The Salvage Archive: A Rediscovered 1960s Glimpse of Beaumaris Castle

There is a specific kind of magic found in the grain of 35mm film. When I recently unearthed a box of slides from the 1960s, I wasn't just looking at old family memories; I was looking at a portal to the past. Among the collection was this striking black-and-white study of Beaumaris Castle on the Isle of Anglesey.

Captured over sixty years ago, this image strips away the modern tourist trappings—the colourful weatherproof jackets, the digital signage, and the bustling crowds—leaving us with the raw, architectural skeleton of Edward I’s "unfinished masterpiece."

The Symmetry of a "Perfect" Fortress

Standing on the shores of the Menai Strait, Beaumaris is often cited by historians as the most technically perfect castle in Britain. Built according to a walls-within-walls (concentric) design, it was intended to be the crowning glory of King Edward I’s "Iron Ring" of North Welsh fortifications.

In this 1960s photograph, the concentric nature of the castle is hauntingly clear. The way the light hits the outer curtain wall, reflecting deeply into the still waters of the moat, highlights the sheer scale of the project. Designed by the master mason James of Saint George, the castle features four concentric rings of massive defenses, including a deep water-filled moat that was once connected directly to the sea.

What makes this specific view so compelling is the play of light and shadow on the masonry. Without the distraction of color, the eye is forced to appreciate the craftsmanship of the stonework and the rhythmic placement of the D-shaped towers. Even in its "unfinished" state—the inner towers never reached their intended height due to a lack of funds and the outbreak of the Scottish wars—the silhouette is one of absolute authority.

A 1960s Perspective on Welsh Heritage

Looking at this slide, I can’t help but wonder about the day it was taken. In the 1960s, visiting a site like Beaumaris was a different experience. The "Great British Holiday" was in its golden age, and for many, a trip to North Wales involved winding coastal roads and a slower pace of life.

The 1960s were also a period of transition for heritage sites in the UK. Many of these ruins were just beginning to be recognized not just as "old piles of stones," but as vital educational and cultural assets requiring specialized conservation. This photograph captures the castle in a state of quiet dignity, long before the era of high-definition drone photography and mass social media tourism. There is a stillness in the image that feels authentic to the mid-century era—a moment of quiet contemplation between the photographer and the monument.

The Technical Brilliance of the "Unfinished" Castle

Why does Beaumaris hold such a high place in architectural history? It represents the pinnacle of medieval military engineering. If you look closely at the towers in the image, you can see the arrow slits (loops) positioned with mathematical precision.

The design ensured that:

• No "Dead Ground": There were no spots around the walls where an enemy could hide from the defenders' view.

• Integrated Sea Access: The "Gate next the Sea" allowed the castle to be resupplied by ship even if it was under a land-based siege.

• Psychological Warfare: The sheer visual harmony of the castle was meant to intimidate. It was a physical manifestation of royal power in a newly conquered territory.

By the time this slide was developed in the 60s, the castle had survived over 650 years of Welsh weather, sieges, and the English Civil War. The fact that the moat remains filled today—as seen in the beautiful dark reflections in the foreground—is a testament to the original engineering that successfully tamed the marshy ground of the "Beau Mare" (Fair Marsh).

Preserving History Through the Lens

Scanning these 35mm slides is a labor of love. There is a depth to the shadows in film that digital sensors often struggle to replicate. In this black-and-white frame, the textures of the limestone and sandstone are palpable. You can almost feel the cold dampness of the Welsh air and the mossy scent of the moat.

Sharing these images isn't just about nostalgia; it’s about documenting how we have viewed our history over the decades. This 1960s view of Beaumaris serves as a reminder that while the world around us changes rapidly, these stone giants remain steadfast, guarding the coastline and our collective memory.

Whether you are a fan of medieval history, a film photography enthusiast, or someone who simply loves the rugged beauty of the Welsh coast, Beaumaris Castle never fails to inspire. It remains a place where engineering meets art, and where a 60-year-old slide can still tell a story that began in 1295.

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Mearclough Bridge: A Winter's Tale

 On the Outskirts of the town of Sowerby Bridge, lies Mearclough Bridge standing as a testament to the area's rich history. This masonry arch bridge, with its elegant design, has witnessed centuries of change.

While the exact date of the original bridge's construction is uncertain, historical records mention a crossing here as early as 1314, the current stone bridge being constructed between 1774 and the early 19th Century, suggesting the bridge has been a vital crossing point for centuries.

In the 1970s, to meet the demands of growing traffic, particularly from heavy goods vehicles accessing the nearby recycling depot and other industrial units, the bridge underwent significant strengthening. This was achieved by 'saddling' it with reinforced concrete, a vital upgrade that allowed it to continue serving the community's evolving transportation needs. However, in the 2010s, with the construction of the new Copley Valley Bridge providing enhanced access to the valley via Holmes Road, Mearclough Bridge's role shifted, and its access was subsequently restricted to small vehicles only.

Mearclough Bridge offers a picturesque view, especially in winter. The snow-covered landscape transforms the bridge and its surroundings into a serene and captivating scene. The River Calder flows gently beneath, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

I chose to present these images in black and white to emphasize the stark beauty of the winter snowfall. The monochromatic palette accentuates the textures of the snow-laden bridge and the surrounding landscape, creating a timeless and dramatic effect

I took these pictures on the 29th December 2017 with a Nikon d3300, 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.

A Walk in Winter: The Calder and Hebble Navigation

These black and white photos capture the stark beauty of a winter scene along the Calder and Hebble Navigation. The path, blanketed in snow, winds its way alongside a still waterway. The trees lining the bank are bare, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers towards the inky sky.

The absence of color in this photo only heightens the sense of tranquility. The world seems hushed, blanketed in a peaceful silence. Footprints visible in the snow are likely those of lonely hikers, making the viewer feel as though they are a remote person in this isolated landscape.

The Calder and Hebble Navigation is a 21-mile canal in West Yorkshire, England. It was built in the late 18th century to connect Sowerby Bridge with Wakefield. Today, the canal is a popular spot for walking, cycling, and boating.

This photo is a reminder that even in the depths of winter, there is beauty to be found in the natural world. The stark contrast of the black and white tones highlights the simple elegance of the scene. The stillness of the river and the bare branches of the trees create a sense of peace and tranquility.

If you're looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Calder and Hebble Navigation is a great option. A walk along the canal towpath is a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the season, whatever the weather.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Calder and Hebble Navigation is also steeped in history. The canal was an important transportation artery during the Industrial Revolution, and there are a number of old mills and warehouses along its banks. Today, these buildings have been converted into homes, businesses, and arts centers.

Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply looking for a place to relax, the Calder and Hebble Navigation is a great place to visit. So next time you're in West Yorkshire, be sure to take a walk along this historic waterway. You might just be surprised by the beauty you find.

The pictures below were taken on the 17th January 2016 with a Nikon D3300 Camera, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The canal pictured looking away from Walker Lane Bridge towards Chain Bridge. The Sowerby Bridge Gas Works and Gasometers used to occupy a site to the left of the picture just beyond the trees, the gasometers have long since been removed.

The canal is pictured here between Hollas Lane Bridge (Sterne Mills Bridge) and Edwards Road Bridge (Canal Mills Bridge). Both Bridges tend to known by either name, the land to the left of the picture has been redeveloped in to Copley Valley a mixed use zone of housing, industry and nature areas since this picture was taken. The land to the right of the picture may also face redevelopment in the coming years, it was for a number of years a car park for the Halifax Bank's Copley Data Centre, this has been closed for a while now with the data set to close and be sold off in the near future.

The canal towards Mearclough Canal Bridge, the waterway narrows a little here, often wondered why.

The colour versions can be seen below.

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A Timeless Walk on the Rochdale Canal

There's something about a vintage photograph that adds a layer of timelessness, and when applied to the landscape of the Rochdale Canal, it feels like a journey back in time. On a crisp November day in 2013, I took a walk along the stretch between Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge, armed with a Samsung Galaxy tablet. The images I captured, edited to have a sepia-toned, aged look, seem to echo the long and storied history of this waterway.

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A Glimpse into the Past

This section of the canal is particularly beautiful, winding through the heart of the Calder Valley. The path is often muddy and strewn with autumn leaves, and the trees, stripped bare of their foliage, reveal the skeletal beauty of the landscape. As the path meanders, you pass under stone bridges, their arches a constant reminder of the 18th-century engineering that created this vital transport link. These bridges, with their worn brickwork and mossy undersides, look as though they have stood for centuries, watching the world change around them. The canal itself is a mirror, reflecting the grey sky and the surrounding hills. Lock 7, with its white-painted lock gates, stands out against the muted tones of the landscape, a functional and artistic focal point. You can almost imagine the sound of the locks creaking open and the rush of water as barges passed through, a scene that played out for generations.

Where Nature and Industry Meet

As you continue towards Hebden Bridge, the canal becomes more populated with boats. Moored narrowboats, their names and histories hidden from view, float peacefully on the water, adding a touch of colour to the otherwise monochromatic landscape. The scene, captured from a higher vantage point, shows the canal snaking through the trees, a ribbon of water connecting the villages of the valley. It's a striking image of how nature and human-made industry have coexisted for over two centuries.

A Photographic Journey

Using a tablet to create these vintage-style photos felt like a fascinating experiment. The editing process transformed the modern digital images into something that felt like a glimpse into a bygone era. It highlighted the enduring beauty of the Rochdale Canal, showing that while technology and life move on, some places retain a timeless quality that transcends the decades.

This walk from Mytholmroyd to Hebden Bridge isn't just a physical journey but a historical one, too. It’s a chance to see the landscape through a different lens and appreciate the stories etched into every stone, every lock, and every reflection on the water.

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

Located a short distance from where Burnley Road crosses the canal, Lock 7 Broad Bottom is a Grade II listed structure. It was granted this status on June 21, 1984, and is situated near the former site of Walkley Clogs.

A classic shot of the peaceful Mayroyd Moorings in Hebden Bridge, taken from the historic Station Road Bridge overlooking the canal.

A view of the Broad Bottom Lane Bridge from Lock 7 in Mytholmroyd, a tranquil spot on the Rochdale Canal.

Bridge 12, Westfield Terrace Bridge, the canal had been drained for a stretch here, I can not remember why and for how far it stretched.

Mayroyd Bridge near the moorings at Hebden Bridge.

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The Hidden Corners of Heptonstall

Perched high above the bustling market town of Hebden Bridge, the village of Heptonstall feels like a place suspended in time. With its cobbled streets, rugged stone cottages, and a history etched into every building, it's a favourite spot for those who love to wander. While many come for the famous ruined church, my recent journey there was about exploring the lesser-known, quieter corners that truly define its character.

Heptonstall, home to around 1,400 people, has a long tradition of hand-loom weaving, a past that’s visible in its sturdy architecture. The village has also found a new kind of fame, recently serving as a backdrop for the drama The Gallows Pole, a story about the notorious Cragg Vale Coiners. Their leader, "King" David Hartley, is buried in the churchyard—a reminder that this idyllic setting has its share of dramatic history.

The images I captured on a crisp November day show a different side of the village, focusing on its nooks and crannies. The black and white photos accentuate the timelessness of the stone and slate. You can see the old Cloth Hall, where weavers would have sold their wares, its solid walls hinting at the commerce that once drove this community. Walking through the village, you discover delightful details, like the a foreboding archway leading down to the village square and the narrow passages, or "snickets," that wind between the houses. One such snicket, framed by an ancient archway dated 1778, feels like a secret passageway into the past. You can almost hear the echoes of generations of villagers hurrying through, their footsteps muffled by the same stone walls that stand today.

Another highlight was the old water pump, an austere but beautiful piece of functional history built into a stone archway. It’s a powerful symbol of a time before modern plumbing, when life was harder and every resource was valued.

While this set of photographs deliberately omits the more famous landmarks—the Wesleyan Chapel and the twin churches—they offer something more intimate. They reveal the soul of Heptonstall: a village of resilient stone, winding paths, and a palpable sense of history that you can feel with every step.

I took these pictures with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on the 16th November 2016, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

The Museum Snicket runs from Towngate alongside The Cloth Hall towards the Museum and Churchyard, which is to the right behind the metal railings.

The Cloth Hall on Towngate was built around 1545 by the Waterhouse family who lived at Shibden Hall, Halifax. The building was originally single story and known as Blackwell Hall, it was used by local hand-loom weavers to sell their cloth. The 2nd story was added around 1766 by John Uttley, and remained in use for traders until the Piece Hall was opened at Halifax in 1779. It is now a private residence and was granted Grade 11 Listed Status in December 1984.

Towngate is the main road through the village and features at least 15 Listed Buildings along it's length. The stone sets on the road were rediscovered in the 1980's, a plan to replace them was thought off by local residents and they were restored, it is now seen as helping to calm traffic down through the village.

The village water pump was replaced by a public water supply in July 1933.

Bottom of Towngate.

I think I took these last 2 somewhere near the church and museum, the bottom picture I would have thought must be amongst the oldest properties in the village.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.