Where Beer Met Education: Unpacking the History and Transformation of The Maltings, Halifax

Standing proudly on the outskirts of Halifax, amidst a landscape defined by Yorkshire's industrial past and rolling green hills, is a striking stone building that tells a fascinating story of change: The Maltings.

Your photographs perfectly capture the imposing scale and rugged beauty of this structure, revealing its deep roots in the region's brewing tradition while hinting at its modern, revitalised purpose. Far from being a relic, The Maltings is a living example of how Halifax breathes new life into its magnificent heritage architecture.

From Grain to Greatness: A Century of Brewing

To appreciate The Maltings today, we must journey back to its origins. This magnificent building was erected around 1900 as the maltings facility for the nearby Fountainhead Brewery, home to the famous Samuel Webster & Sons.

Maltings buildings were crucial components of any large brewery. This is where the barley, the heart of the beer, was prepared through the complex process of malting—steeping, germinating, and drying the grain to produce the sugars necessary for brewing. The sheer size and distinct, multi-level architecture of The Maltings reflect this industrial process:

• The Architecture: The building is a superb example of large-scale, late-Victorian industrial architecture. Constructed from local, finely grained York stone with a steeply pitched Westmorland slate roof, it was built to last. The height and generous windows, visible in the images, were designed to manage the critical temperature and ventilation needed for germinating the barley.

• A Landscape Landmark: Situated on Maltings Road in the Ovenden Wood area, the structure was built to dominate the landscape. Even today, long-ranging views across the valley show the building's importance, a silent monument to the commercial power of the Halifax brewing industry at the turn of the 20th century.

Webster's was a dominant force, building up a portfolio of over 100 tied public houses by the 1880s and becoming known for its iconic brands like Green Label and Pennine Bitter. The Maltings was thus a powerhouse of the regional economy.

A Sympathetic Second Act

By the late 20th century, the brewing industry had consolidated, and the Fountainhead Brewery complex faced an uncertain future. Crucially, the main maltings building was listed as a Grade II Listed Building in 1990, securing its architectural future.

In a remarkable act of preservation and redevelopment, The Maltings was sympathetically restored and converted into commercial office space as part of a multi-million-pound project in the late 1980s. This conversion was so successful that it was recognised with a European Heritage Award (Diploma) in 1991, an accolade that speaks volumes about the quality of the restoration work, which involved:

• Restoring the original York stone exterior.

• Replacing 1930s metal windows with new, traditionally styled hardwood units.

• Internally restructuring the floors to maximise natural light while retaining the raw, industrial character of the space—a perfect blend of heritage and contemporary functionality.

The Modern Maltings: A Hub of Education

Today, The Maltings has found its most inspiring purpose yet: as a central hub for Trinity Multi-Academy Trust (MAT).

It now serves as the group’s main offices, housing the administration and supporting education initiatives across the region. This is a wonderfully poetic transformation: a building once dedicated to producing the raw material for a commercial beverage is now dedicated to cultivating the minds of the next generation. The imposing structure, which once held vast stores of barley, now houses the strategic core of a major educational group.

The presence of the Trinity Institute of Education at The Maltings continues its legacy as a site of production—not of beer, but of knowledge and opportunity. When you look at its robust stone walls and towering form today, you see more than just an old brewery building; you see the enduring spirit of Yorkshire's innovation, repurposed for the 21st century.

It stands as a perfect symbol of Halifax: a town proud of its magnificent past, but always looking forward.

I took these pictures with a Nikon d3300 on the 11th July 2020, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Echoes of Faith and Stone: Photographing Dewsbury Minster

April sunlight filtered gently through the skeletal branches of spring trees, scattering dappled patterns across the worn gravestones and honeyed stone walls of Dewsbury Minster. The air was still, the churchyard hushed except for the faint hum of distant traffic — a reminder that this ancient place, once a spiritual heart of Yorkshire, now rests quietly amid the rhythms of modern life.

A Lens on a Thousand Years of Worship

Photographing Dewsbury Minster feels like walking through a dialogue between centuries. The Minster, officially known as The Minster Church of All Saints, Dewsbury, stands on ground sanctified long before the Norman Conquest. Tradition holds that Paulinus of York, one of the early missionaries who brought Christianity to northern England, founded a church here in AD 627. That makes Dewsbury one of the earliest centres of Christian worship in West Yorkshire — a place where history is literally layered into the stone.

Through the viewfinder, the Minster’s Norman tower and Gothic windows speak of evolving craftsmanship — a blend of Saxon spirit and medieval devotion. Its sandstone blocks glow warmly in the afternoon light, each carrying the weight of centuries of prayer, conflict, and renewal.

The Soul of the Building

Stepping inside, the Minster reveals its quiet grandeur. The arched arcades, carved columns, and stained glass windows create a dance of colour and shadow that shifts with every passing hour. One photograph captures the Great East Window, a masterpiece of Victorian glasswork, depicting the crucifixion surrounded by saints and angels — a kaleidoscope of devotion frozen in light.

The interior today feels welcoming and alive, with curved rows of wooden chairs replacing traditional pews, their purple cushions adding a modern warmth against the ancient stone. The altar, framed by the great arch of the chancel, glows under soft illumination — a focal point both for worship and artistic contemplation.

The Curfew Bell of Dewsbury

Perhaps Dewsbury’s most famous tradition is the “Curfew Bell”, also known as the “Devil’s Knell.” Each Christmas Eve, the church bell tolls once for every year since the birth of Christ — a haunting and beautiful ritual said to date back to the 15th century. The custom was established by Sir Thomas de Soothill, who donated the bell in penance for a violent crime, and it continues to this day, linking the modern town to its medieval conscience.

Stories in Stone

Wandering the churchyard, I was drawn to the worn gravestones and memorials that circle the Minster like sentinels of memory. The Kohima Epitaph memorial, inspired by the words from the Battle of Kohima (“When you go home, tell them of us and say…”), stands humbly on the cobblestones — a small yet deeply moving tribute to sacrifice.

Nearby, a carved statue of St Philip watches over visitors inside the Minster, his serene face illuminated by a shaft of natural light — a moment that felt quietly timeless through the lens.

Reflections Through the Camera

Photographing Dewsbury Minster in April 2015 with a modest Polaroid iS2132 camera, I was reminded how photography can bridge time. The church’s textured stone, filtered sunlight, and intricate glass challenged the lens to balance detail and atmosphere. In every image, the Minster seems to breathe — ancient yet alive, sacred yet rooted in the everyday life of Dewsbury.

A Living Heritage

Today, Dewsbury Minster stands not only as a house of worship but as a community hub — hosting concerts, art exhibitions, and social initiatives that reflect its enduring mission of faith and fellowship. To photograph it is to witness continuity: the sacred and the ordinary woven together, much as they have been here for nearly 1,400 years.

I took these pictures with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera in April 2015, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Kohima Epitaph Memorial.

It consists of a cylindrical stone column resting upon a large six-pointed star set into the cobblestone path of the churchyard. The column is engraved with the famous lines from the Battle of Kohima: "When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today." This humble yet deeply moving tribute commemorates the sacrifices made by the Commonwealth forces during the Battle of Kohima in World War II, connecting the ancient Yorkshire church to a moment of modern global conflict and remembrance.

The statue of St Philip is one of a series of carved wooden figures that form a magnificent Reredos (an ornamental screen or partition covering the wall at the back of an altar). This Reredos, dating from 1912, was designed by Temple Moore and carved by Bridgeman of Lichfield.

Originally installed behind the high altar of the Minster, it is now situated in the church's Narthex (entrance area) and depicts Christ surrounded by the Twelve Apostles, with each saint holding the symbol associated with their martyrdom or life story. The figure represents St Philip the Apostle, and he is typically identified by a long staff topped with a small cross or by a basket or loaves (referencing his role in the Feeding of the Five Thousand), serving as a beautiful example of early 20th-century religious art within the historic Minster.

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The image displays the Great East Window of Dewsbury Minster, a magnificent example of Victorian stained glass. The window was made by Meyer of Munich and was erected in 1884. It is noted for its impressive scale and design, standing as a prominent piece of the Minster's collection of stained glass. While the Minster also houses some beautiful medieval stained glass which is mainly 14th century, the Great East Window itself is a later, Victorian addition.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Stone, Steeple, and Stories: The Enduring Heart of Huddersfield, St Peter's Parish Church

The sunlit stone and towering steeple of St Peter's Parish Church, or Huddersfield Parish Church, are an unmissable landmark in the heart of the town. These pictures, taken on a beautiful clear day, showcase the Grade II* listed building in all its Gothic Revival glory, a monumental presence at the junction of Kirkgate and Byram Street. But this is more than just a magnificent building; it is a repository of history and some truly fascinating tales.

Roots in the 11th Century

The church you see today, with its impressive 135-foot clock tower dominating the skyline, is actually the third church to stand on this venerable site. Its origins date all the way back to the 11th century, shortly after the Domesday Book.

Legend has it that the very first church was established around 1090-1100 by Walter de Lacy, a Norman nobleman, who vowed to build a church after surviving a terrifying fall from his horse into a swampy marsh between Huddersfield and Halifax. A dramatic promise for a dramatic building site!

The Victorian Rebuild and a Cost-Saving Secret

The current, grand structure was built between 1834 and 1836 by the renowned York architect James Pigott Pritchett. The previous 16th-century church had simply become too small for Huddersfield's rapidly expanding population during the Industrial Revolution, and it was also structurally unstable.

In an interesting, and perhaps cautionary, piece of history, Pritchett was tasked with keeping costs down. To do this, he reused bricks from the dismantled 16th-century church in the new construction. While admirable for the effort to recycle, the quality of the old materials was poor, which unfortunately led to the church needing regular, extensive maintenance work almost from the start!

Architectural Highlights and Unique Features

The church is an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture, characterised by its pointed arches, ornate tracery, and crenellated (battlemented) parapets. But its interior holds some of the most compelling stories and facts:

• The Highest Clock: The prominent west tower, with clocks on all four sides, was deliberately built to an unusual height of 135 feet to ensure the time could be seen from all parts of the burgeoning industrial town.

• The War Memorial Masterpiece: The sanctuary is dominated by a gilded timber Baldachino (a ceremonial canopy over the altar) and the East Window, which together form the parish's First World War Memorial. They were installed in 1923 and designed by the famous early 20th-century architect, Sir Ninian Comper.

• Underground Dining: The church's large crypt now hosts "The Keys" café/restaurant, providing a wonderfully quirky and atmospheric venue for visitors and locals alike, continuing the church's role as a true community hub.

From a dramatic rescue in the 11th century to a cost-cutting compromise in the 19th, and from architectural mastery to a hidden mouse, St Peter's Parish Church is a place that truly weaves the spiritual, social, and industrial history of Huddersfield into its very stone. Next time you're in the town centre, take a moment to step inside and appreciate the stories held within this magnificent building.

I took these pictures with a Nikon d3300 on the 27th May 2023, clicking any of them 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.

Behind the Stands: A Glimpse of Huddersfield's Accu Stadium on a Quiet Day

On a bright late-May day in 2023, with a Nikon D3300 in hand, I took a stroll around the perimeter of what is currently known as the Accu Stadium in Huddersfield. The gates were closed, meaning no peek inside at the hallowed turf, but even from the outside, the stadium's distinctive architecture and the quiet hum of its surroundings offered plenty to appreciate and reflect upon.

Currently known as the Accu Stadium, and previously known as the John Smith's Stadium, Kirklees Stadium, the Galpharm Stadium and the Alfred McAlpine Stadium, this multi-purpose venue is a true landmark for Huddersfield. It's the proud home of two significant sporting institutions: Huddersfield Town AFC, affectionately known as "The Terriers," and the Huddersfield Giants Rugby League Football Club.

The stadium's design is striking, particularly its curved roofs and distinctive white trusswork that arch over the stands. This architectural flair isn't just for show; it's a testament to modern stadium design when it opened. The images capture these arches beautifully against the clear blue sky, hinting at the vastness within, even when empty. Opened in 1994, it was initially a ground-breaking venture, moving both clubs from their historic but aging homes – Leeds Road for Huddersfield Town and Fartown for the Huddersfield Giants. This move was a significant step forward, providing state-of-the-art facilities for both clubs and their fans.

One of the most interesting facts about the stadium is its innovative funding model. It was developed through a unique partnership between Kirklees Metropolitan Council, Huddersfield Town AFC, and Huddersfield Giants. This collaborative effort ensured that the town retained significant ownership and control, a model that has since been emulated by other clubs. The stadium company, Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd (KSDL), manages the venue, overseeing everything from match days to conferences and concerts.

Even on a quiet Saturday, with no match-day crowds or roaring fans, the stadium exudes a certain presence. The surrounding pathways and car parks, usually teeming with activity, were empty, allowing for a different perspective on the venue. You can imagine the roar of the crowd emanating from within the stands, where a glimpse of the blue seating is visible through the gates. The towering floodlights, stand sentinel, ready to illuminate evening games and create that special atmosphere under the lights.

The external signage, such as "THE CORE STAND" and "THE TERRIERS,", proudly displays the stadium's identity and its connection to its sporting tenants. It's a reminder that this isn't just a building; it's a home, a place of shared memories, triumphs, and sometimes, heartbreaks for thousands of supporters.

Driving around the stadium, as captured in the various images, you get a sense of its integration into the local landscape. Nestled amongst trees and green spaces, it's a substantial structure that nonetheless blends with its surroundings. The approach roads and parking areas, while functional, are softened by the greenery, where the stadium peeks out from behind lush foliage.

While I couldn't step onto the pitch or sit in the stands this time, these external shots offer a valuable insight into the Accu Stadium (or Kirklees Stadium, as it is widely known). They showcase its architectural significance, its role as a dual-sporting arena, and the quiet dignity it holds even on a non-match day. It's a place that buzzes with life and passion, and even from the outside, you can feel the echoes of countless sporting moments.

Clicking any of the images 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.

Heptonstall and the Old Grammar School

On a grey, autumnal day in November 2013, a Samsung Galaxy tablet captured a series of images that perfectly encapsulate the enduring charm and rich history of Heptonstall, a village perched on the hills above Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire. The subject of these photos, the Heptonstall Museum, is more than just a building; it's a Grade II-listed testament to centuries of change, a cornerstone of a community steeped in history.

The building that now houses the museum has had a fascinating journey through time. Its origins trace back to around 1600, when it was constructed not as a place of learning, but as a warehouse. This was a time when the woollen trade was the lifeblood of the Pennines, and Heptonstall was a bustling centre for handloom weaving. You can still see hints of this industrial past in the large first-floor windows of many local cottages, designed to maximise the light for the weavers working within.

In 1771, the building was given a new purpose when it was converted into the Heptonstall Grammar School. The photos from 2013 show the solid stone structure and classic architecture, elements that have witnessed generations of students passing through its doors. The school served the community until its closure in 1889. While the modern world moved on, the building's story didn't end there. For a time, it housed the Yorkshire Penny Bank, before finally reopening its doors in August 1972 as the Heptonstall Museum.

The museum today is a treasure trove of local history, offering a window into the past. It tells the story of the village's prehistoric beginnings and its role in significant events, including the Battle of Heptonstall during the English Civil War in 1643. One of the most captivating exhibits delves into the notorious Cragg Vale Coiners, a gang of counterfeiters who plagued the area in the 18th century. Their leader, "King" David Hartley, is buried in the nearby churchyard—one of the many historical figures whose stories are woven into the fabric of Heptonstall.

Speaking of the churchyard, it is perhaps one of the most unique in the country. It is home to not one, but two churches. The ruins of the Church of St Thomas a Becket, founded in the 13th century and severely damaged in a storm in 1847, stand as a hauntingly beautiful shell. Just yards away, the newer St Thomas the Apostle church, built in the 1850s, stands proudly, a symbol of resilience. This dual churchyard is also the final resting place of American poet Sylvia Plath, a poignant connection to the wider literary world.

The Heptonstall Museum, housed in its old grammar school building, serves as a perfect starting point for exploring this remarkable village. It's a place where the past isn't just displayed, it's alive in the very stones of the building and the stories they tell.

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.

The Secret Stairways of Halifax: A Journey Up the Snickets

In the heart of West Yorkshire lies a town where history is etched into every stone wall and winding street. Halifax is a place of grand Victorian architecture and industrial heritage, but its true character is often found in the hidden corners and forgotten paths. For those with a curious spirit, these places are an invitation to step back in time. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the town's numerous snickets, narrow alleyways or passages that often take the form of steep, cobbled stairways.

Inspired by a recent trip to Old Lane near Boothtown, I captured two such snickets, each a unique testament to the town's past.

Snicket 1: The Gentle Ascent

The first snicket appears almost as an open invitation. Its worn stone steps are wide, leading up a gradual slope between two sturdy stone walls. On the left, a weathered wooden fence hints at a private garden, while a bare tree stands as a silent sentinel. The path is littered with autumn leaves, and the wet cobbles gleam under the grey sky.

This snicket feels like a well-trodden path, a practical shortcut used by generations of locals. It's a connection between two worlds: the quiet residential street below and whatever lies at the top. The image evokes a sense of tranquillity, a brief moment of quiet contemplation before returning to the rhythm of daily life.

Snicket 2: The Vertical Climb

Just a short distance away, the second snicket presents a stark contrast. This is not a path for the faint of heart. Narrow and steep, it rises like a vertical ribbon of stone. A metal handrail runs alongside the towering stone wall, a necessary aid for those brave enough to make the climb. The walls themselves are a patchwork of different-sized stones, telling a story of repairs and rebuilds over the decades. The vegetation on the left, overgrown and wild, adds to the feeling of a passage carved directly from the landscape itself.

This snicket is a challenge, a true "Boothtown" climb that speaks to the rugged terrain of the area. It feels more secluded and intimate than the first, a hidden passage known only to those who need to use it. It is a reminder that in Halifax, some of the most beautiful and interesting places require a bit of effort to discover.

Why We Love the Snickets

These images, captured in stark black and white, highlight the texture and form of these pathways, stripping away the distractions of colour to reveal their raw, historical beauty. They show us that a snicket is more than just a shortcut; it's a living part of the community's history. These aren't manicured tourist attractions; they are the veins and arteries of the town, connecting homes, streets, and people. They are a physical representation of the town's resilience and its enduring spirit.

Next time you find yourself in Halifax, I encourage you to look beyond the main roads. Seek out a snicket. Take a moment to feel the history under your feet and imagine the countless journeys that have been made on those very same stones. You might just discover a new appreciation for the secret stairways that define this incredible town.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green. These were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 23rd December 2023.

An October Morning in Venice: A Golden Hour Tour of St. Mark's

 There's a magic to Venice that's best found in the stillness of dawn. On an early October morning in 2018, as the first rays of sunlight pierced the horizon, the legendary city transformed. The canals lay glassy and still, reflecting a sky streaked with the softest pastels, and the air was thick with a quiet anticipation. This is the Venice that few travellers get to experience—the one before the crowds arrive.

The Grand Entrance to a Grand Square

Wandering towards the heart of the city, the journey's destination was clear. The light was liquid gold, and it seemed to coat every building in a warm, ethereal glow. The Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark's Square, is the only true "piazza" in Venice. For centuries, it has been the city's political and religious hub, and Napoleon himself famously called it the "drawing room of Europe." In the tranquillity of the morning, you can truly appreciate its scale and grandeur.

The two towering columns, the Colonna di San Todaro and the Colonna di San Marco, stood sentinel at the edge of the water. The first holds a statue of St. Theodore atop a crocodile, Venice’s original patron saint, while the second is crowned by the city’s iconic winged lion, the symbol of its current protector, St. Mark. They mark the grand gateway from the lagoon, and seeing them at sunrise feels like stepping through a portal to another time.

The Dazzling Basilica and the Tower of the Master

Dominating the square is the breath taking Saint Mark's Basilica, a spectacular masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. With its intricate marble carvings and five great domes, it's a testament to the city's immense wealth and power as a trading hub. Known as the "Basilica d'Oro" or the Golden Basilica, its facade sparkles with mosaics that hint at the gold leaf covering its interior. Legend has it that the church was built to house the relics of St. Mark, smuggled out of Alexandria by Venetian merchants in the 9th century.

Standing guard next to the basilica is the imposing St. Mark's Campanile, Venetians' beloved "master of the house." This brick bell tower, at nearly 100 meters tall, has a fascinating history. It's not the original tower; the first one collapsed in 1902 and was rebuilt exactly "as it was, where it was" (com'era, dov'era). From its top, you can get a spectacular panoramic view of the city, its bell regulating the pulse of Venetian life for centuries.

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Off to the side of the main square, tucked beside the Basilica, lies a quieter space: the Piazzetta dei Leoncini, or the "little square of the lions." Named for the two squatting red marble lions that stand guard, this area offers a more intimate experience. While the main square buzzes with energy, this corner provides a tranquil space to pause and take in the magnificent architecture of the Basilica from a different perspective.

As the morning light grew brighter and the first cafe tables were set out, the magic of the golden hour began to fade, replaced by the vibrant energy of a new day. But for a brief, beautiful moment, Venice belonged to the sunrise.

I took these pictures on the 31st October 2018 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

Piazzetta dei Leoncini.

Colonna di San Todaro and the Colonna di San Marco.

St Mark's Campanile.

San Giorgio Maggiore Church.

Doge's Palace.

St Mark's Square.

St Mark's Basilica.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.