Colin Green Photography: Bailey Hall

Showing posts with label Bailey Hall. Show all posts

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

A Forgotten Waterway: Walking the Halifax Branch Canal

The Calder and Hebble Navigation is one of Yorkshire's great industrial arteries, but one short spur holds a particularly fascinating, and largely buried, history: the Halifax Branch Canal. Recently, I took a walk along the small, navigable section that remains today, from Salterhebble Top Lock to the Salterhebble Basin, and was inspired to look deeper into this forgotten waterway.

The Last Surviving Stretch

The walk starts where the main navigation meets the spur. The modern-day journey is short, a serene quarter-mile of placid water contrasting sharply with the busy road nearby. This short section is a peaceful haven, offering moorings and a tranquil reflection of the industrial past.

A view from the dark interior of a stone bridge looking out onto a sunlit canal. The dark, curved silhouette of the bridge arch frames a vibrant scene featuring a green and red narrowboat moored on the water. Lush green trees line the canal banks, and their reflection creates a near-perfect circle with the bridge's arch in the still water.

A sepia-toned photograph showing a wide, gravel towpath curving alongside a quiet canal toward a classic stone arch bridge. Dense foliage and tall trees overhang the water, casting soft shadows. Through the bridge's arch, a narrowboat is visible in the distance, and the entire scene is reflected in the calm surface of the canal.

The basin at Salterhebble, now a calm, boat-filled pool, was once the hive of activity for the main canal's final push towards Halifax before the branch opened. Today, it’s a spot to pause and appreciate the peaceful coexistence of nature and history.

The Buried Climb to Bailey Hall

What many people don't realise is that this short length is just the beginning of what was once a mighty, ambitious climb right into the heart of Halifax. When the branch opened in 1828, it extended for about a mile and a quarter, rising an astonishing 110 feet via 14 locks to terminate at Bailey Hall Basin, near the modern-day railway station and the former Mackintosh (now Nestlé) factory site. This monumental civil engineering feat was necessary to bring heavy goods like coal and stone directly into the thriving industrial town. The canal was crucial, as one horse could haul up to 60 tons by boat, a huge advantage over carting goods over the steep, difficult roads of the area.

A vibrant, eye-level shot of a paved canal towpath curving toward an arched stone bridge. To the right, still water reflects the dense green canopy of overhanging trees. Sunlight filters through lime-green leaves in the foreground, illuminating the grassy bank and a wooden bench in the distance.

A high-contrast, black-and-white photograph looking down a long, straight canal towpath. The canal sits to the left, bordered by wild grass and thick, dark woodland. The monochromatic tones highlight the textures of the foliage and the receding perspective of the path into the deep shadows of the trees.

An Expensive, Challenging Engineering Feat

The Halifax Branch was notoriously expensive to run. The terrain was challenging, and local mill owners were fiercely protective of the water supply in the Hebble Brook. This meant the canal company couldn't rely on the usual gravity-fed reservoirs.

The solution was a feat of ingenuity: a brick-lined culvert was built to carry water from the bottom of the arm all the way to a reservoir near the top at Phoebe Lane, where a massive steam-powered pumping engine then lifted the water to the highest level. The cost of running this engine and maintaining the long, leaky canal meant tolls were double those on the main Calder and Hebble.

A peaceful, eye-level view of a narrow canal waterway flanked by dense, vibrant green trees and foliage. A paved grey towpath runs along the left side of the murky, reflective water. In the mid-ground, a stone bridge abutment and a small wooden bench sit under the shade of the canopy, while sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a dappled light effect on the path and water.

The Ghosts of the Locks

The branch’s life was relatively short; it officially closed in 1942 and much of it was quickly drained and infilled. The route is now largely preserved as the Hebble Trail, a fantastic walking route that traces the canal's former path.

Walking this trail is like following a ghost. You walk over what were once the lock chambers—those well-built stone walls and depressions you see are the tops of the buried locks! It's an incredible sensation to know you're traversing a route where barges once struggled up and down a staircase of water.

Interestingly, the old structures, including bridges and the lock chambers themselves, were so robustly built that demolition would have been too costly. They were simply buried—a fascinating thought for a history enthusiast! Even the aqueduct that carried the canal over the Hebble Brook at Farrah Mill Lane still stands, though it faces problems today.

Sepia-toned view of a wooded canal towpath. Description: A sepia-filtered photograph looking down a curved asphalt towpath alongside a calm canal. Thick, leafy trees create a dense canopy over the water and path, with stone mooring posts lining the canal edge.

Colourful canal basin with moored narrowboats and stone buildings. Description: A vibrant landscape shot of a canal basin under a blue sky with light clouds. Traditional stone buildings sit on the left bank next to moored narrowboats. The still water creates a near-perfect reflection of the trees, sky, and boats. Rolling green hills are visible in the far distance.

High-contrast black and white photo of a canal bend. Description: A dramatic black and white image of a canal curving through a park-like setting. Weeping willow trees and benches line the right bank, while a narrow towpath follows the left. The glassy water surface reflects the dark trees and the bright, overcast sky, creating a symmetrical visual effect.

A Legacy of Industry and Leisure

Though its commercial life ended over 80 years ago, the spirit of the Halifax Branch lives on. The remaining section at Salterhebble serves as a reminder of the colossal ambition that shaped the West Riding's industrial landscape. The Hebble Trail ensures the route isn't completely forgotten, allowing walkers and cyclists to literally walk in the footsteps of the horse-drawn barges of old.

So next time you're in the area, don't just see the tranquil waters at Salterhebble. Take a moment to think about the 14 locks and the 110 feet of elevation that lie buried beneath your feet, connecting the busy present with a forgotten past.

A wide-angle, colour photograph of a calm canal basin. On the left bank, a traditional stone building (The Watermill pub) features a large glass conservatory that is perfectly reflected in the still, dark water. A paved towpath curves along the right side of the frame, lined with green grass and trees. The background shows a lush, wooded hillside under a bright, overcast sky.

A high-contrast, black and white photograph looking down a still stretch of canal. In the foreground, a stone-walled towpath with a metal railing sits on the left. The water creates a mirror-like reflection of the heavy foliage and trees lining both banks. In the distance, a small narrowboat is moored near a stone bridge. The composition emphasizes the textures of the masonry and the symmetry of the reflections.

I took these pictures with a Polaroid is2132 camera on the 13th June 2015, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Saturday, 5 February 2022

Halifax Railway Station: November 2013

Stepping off the train at Halifax in November 2013 offers a fascinating blend of history, industry, and the ever-present drama of a working railway. Armed with my Samsung Galaxy tablet, I took some time to capture the various facets of this intriguing station, a true testament to its past and present.

A Striking Approach: The Access Bridge

The first impression of Halifax Station for many is often from below, looking up at the grand access bridge. From the perspective of "Halifax Railway Station Access Bridge.jpg," the imposing white structure, with its sturdy pillars, dominates the foreground. It's a clear indication of the elevated nature of the station itself, built to traverse the undulating terrain of this Calderdale town. The hint of rust on the bridge's underside adds character, a sign of its age and the constant battle against the elements. In the background, a towering church steeple peeks out, a classic West Yorkshire vista. The yellow pathway beneath, contrasting with the green, suggests a clear route for pedestrians, even if the area feels somewhat industrial.

Platforms, Tracks, and Time: The Heart of the Station

Once on the platforms, the station reveals its operational essence. "Halifax Station Platform 1.jpg" gives us a view down Platform 1, with the distinctive red-framed windows of the station building adding a splash of colour against the more muted tones of the landscape. The curving track hints at the challenging topography of the area, while a train in the distance underscores the station's purpose. The station signs, with "Lift" clearly marked, indicate efforts to improve accessibility, a modern touch within a historical setting.

"Halifax Railway Station 1.jpg," a monochrome shot, offers a broader perspective of the station building from the platform. The large windows of what appears to be a more modern extension sit alongside older, industrial-style roofing. The stark black and white treatment emphasizes the structural elements and the functional beauty of a working railway environment, with the bare trees on the surrounding hillsides confirming the late autumn chill.

The Watchful Eye: Halifax Signal Box

A prominent feature that catches the eye is the classic railway signal box. "Halifax Station Bridge and Signal Box.jpg" shows it nestled just beyond the platform, a quintessential piece of railway heritage. Its white clapboard siding and numerous windows give it a charming, almost house-like appearance, yet its purpose is entirely functional – controlling the intricate dance of trains on these tracks. This view, again, highlights the overhead bridge structure, providing a sense of the station's layered design. "Halifax Railway Station Signal Box.jpg" provides a closer, sepia-toned look at the signal box, emphasizing its traditional wooden construction and the "HALIFAX" nameplate, a proud declaration of its location. It's a reminder of a bygone era of railway operation, even if its duties are now likely assisted by modern technology.

Echoes of the Past: Hidden Depths

Perhaps the most evocative images are those that delve beneath the active station, hinting at a forgotten past. "Abandoned Tunnel Underneath Halifax Railway Station.jpg" is particularly haunting. The sepia tone enhances the sense of age and disuse. The rough-hewn stone walls, the debris-strewn floor, and the enigmatic doorway in the distance speak of an industrial past, perhaps an old goods tunnel or a disused access point. It feels like a secret passage, a hidden world beneath the bustling station above.

Similarly, "Steps Under Halifax Railway Station.jpg" captures another descent into the station's lower levels. The steps, partly paved with what looks like worn tiles, lead downwards into a dimly lit space. The stone walls, adorned with some graffiti, and the single, orange light fixture create an atmospheric, almost theatrical feel. These hidden pathways suggest a complex network of tunnels and underpasses, integral to the station's historical operation and its connection to the surrounding townscape.

The Enduring Elegance: The 1855 Building

Beyond the immediate station environs, "Halifax Railway Station 1855 Building.jpg" presents a truly magnificent structure – the original 1855 station building. This grand, classical edifice, with its ornate façade, tall windows, and imposing portico, stands in stark contrast to the more utilitarian structures seen elsewhere. It speaks of an era when railway stations were designed as gateways, symbols of civic pride and prosperity. Surrounded by vibrant autumnal foliage, its architectural beauty is truly highlighted, hinting at a time when passengers would have arrived in horse-drawn carriages at its elegant entrance.

Broader Perspectives: The Station in its Setting

Finally, "Halifax Railway Station Roofs from Bailey Hall.jpg" offers a panoramic view, showcasing the station's relationship with its environment. From a higher vantage point, possibly Bailey Hall, we see the station roofs nestled amidst the rich autumnal colours of the surrounding hillsides. The green expanse in the foreground, bordered by old stone walls, emphasizes the natural beauty that surrounds this industrial hub. The church spire once again punctuates the skyline, firmly placing the station within the character of Halifax.

And "Lilly Lane Footbridge, Halifax Railway Station.jpg" shows another aspect of the station's infrastructure – a long, covered footbridge, likely connecting different parts of the railway complex or providing public access over the tracks. Its metallic, somewhat utilitarian design, with wire mesh, suggests a robust, functional structure, while the moss on the walkway adds a touch of natural encroachment.

In November 2013, Halifax Railway Station is a place of contrasts: the grandeur of its Victorian past intertwined with the functional demands of a modern railway, and the hidden, almost forgotten, spaces that lie beneath its active tracks. It's a station that truly tells a story, captured beautifully by the lens of a simple tablet.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The bridge is the only access to the stations island platform

The Nestle Factory can be seen to the right of the picture

The listed 1855 building, having housed officers and a nursery for
the Eureka Children's Museum, their are now plans to reopen this
building.

The operations were moved to York and this signal Box Closed
in October 2018.

The following pictures were taken near to the station buildings.

Halifax Station is built upon a viaduct, high wall and this is one of the
tunnels underneath the station.

This bridge used to cross a number of lines and the goods yard, it was built
to provide a new access to the station in the 1880's.
There are currently plans going forward to demolish this structure.

The station buildings roofs captured from Bailey Hall. The Halifax
branch of the Calder & Hebble Navigation used to terminate
near to this site which is occupied by Nestle now.

Lilly Lane Footbridge was built to replace Lilly Lane,
the road having been split in 2 by the railways arrival
and the station construction.

One of the tunnel paths that lead underneath
Halifax Station.