge over Luddenden Brook, providing
access from High Street to High Street Court.

Lord Nelson Inn.

St Mary's Church clock tower.

Luddenden brook flows over the weir viewed from the churchyard
of St Mary's.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.