Asquith Bottom Mill, Sowerby Bridge April 2017

I previously pictured some of Asquith Bottom Mill in 2013 and posted these pictures earlier, the pictures below were taken in April 2017 with a Nikon d3300.

Asquith Bottom Mills is a mixed-use industrial estate at Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, built up around a former (depending on the era) carpet, wire, and woollen mill. The mill was originally built by William Edlestons, and I still remember the red neon sign with their name across the roof during the 1980s (sadly now gone). I believe they closed during the late 1980's and early 1990's.

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The front of the mill used to feature a bowling green where the cars were parked across the River Ryburn. The top of the building used to feature a WM Edlestons sign lit up in red.

The doorways used to provide access so goods could be moved up and down, but the hoist support is still sticking out of the building.

This picture was taken from the Norland hillside towards the back of the building. I don't imagine other than for safety checks that fire escape has been used in many years.

 

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Canal Bridges

 

Canal Bridges is a set of 20 pictures I took that shows a variety of Canal Bridges taken at various locations and on differing canals in the UK and Italy. They can also be seen on Clickasnap un-watermarked.

Bridge 199 on the Leeds - Liverpool Canal near Bingley. Taken with a Nikon d3300 on

the 9th July 2016.

Long Cut End Viaduct over the Calder and Hebble Navigation at Thornhill Nr Dewsbury. I took this with a Nikon d3300 on the 30th December 2019.

Bridge 59 on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 25th July 2020 somewhere between Slaithwaite and Marsden.

The Calder and Hebble Navigation underneath the M62 at Brighouse. Taken on the 30th March 2019 with a Nikon d3300.

Gauxholme Viaduct carries the railway over the Rochdale Canal between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge, I took this with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on the 14th November 2013.

Concrete Pipe Bridge on the Rochdale Canal, I can't remember the exact location only it was somewhere between Littleborough and Walsden on the Rochdale Canal. Taken with a Polaroid is2132 on the 31st May 2014.

Hollins Mill Tunnel and the Rochdale Canal, Sowerby Bridge, taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 16th December 2018.

Not sure what the bridge is, but i took this on the Tennant Canal near Neath with a Nikon d3300 on the 20th September 2017.

Accademia Bridge over the Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 30th October 2018.

Disused as a canal crossing for decades the bridge used to cross the Calder and Hebble Navigation Halifax Branch near Siddal, Halifax. I took this in June 2015 with a Polaroid is2132 on the Hebble Trail.

Bridge 54 on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, taken on the 25th July 2020 with a Nikon d3300.

Co-op Bridge steps at Sowerby Bridge, crossers the Rochdale Canal. I took this with a IPhone 11 on the 26th September 2021.

Bridge 52 on the Rochdale Canal at Smithy Bridge. I took this on the 27th December 2019 with a Nikon d3300.

Longbottom (Tenterfields) Bridge over the Rochdale Canal, taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 16th December 2018.

Bridge 34 over the Rochdale Canal at Walsden, St Peter's Church Spire is viewed in the background. I took this with a Nikon d3300 on the 27th August 2019.

Brighouse Marina Footbridge, taken from underneath Huddersfield Road Bridge on the Calder and Hebble Navigation. I took this on the 4th August 2018 with a Nikon d3300.

Bridge 62 over the Huddersfield Narrow Canal at Marsden, taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 25th July 2020.

Wakefield Road Bridge at Salterhebble Locks, the bridge crossers the remaining section of the Halifax Branch Canal. Taken on the 22nd May 2018 with a Nikon d3300.

Moderna Bridge over the Rochdale Canal at Mytholmroyd, I took this with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on the 2nd November 2013.

Wheatley Bridge over the Calder and Hebble Navigation, taken with a Polaroid is2132 on the 18th April 2015.

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12 of these pictures are now featured in a calendar of canal bridges which can be purchased from Zazzle, click the picture to view, link will open in another window.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

William Deighton Stone, Brearley, a Barbarous, Bloody and Inhuman Murder.

 

Passing through Brearley, a small village between Luddendenfoot and Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire on the Route 66 of the national cycle network you come to memorial stone inscribed with A Full and True Account of a Barbarous, Bloody and Inhuman Murder. The memorial was constructed to remind people of the sad death of William Deighton who was the Supervisor of Taxes and Excise for the Halifax area.

William Deighton was born in the south of England in 1717, he arrived in Halifax in April 1759 and in his duties as the supervisor of taxes he had a responsibility for collected taxes on cloth and beer. He became aware of the notorious Cragg Vale Coiners, who had become well known for clipping and debasing coinage.

By November 1769 several members of the Coiners Gang had been arrested and the remaining members led by "King" David Hartley came up with a plan to murder William Deighton.

On the 9th November 1769 William Deighton was conducting business at an inn near to his home in Swires Road, Halifax, after concluding his talks with local attorney Thomas Sayer, he left for home and somewhere along the route was shot, trampled and robbed by Mathew Normington and Robert Thomas with Thomas Clayton involved as a lookout. He was buried with his Daughter Penelope on the 11th November 1769 at Halifax Parish Church. The grave records his name as William Dighton.

Thomas Clayton always claimed to accompanied Normington and Thomas to William Deighton's murder and his evidence saw the other 2 eventually convicted of Highway Robbery after being acquitted of the murder of William. Clayton was arrested for a few offences linked to the coiners activities over the next few and then disappeared to history. Normington and Thomas were eventually tried for the robbery of William Deighton and found guilty. Robert Thomas was executed on the 6th August 1774 at Tyburn, York his body was displayed at Beacon Hill, Halifax. Matthew Normington suffered the same fate on the 15th April 1775. Both bodies were displayed with an arm pointing in the direction of the scene of the murder.

I have passed the stone many times and often wondered what it referred to, so eventually took the time to try and find out. I have been unable to find when and who put the stone there and why it was located at Brearley, as the murder took place in Halifax and the coiners had links to Cragg Vale.

The 2 pictures below were taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet in November 2013.

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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St Peter's Church, Walsden

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape, visible from the tranquil waters of the Rochdale Canal, stands the elegant spire of St. Peter's Church in Walsden. A silent sentinel, it marks a spot steeped in history, resilience, and community spirit. I first encountered this striking landmark on a canal-side stroll back on August 27th, 2017, its distinctive outline drawing me in for a closer look at the locked-up grounds. What I uncovered about its past is a testament to both grand Victorian ambition and the enduring power of local devotion.

The "Million Pound Church" Legacy: A National Endeavour

St. Peter's Church, which first opened its doors on August 7th, 1848, was no ordinary parish church. It was part of a remarkable national initiative – the "Million Pound Churches." This ambitious project was born from the 1820 Church Building Act, a parliamentary response to the rapid industrialisation and urban growth that had left many burgeoning towns, like Walsden, with inadequate places of worship.

Imagine the foresight: an act of parliament, financed by a blend of government and public funds, dedicated to addressing the spiritual needs of a changing nation. These churches, though often built to very tight budgets, were designed to be beacons of faith in newly developing communities. St. Peter's stands as a tangible link to this fascinating chapter in British social and architectural history.

A Foundation of Generosity and a Spire of Distinction

The very genesis of St. Peter's Church speaks of local philanthropy. The foundation stone was proudly laid in July 1846 by John Crossley, a man whose generosity extended to donating the very land upon which the church would rise. It's a reminder that even grand national schemes often relied on the vital contributions of individuals.

Sixteen years after its initial opening, in 1864, a significant architectural addition graced the church: its magnificent spire. This elegant structure, now a Grade II listed building, is not just a beautiful piece of design; it holds a profound significance. As fate would have it, it is virtually all that remains of the original edifice after a devastating event.

The Fiery Trial of 1948: A Community Rises

The year 1948, exactly a century after its grand opening, brought an unimaginable tragedy to St. Peter's. In May of that year, a fierce fire ravaged much of the building, destroying countless irreplaceable elements, including its beautiful windows. In a poignant detail, the church clock remarkably continued to function throughout the blaze, even striking midnight as the inferno raged. It's a vivid image, a symbol of time marching on even in the face of immense destruction.

Adding to the heartache, the church lacked adequate insurance – a common vulnerability for many public buildings of that era. This meant that the task of rebuilding fell squarely on the shoulders of the local community and the dedicated parishioners. And rise they did! Through incredible collective effort, fundraising drives, and an unwavering commitment, the people of Walsden pieced their beloved church back together. It's a powerful narrative of resilience, a testament to how adversity can forge an even stronger sense of community. On March 10th, 1956, after years of painstaking work and tireless fundraising, St. Peter's Church was proudly re-consecrated, reborn from its ashes.

A Lingering Legacy

Today, the spire of St. Peter's Church continues to grace the Walsden skyline, a beacon of history, a monument to a national initiative, and a powerful symbol of local determination. My own encounter with it from the Rochdale Canal was just a brief snapshot, but the story behind its walls, and indeed its very survival, is one that speaks volumes about faith, community, and the enduring spirit of a place. It reminds us that even seemingly quiet architectural landmarks often hold a rich tapestry of human stories, waiting to be discovered.

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Stepping Back in Time at Hebden Bridge Station: A Journey Through History and Connectivity

While passing through the vibrant town of Hebden Bridge recently, my feet, familiar with its cobbled streets and independent spirit, instinctively led me towards the railway station. More than just a transport hub, Hebden Bridge Station stands as a proud testament to the region's rich industrial heritage, a living museum where the echoes of steam engines and bustling crowds still seem to linger. On this particular occasion, time was fleeting, allowing me only to capture the essence of the westbound platform – a snapshot that nevertheless speaks volumes about this remarkable place.

To declare Hebden Bridge Station the "best looking" in Calderdale is perhaps subjective, yet its undeniable charm lies in the remarkable preservation of its original character. Stepping onto the platform is akin to stepping back in time. The sturdy stone architecture, the intricate ironwork, and the thoughtful touches that whisper tales of a bygone era all contribute to an atmosphere rarely found in modern transport interchanges.

The station's story began in October 1840, a pivotal moment that initially marked the westernmost reach of the burgeoning railway line. Imagine the anticipation of that time, the sense of connection as Hebden Bridge became a crucial link in the unfolding railway network. Just a few short months later, on New Year's Eve of that same year, the line extended further, piercing through the formidable Summit Tunnel towards Walsden. This engineering marvel paved the way for through services from Leeds to the industrial heartlands of Manchester, commencing in March 1841, with Hebden Bridge playing a vital role as a key stop along this transformative route. The subsequent arrival of services to Halifax and Bradford in 1852 further cemented the station's importance in connecting the communities of the Calder Valley.

The current station buildings, completed in 1893, stand as enduring monuments to Victorian engineering and architectural style. One can almost picture the flurry of activity within their walls as passengers, goods, and news flowed through this vital artery. It's fascinating to consider that the very ground now occupied by the station car park once echoed with the sounds of a bustling goods yard, a hub of commerce until 1966. This transformation from industry to modern transport underscores the evolving role of the station within the community.

A thoughtful nod to the past arrived during the 1997 renovations with the installation of signage in the distinctive colours of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway. This subtle yet significant detail serves as a constant reminder of the station's historical roots, a visual thread connecting the present with its proud railway heritage.

Today, Hebden Bridge Station remains a vital and well-maintained gateway. Manned by helpful staff, it offers essential amenities such as toilets and ticket facilities. The presence of a small café provides a welcome space for commuters and visitors alike to grab a coffee and soak in the station's atmosphere. Its convenient location, with bus access immediately outside the main entrance, further enhances its role as a key transport link.

While progress has brought improvements, challenges remain. Currently, disabled access is available to the Leeds-bound platform, but reaching Platform 1, serving trains towards Lancashire and Manchester, still requires navigating steps. However, there is a promising glimmer of progress on the horizon with plans to reinstate the long-dormant lifts between the platforms, a much-needed improvement that will enhance accessibility for all. These lifts, sadly out of use since the 1980s, represent a tangible opportunity to fully modernize the station while respecting its historical fabric.

In terms of connectivity, Hebden Bridge Station offers a robust service. From Platform 1, three trains depart hourly towards Manchester, connecting the town to the wider northwest region, alongside an additional hourly service to Preston. Platform 2 buzzes with even greater frequency, offering four Leeds-bound services each hour, providing connections to the vibrant city and beyond. Notably, these services offer different routes, with three traversing the bustling interchange of Bradford and another heading through the historic town of Dewsbury, offering a variety of travel options for passengers.

Captured on a sunny August afternoon in 2017 with my trusty Nikon D3300, the photograph I took offers a small window into the enduring appeal of Hebden Bridge Station. It's more than just bricks and mortar; it's a living link to the past, a vital artery for the present, and a place brimming with the quiet dignity of a station that has faithfully served its community for nearly two centuries. As I moved on, the image of the westbound platform remained with me, a reminder of the beauty and history that can be found in the most unexpected of places, waiting to be appreciated by those who take a moment to look closer.

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