Copley Bridge: A Lost Landmark

 The historic Copley River Bridge, a graceful two-arch stone structure, once spanned the River Calder, carrying North Dean Road across its waters. Built in 1831 by Richard Kennett-Dawson, the last Lord of the Manor of Copley, the bridge was a significant local landmark.

For many years, a toll was charged to cross the bridge, a practice that ended in 1856. The bridge stood for 184 years, weathering the passage of time and serving as a vital connection for the community.

However, the bridge's legacy was tragically cut short. The devastating Boxing Day floods of 2015 wreaked havoc on the Calder Valley, leaving the bridge severely damaged. Despite efforts to repair it, the extent of the damage necessitated its demolition.

In 2017, a modern replacement, a single-span steel bridge, was constructed and opened. To honor the memory of Graham Wilson, a long time resident of the tollhouse who passed away that same year, the new bridge was named the Wilson Bridge.

Though the historic Copley River Bridge is no longer with us, its memory lives on, a reminder of the region's rich history and the enduring power of nature.

The former Copley Toll Booth, a quaint building dating back to around 1831, still stands today. Originally situated at the end of the old stone bridge, it now serves as a private residence south of the Wilson Bridge.

I took these pictures on the 1st 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.

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Walking the Ghost Tracks: The Pickle Bridge Line

The Pickle Bridge Railway, a line that once linked Bradford and Huddersfield, now exists mostly as a series of ghosts in the West Yorkshire landscape. The line, which operated from 1881 to 1952, was a casualty of a common problem in the area: subsidence. While it's been closed for over 70 years, a walk along its former route reveals fascinating glimpses of its past life.

From Clifton to Bailiff Bridge

My first walk along the route began at the former site of the Clifton Road Viaduct. This three-arch viaduct, which led directly into Clifton Road Station, is no longer standing. The line then crossed the A644 Wakefield Road and the River Calder before joining the Caldervale Line. Today, the former trackbed is often a narrow, overgrown trail.

Further along the path, you come across the Thornhills Viaduct, a magnificent five-arch structure that still stands today. The sheer scale of the viaduct, seen from Thornhills Beck Lane below, is a powerful reminder of the engineering feat required to build this line. The path then continues, leading to an abandoned railway bridge stranded in the middle of a field between the viaduct and Birkhouse Road. This isolated structure, weathered and partially hidden by thick overgrowth, is a poignant symbol of the line's fate. The final stretch of this particular walk took me toward Bailiff Bridge. Here, the former railway crossing and the Birkhouse Road Bridge are still visible, marking the line's path through the village. These structures, now simply part of the local scenery, are a testament to the fact that even after being abandoned, the railway still leaves its mark on the land.

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The remains of Clifton Road Viaduct, the station occupied a spot along the wall pictured with the dirt track to the left the main access road.

Former track bed pictured between the remains of Clifton Road Viaduct and Thornhills Beck Viaduct.

The top of Thornhills Beck Viaduct, this was the southern side and was gated off as can be seen preventing access any further.

Thornhills Beck Viaduct, opened up I think it would make an interesting footpath - cycleway.

Another of Thornhills Beck Viaduct

These last 2 show an abandoned bridge in the middle of a low cutting in what seemed to have become a farmers field. Looking at the surrounding land and historic maps I can see no reason for it's existence as their were alternative crossings over the railway nearby in both directions.

The second set of pictures were taken on the 25th May 2014, starting at the bridge above they show the remains of the line up to the end of Red Lion (Wyke) Viaduct.

The Pickle Bridge line crossing over Birkhouse Lane, Bailiff Bridge

The line's remains at Bailiff Bridge, the town's former station used to occupy a spot to the right of the picture behind the trees.

All that remains of the bridge that crossed Lower Wyke Lane, Houses now occupy the former trackbed to the left of the picture.

The bridge that crossed over Bradford Road has been removed, leaving only the abutments as a reminder the railway passed here.

The Red Lion or Wyke Viaduct crossing over a small access lane off Bradford Road.

The top of Wyke - Red Lion Viaduct, I don't remember climbing up to the top but I must have as the picture here proves I did. The end of the viaduct was probably just beyond the trees,

Wyke - Red Lion Viaduct. The crossing suffered badly from subsidence resulting in a much reduced speed limit during its years of operation. The situation was so bad that by the 1980's permission was sought to demolish part of the Grade II listed Viaduct.

This partially overgrown bridge stands to the northern end of the demolished part of Wyke - Red Lion Viaduct, I'm not sure if it was separate or part of that structure.

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From Malting House to Learning Centre: The Enduring Legacy of The Maltings, Halifax

The Maltings in Halifax is a building with a rich and layered history, its sturdy stone walls holding the memories of a bygone industrial era. These images, captured on a grey February day in 2014, showcase its imposing and unique architecture, a testament to its former life as a vital component of the Webster's Brewery Fountain Head complex.

A Glimpse into Industrial Heritage

Built in 1898, The Maltings was once at the heart of the brewing industry in Ovenden Wood. Webster's Brewery, a name synonymous with Halifax's industrial past, had operated from the Fountain Head site since the mid-1800s. The Maltings was where the magic began—where barley was steeped and germinated, a crucial first step in the brewing process. The building's distinctive oast-house-like kilns, seen prominently in the photographs, are a beautiful reminder of this function.

The brewery's closure in 1996 marked the end of an era. The site was redeveloped for housing, but thanks to its Grade II listed status, granted on April 18, 1990, The Maltings was spared. Along with the nearby Long Can, it stands as one of the last remaining structures of the once-sprawling brewery.

A New Purpose

Instead of being demolished, The Maltings was given a new lease on life. The building was repurposed as a college, a fitting transformation from a place of industry to a place of education. The broad, expansive windows that once let in light for the malting process now illuminate classrooms, and the strong foundations that once supported heavy machinery now support the dreams of students.

The photographs from 2014 show the building in this transitional phase, its industrial heritage clear in its design, yet its new purpose evident in the signage at the entrance. The mix of colour and a black-and-white image in the collection highlights the timeless quality of the architecture, which looks just as striking in monochrome as it does under a moody sky.

A Link to the Past

The presence of a railway is also a key part of The Maltings' history. The Halifax High Level Railway ran right past the building, and it's speculated that a railway siding may have existed there for a time. This connection to the railway network was undoubtedly crucial for a brewery, facilitating the transport of raw materials and finished products. The nearby Wheatley Viaduct, a magnificent piece of railway engineering, stands as a testament to this past.

These pictures, taken with a Polaroid is2132 camera, serve as a valuable record of a moment in time, capturing The Maltings as it continues its journey from industrial landmark to modern educational facility. Its unique architecture, a blend of functionality and Victorian design, makes it a true gem of Halifax's built heritage.

The Maltings is more than just a building; it is a symbol of adaptation and preservation. It reminds us that our industrial past is not something to be forgotten, but something to be celebrated and, where possible, repurposed for a new future. It stands proudly, a sentinel of a time gone by, but with a vibrant, new story still being written within its historic walls.

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Exploring the Unspoiled North: A Boat Trip Along Ibiza's Coast

When people think of Ibiza, their minds often jump to the vibrant nightlife and bustling beaches of the south. But for those in the know, the true soul of the island lies in its rugged, serene northern coast. I recently had the chance to experience this tranquil beauty firsthand on a boat trip from Portinatx to San Miguel, a journey of approximately four nautical miles that revealed a side of Ibiza many never see.

Sailing out from the charming village of Portinatx, the vibrant blues of the Mediterranean stretched out before us, a striking contrast to the dramatic, ochre-coloured cliffs that hugged the coastline. The sea, a deep, inviting sapphire, was surprisingly calm, and our boat glided effortlessly through the gentle swells.

The journey was a feast for the eyes, with each turn revealing a new and breathtaking vista. The landscape here is wilder and less developed than in the south, with verdant hillsides descending steeply into the sea. We passed by impressive rock formations, like the distinctive, jagged rocks of Calo d'en Calders and the imposing cliffs of Punta de Llevant, their layers of ancient stone a testament to the island's geological history.

One of the most memorable sights was the lonely sea stack of Sa Polleta des Punset. Rising dramatically from the waves, it's a natural sculpture, its craggy peak reaching towards the sky. In the distance, a small boat looked like a toy against the scale of the landscape, a perfect symbol of the tranquility and vastness of this stretch of coastline.

We also got a unique perspective on some of the north's hidden gems, including the beautiful Cala Benirras. From the water, you can truly appreciate the secluded nature of the cove, nestled between rolling hills and rugged cliffs. It's a place that feels like a secret, a world away from the island's more crowded spots. The journey continued past Calo des Porcs and the majestic Cap Blanc, each coastline offering its own unique beauty.

As the sun shimmered on the water, creating a sparkling tapestry of light and shadow, it was impossible not to feel a sense of peace. This was a different kind of Ibiza—one of raw natural beauty, quiet coves, and unspoiled landscapes.

The journey, while only a few nautical miles, felt like a true adventure. It was a reminder that even on an island famous for its energy, there are still places where you can connect with nature and find a moment of profound calm. These photos, taken on July 12, 2014, with a simple Polaroid camera, are a perfect memento of that serene morning spent sailing along Ibiza's magnificent northern coast. If you ever find yourself on the island, I highly recommend leaving the crowds behind and embarking on your own exploration of its wilder side. You won't be disappointed.

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Benirras Cove

Cala Benirras

Calo d'en Calders

Calo des Porcs

Cap Blanc

Punta de Llevant

Sa Polletta des Punset and entrance to Benirras

Sa Polletta des Punset

Illa des Bosc and the entrance to San Miguel cove.

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The Murder Stone of Brearley: A Grim Tale of the Cragg Vale Coiners

Tucked away on Route 66 of the national cycle network, a quiet path winds through the small village of Brearley, between Luddendenfoot and Mytholmroyd. Here, a weathered stone stands as a stark and fascinating memorial, a silent witness to a dark chapter in local history. Inscribed with the chilling words, "A Full and True Account of a Barbarous, Bloody and Inhuman Murder," the monument immediately begs a question: what brutal event is it commemorating?

The story behind this stone is a tale of greed, betrayal, and a notorious gang of criminals known as the Cragg Vale Coiners.

The victim was William Deighton, the Supervisor of Taxes and Excise for the Halifax area. A southerner who had moved to Halifax in 1759, Deighton's job involved collecting taxes on cloth and beer. It was in this role that he ran afoul of the powerful Coiners, who were masters of a lucrative and illegal trade: clipping and debasing coinage. Their leader, a formidable figure named "King" David Hartley, saw Deighton as a significant threat to their operation.

By November 1769, several of the Coiners had been arrested, and the remaining gang members decided to eliminate the man who had been a thorn in their side. On the night of November 9th, as William Deighton returned home from a business meeting, he was ambushed. He was shot, trampled, and robbed by two men, Mathew Normington and Robert Thomas, while a third, Thomas Clayton, acted as a lookout. Deighton's life was tragically cut short, and he was buried just two days later at Halifax Parish Church. His grave, a poignant detail in this grim story, lists his name as William Dighton.

The Coiners' plan to escape justice was short-lived. Thomas Clayton, the lookout, later provided crucial evidence that led to the conviction of Normington and Thomas for highway robbery. The two men met a brutal fate. Robert Thomas was executed at Tyburn, York, on August 6, 1774, followed by Matthew Normington on April 15, 1775. Both of their bodies were gruesomely displayed at Beacon Hill in Halifax, with an arm pointing toward the scene of the murder—a grim warning to anyone else considering a life of crime.

I've passed this stone many times, always curious about its meaning. What I've been unable to uncover is who placed the stone here and why. The murder took place in Halifax, and the Coiners were most active in Cragg Vale. Yet, this lonely monument stands in Brearley, its presence a stark, enduring mystery.

These photos, taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet in November 2013, show the weathered face of the stone, its inscriptions worn but still legible, a silent guardian of a dark and fascinating piece of local history.

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The following picture was taken with a Nikon d3300 in 2017.

I took the picture below in 2014 with a Polaroid is2132.

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San Miguel: Discovering Ibiza's Tranquil Side

When you hear the name "Ibiza," your mind might jump to pulsating dance music, neon lights, and all-night parties. But tucked away on the northern coast of the island is a different kind of paradise, a place where the rhythm is set not by a DJ, but by the gentle lapping of the waves. Welcome to Puerto de San Miguel, a serene and stunning resort that offers a perfect escape from the crowds.

Originally a simple fishing village, San Miguel has grown into a cherished family destination. Unlike the more famous resorts, it has retained a quiet, unspoiled charm, making it a perfect spot for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty.

I had the pleasure of visiting in July 2014, taking a scenic boat trip along the coast from Portinatx to see San Miguel's hidden coves and crystalline waters. The journey itself was a treat, revealing a coastline of rugged cliffs and lush green hills.

Approaching San Miguel by sea, the first thing that strikes you is the beautiful bay, a perfect horseshoe shape cradled by verdant hillsides. The water is a magnificent mosaic of blues and turquoise, so clear you can see the seabed below. Small boats dot the bay, their white sails contrasting with the deep blue of the Mediterranean.

Beyond the main beach, the coastline reveals a more rustic, wild beauty. Exploring the hidden coves, you can find traditional fishermen's huts carved into the rocks, a testament to the village's humble origins. The blend of untamed nature and modern comfort is a part of San Miguel's unique appeal.

While I was there, I also visited the nearby Cova de Can Marçà, a spectacular network of ancient caves, adding a sense of history and adventure to the trip.

These photos, taken during my visit, capture the essence of San Miguel: the sun-drenched beaches, the shimmering turquoise sea, and the lush, green backdrop of pine-covered hills. It's a place that proves Ibiza has a soft, serene side, one that's just waiting to be explored by those who want to trade the club scene for a different kind of bliss. San Miguel is a reminder that the island's true magic lies in its stunning, natural beauty.

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