Glaisdale Railway Station, North Yorkshire

Glaisdale Railway Station is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors, offering a glimpse into the region's rich railway heritage. This charming station, with its quaint architecture and scenic surroundings, provides a captivating experience for visitors and railway enthusiasts alike.

A Brief History

Glaisdale Station was opened on the 2nd October 1865 by the North Eastern Railway Company. It served as a vital stop for passengers and goods traveling through the picturesque North Yorkshire Moors. The station's unique location, surrounded by rolling hills and lush countryside, made it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

A Picturesque Setting

The station's beauty lies not only in its historic architecture but also in its idyllic setting. Nestled amidst the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, Glaisdale Station offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby fields, or simply relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Exploring the Station

Glaisdale Station is a treasure trove for railway enthusiasts. The station buildings feature waiting rooms, toilets and a signal box closed in 1989, as well as one of the two passing loops remaining on the Esk Valley railway. The station is served by 6 trains per day towards Whitby, and another 6 per day towards Middlesborough.

A Gateway to Adventure

Glaisdale Station serves as a gateway to the North Yorkshire Moors. From here, visitors can embark on scenic train journeys, hike through the stunning countryside, or explore the charming villages and towns in the area. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which operates from Glaisdale Station, offers a nostalgic journey through the region's picturesque landscapes.

A Must-Visit Destination

Whether you're a railway enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Glaisdale Railway Station is a must-visit destination. Its combination of historical charm, natural beauty, and scenic train journeys makes it a truly unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey back in time to this hidden gem in the heart of North Yorkshire.

I took the pictures below with a Nikon d3300 on the 27th August 2022, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The railway viaduct to the east of the station. Beggar's Bridge and the River Esk are just beyond the arch.

The disused signal box, closed in 1989

Inside the very clean and well kept waiting room.

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Todmorden's Unitarian Church: A Testament to a Family's Legacy

Todmorden Unitarian Church, nestled on Honey Hole Road, is more than just a place of worship. It’s a remarkable tribute to John Fielden, a local mill owner, social reformer, and Member of Parliament for Oldham from 1832 to 1847. A prominent member of the local Unitarian movement, Fielden’s legacy was honoured by his three sons, Joshua, John, and Samuel, who funded the church’s construction on land donated by their family.

Building began in 1865, with an unlimited budget that eventually swelled to over £35,000 (more than £3.5 million in 2020). The church was completed in 1869 and opened with a sermon preached by William Gaskell to a congregation of over 800 people.

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A Story of Decline and Rebirth

The church flourished until the early 20th century when, like many other religious institutions in the UK, its congregation began to decline. Maintaining the building became increasingly difficult, leading to the main church's closure in 1987. Services were moved to the nearby lodge at the entrance to the grounds, but even these ceased in 1992, and the church was closed completely.

Left abandoned, the building fell into decay and was a target for vandals. However, in 1994, the Historic Chapels Trust stepped in, undertaking a massive restoration project that cost over £1 million. Their efforts saved this architectural gem.

The church was granted Grade I listed status on November 22, 1966, while the lodge at the entrance received Grade II listed status on February 22, 1984.

These photos, taken on July 11, 2020, capture the church's unique character and the beautiful grounds surrounding it. It's a true testament to the power of preservation and the enduring legacy of a family dedicated to their community.

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This picture taken from the Rochdale Canal, looking across the Golden Lion Pub, shows the Churches Spire. Notice the guitarist sat on the bench.

The Lodge, stands at the entrance to the church grounds. This was used for services after the main building closed. I believe it is now a private residence.

This lamp post can be found on the main driveway, the path to the right leads through the woodland circling the eastern side of the church.

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The Grandeur of Todmorden Town Hall's Frontage.

As you approach Todmorden, nestled amidst the Pennine Hills, a majestic sight unfolds: the imposing frontage of the town hall. More than just a grand building, it's a symbol of civic pride, rich history, and a vibrant present.

The frontage, spanning an impressive 53 feet, is a visual delight. Constructed in the Italianate style, it boasts a symmetrical design with towering columns, arched windows, and intricate stonework. The town hall opened on the 3rd April 1875, at a cost of £54,000. The original plans for the hall were conceived a couple of decades earlier, when architect James Green was charged with building a town hall for the town of Todmorden. Legal and financial problems saw this work grind to a halt by the mid-1860s. The Fielden family, a local owner of many of the town's cotton mills, purchased the site and took financial responsibility for completing the hall. 

Look closer at the frontage, and you'll discover the symbolic language whispered in the stone. The pediment features two allegorical figures, representing Lancashire and Yorkshire, united by industry and prosperity. The friezes below depict scenes of cotton spinning and engineering, reflecting the town's heritage. The hall was built atop Walsden Water, the historic boundary of Lancashire and Yorkshire, to unite the town populace. 

The frontage isn't just aesthetically pleasing; it's a window into the town's soul. Imagine grand balls held in the opulent ballroom, the echo of justice served in the former magistrate's court, and the countless community events that have brought laughter and life to these walls. Every scratch, every detail, whispers untold stories of the people who have walked these steps and made Todmorden what it is today.

The pictures were taken on the 6th January 2024 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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Heptonstall's Twin Churches

Nestled high in the Pennine hills, the village of Heptonstall holds a unique and poignant secret: a single churchyard shared by two churches, both dedicated to St Thomas. This is a place where history isn't just recorded in books but stands in stone, side-by-side, creating a powerful dialogue between past and present. I visited on a day in July 2020 and was captivated by their intertwined story.

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The Church of St Thomas a Becket: The Enduring Ruin

The older of the two, the Church of St Thomas a Becket, was built between 1256 and 1260. For centuries, its robust stone walls were the heart of the community, bearing witness to generations of Heptonstall residents. Over time, it grew, with additions of two naves, aisles, chantry chapels, and a striking tower that once commanded the skyline.

But in 1847, a violent storm left the church in a state of disrepair. The damage was so severe that the community decided to build a new church rather than repair the old one. Yet, the old church was not forgotten. Today, its ruins stand as a powerful and beautiful monument. The roofless nave, with its arched windows framing the sky, invites quiet contemplation. The crumbling walls, now open to the elements, are a testament to the passage of time. A poignant silence fills the space, occasionally broken by the murmur of visitors or the rustle of the wind. The ruins are more than just a historical site; they are an active part of the village's identity. The carefully maintained grounds and the way the ruins are open to the public create a tangible link to the past. It's a place where history is alive, and occasional open-air services breathe new life into the ancient stones.

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The Church of St Thomas the Apostle: The New Heart of the Village

Rising majestically beside the ruins stands its replacement, the Church of St Thomas the Apostle, completed in 1854. This Victorian Gothic masterpiece presents a stark contrast to its ruined predecessor. Its detailed architecture, soaring spire, and intricate stained-glass windows are a beacon of hope and resilience. The new church is a vibrant community hub, offering regular services and hosting events like the Pennine Spring Music Festival. The light filtering through the colorful stained glass creates an ethereal atmosphere, filling the space with stories told in vibrant hues. The clock face on the tower is a constant, ticking presence, a modern-day anchor to the timeless rhythm of the village.

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A Shared Resting Place

The churchyard itself is as significant as the buildings it holds. It is a shared burial ground for both churches and a final resting place for many who shaped the village's story. Among the weathered gravestones, you'll find the resting place of renowned American poet Sylvia Plath, a fact that draws literary pilgrims from around the world. The graveyard is also home to the grave of David Hartley, leader of the infamous Cragg Vale Coiners, adding another layer of intrigue to this historic ground. The twin churches of Heptonstall are a powerful reminder of how communities adapt and endure. They are a living museum, a spiritual home, and a testament to the village's rich and complex history. Walking between the two buildings, you can feel the centuries of stories and lives that have passed through this remarkable place.

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The Parish Church of St Thomas the Apostle. The graveyard which surrounds both churches is said to hold the remains of over 100000. This burial ground was closed to new interments in 1915 and a new one opened nearby on land gifted by Gamaliel Sutcliffe.

The remains of the Parish Church of St Thomas a Becket.

The new church pictured from the doorway of the old church.

The pinnacle struck by lightening in 1875, stands outside the church as a monument to the night it fell from the tower.

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From Malting House to Learning Centre: The Enduring Legacy of The Maltings, Halifax

The Maltings in Halifax is a building with a rich and layered history, its sturdy stone walls holding the memories of a bygone industrial era. These images, captured on a grey February day in 2014, showcase its imposing and unique architecture, a testament to its former life as a vital component of the Webster's Brewery Fountain Head complex.

A Glimpse into Industrial Heritage

Built in 1898, The Maltings was once at the heart of the brewing industry in Ovenden Wood. Webster's Brewery, a name synonymous with Halifax's industrial past, had operated from the Fountain Head site since the mid-1800s. The Maltings was where the magic began—where barley was steeped and germinated, a crucial first step in the brewing process. The building's distinctive oast-house-like kilns, seen prominently in the photographs, are a beautiful reminder of this function.

The brewery's closure in 1996 marked the end of an era. The site was redeveloped for housing, but thanks to its Grade II listed status, granted on April 18, 1990, The Maltings was spared. Along with the nearby Long Can, it stands as one of the last remaining structures of the once-sprawling brewery.

A New Purpose

Instead of being demolished, The Maltings was given a new lease on life. The building was repurposed as a college, a fitting transformation from a place of industry to a place of education. The broad, expansive windows that once let in light for the malting process now illuminate classrooms, and the strong foundations that once supported heavy machinery now support the dreams of students.

The photographs from 2014 show the building in this transitional phase, its industrial heritage clear in its design, yet its new purpose evident in the signage at the entrance. The mix of colour and a black-and-white image in the collection highlights the timeless quality of the architecture, which looks just as striking in monochrome as it does under a moody sky.

A Link to the Past

The presence of a railway is also a key part of The Maltings' history. The Halifax High Level Railway ran right past the building, and it's speculated that a railway siding may have existed there for a time. This connection to the railway network was undoubtedly crucial for a brewery, facilitating the transport of raw materials and finished products. The nearby Wheatley Viaduct, a magnificent piece of railway engineering, stands as a testament to this past.

These pictures, taken with a Polaroid is2132 camera, serve as a valuable record of a moment in time, capturing The Maltings as it continues its journey from industrial landmark to modern educational facility. Its unique architecture, a blend of functionality and Victorian design, makes it a true gem of Halifax's built heritage.

The Maltings is more than just a building; it is a symbol of adaptation and preservation. It reminds us that our industrial past is not something to be forgotten, but something to be celebrated and, where possible, repurposed for a new future. It stands proudly, a sentinel of a time gone by, but with a vibrant, new story still being written within its historic walls.

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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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