Asquith Bottom Mill: A Sowerby Bridge Survivor

The former Asquith Bottom Mill in Sowerby Bridge stands as a powerful testament to the region's industrial past, a hulking monument of brick and stone that has adapted to the changing times. These images, taken in April 2017, capture the mill complex in its current state as a mixed-use industrial estate, a fascinating blend of old and new.

A Legacy of Industry

Asquith Bottom Mill has a rich history, serving various purposes over the years, from a carpet mill to a wire and woollen mill. It was originally built by the Edlestons family, a name that many locals will recall with fondness. For those who grew up in the area during the 1980s, the sight of a vibrant red neon sign bearing the Edlestons name across the roof is a cherished memory, a beacon of a bygone era that has sadly since been removed. The mill's closure in the late 1980s and early 1990s marked the end of a significant chapter for the area.

The photographs from 2017 reveal the sheer scale and character of the mill. The wide-angle shot shows the full facade of the main building, its rows of large, multi-paned windows a classic feature of mill architecture. The lower buildings in the foreground, with cars parked alongside, indicate the complex's modern function, a bustling hub for various businesses.

A Walk Through Time

Walking through the mill complex is like stepping into a living museum. One of the images captures a narrow ginnel or alleyway that runs between two buildings, with an overhead passageway connecting them. This architectural feature, common in industrial complexes of this size, speaks to a time when goods and people needed to move efficiently between different parts of the mill.

The details are what truly tell the story. A photograph of the building's exterior, shot at an upward angle, highlights the patina of age on the stone and the faded, closed-off windows, some of which still have their original frames. Another striking image, a black and white shot with a splash of red, focuses on a set of external stairs. These "red stairs," a pop of colour against the otherwise monochrome backdrop of the brickwork, lead up the side of one of the buildings, a dramatic and eye-catching feature that evokes a sense of both the mill's grand past and its slow, inevitable decline.

Asquith Bottom Mill, much like the surrounding landscape of Sowerby Bridge, is a symbol of resilience. It is a place that has not been forgotten but has been given a new purpose, a place where the echoes of industrial looms and the footsteps of mill workers still linger, even as new businesses thrive within its walls. These photographs serve as a poignant reminder of its past and a celebration of its enduring legacy.

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A vibrant memory from the mill's past stands in stark contrast to its present-day industrial hustle. Where the cars now sit parked in front of the mill, there once was a lush bowling green, a green oasis across the River Ryburn. The most striking change, however, was the mill's rooftop. For years, the building was crowned with a brilliant red neon sign that proudly displayed the W.M. Edlestons name—a familiar, glowing landmark that lit up the Sowerby Bridge skyline.

Once, goods and materials were hoisted to and from these doorways, but now, a lone hoist support juts out from the old brickwork, a silent reminder of the mill’s industrious past.

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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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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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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Journey Through Cumbria and Scotland: A Dashcam Time-Lapse

Experience the beauty of one of the UK's most scenic motorway stretches in this captivating time-lapse video! Filmed from my dashcam, this journey takes you on a 75-mile trip through stunning landscapes, from the edge of the Lake District to the Scottish border.

Our adventure begins near Burton in Kendal Services, just inside Cumbria, as we cross over from Lancashire. From there, we travel north on the motorway, offering glimpses of rolling hills and majestic mountains, even under less-than-ideal weather conditions. Keep an eye out for the dramatic climb to Shap Summit and the exhilarating descent that follows! The anticipation builds as we approach and cross the Scottish border, marking a transition into new territory.

This time-lapse condenses approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes of driving into a fast-paced 8-minute journey. The original footage was captured on Monday, October 16, 2017, using a Vivitar DVR 783HD waterproof action cam.

These dash cam and scenic view videos are a new venture for me, a way to explore different aspects of visual storytelling beyond still photography. I hope you find them interesting. In this video, the camera is fixed facing north, but future uploads will feature angled shots showcasing more of the surrounding scenery.

The Audacious Vision of George Tennant: A Canal Through Adversity

While exploring the Neath Abbey Business Park area, I stumbled upon a section of the Tennant Canal, a waterway steeped in history and a testament to one man's unwavering vision. Intrigued, I delved into the story of this remarkable feat of engineering, and what I discovered was truly inspiring.

George Tennant, a Lancashire solicitor's son, wasn't a canal builder by trade. Yet, in 1816, after purchasing the Rhydings estate, he took on the challenge of revitalizing the disused Glan-y-wern Canal. Tennant's ambition wasn't just to reopen the canal; he envisioned a significantly enlarged and extended waterway, capable of accommodating larger barges and connecting the River Neath to the River Tawe near Swansea harbour. He saw the potential for this canal to spur development in the region, believing Swansea's docks offered a superior shipping point compared to Neath or Giant's Grave.

Undeterred by a lack of support from local landowners, Tennant bravely funded the entire project himself. He leased the Glan-y-wern Canal from the Earl of Jersey and, under the guidance of engineer William Kirkhouse, work commenced in 1817. By autumn 1818, the canal stretched from Swansea to the River Neath, exceeding its initial design and accommodating even larger barges than planned. The Glan-y-wern branch was also reopened, providing a vital coal supply.

But Tennant's vision didn't stop there. He aimed to connect with the Neath Canal, a challenging endeavor that involved navigating complex terrain, including the treacherous Crymlyn Bog. This phase of the project was fraught with difficulties, including quicksand and legal battles with landowners like L.W. Dillwyn. Tennant's persistence, however, eventually prevailed. He secured agreements with the Neath Canal and, after overcoming significant engineering hurdles, including constructing an impressive ten-arched aqueduct across the River Neath, the expanded canal finally opened in 1824.

The Tennant Canal, initially known as the Neath and Swansea Junction Canal, eventually reached a length of 8.5 miles. Tennant even developed the area around the Swansea terminus, naming it Port Tennant. While the canal did boost the local economy and carried substantial amounts of coal, timber, and other goods, it didn't initially generate the profits Tennant had hoped for. Nevertheless, his legacy lived on, with the canal playing a crucial role in the region's industrial development for many years.

The story of George Tennant is a powerful reminder that vision, determination, and a willingness to overcome obstacles can lead to extraordinary achievements. His canal, a testament to his audacious spirit, remains a fascinating piece of South Wales' industrial heritage. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most significant contributions are born from the passion and perseverance of individuals who dare to dream big, even when others doubt.

The pictures were taken in September 2017 with a Nikon D3300 Camera. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking, and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.