Copley Bridge: A Lost Landmark

 The historic Copley River Bridge, a graceful two-arch stone structure, once spanned the River Calder, carrying North Dean Road across its waters. Built in 1831 by Richard Kennett-Dawson, the last Lord of the Manor of Copley, the bridge was a significant local landmark.

For many years, a toll was charged to cross the bridge, a practice that ended in 1856. The bridge stood for 184 years, weathering the passage of time and serving as a vital connection for the community.

However, the bridge's legacy was tragically cut short. The devastating Boxing Day floods of 2015 wreaked havoc on the Calder Valley, leaving the bridge severely damaged. Despite efforts to repair it, the extent of the damage necessitated its demolition.

In 2017, a modern replacement, a single-span steel bridge, was constructed and opened. To honor the memory of Graham Wilson, a long time resident of the tollhouse who passed away that same year, the new bridge was named the Wilson Bridge.

Though the historic Copley River Bridge is no longer with us, its memory lives on, a reminder of the region's rich history and the enduring power of nature.

The former Copley Toll Booth, a quaint building dating back to around 1831, still stands today. Originally situated at the end of the old stone bridge, it now serves as a private residence south of the Wilson Bridge.

I took these pictures on the 1st February 2014 with a Polaroid is2132. Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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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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Copley: A Walk Along the River Calder

A stroll along the River Calder at Copley offers a fascinating glimpse into a landscape in transition. These images, captured in March 2015, show a stretch of the river that has undergone significant change. The area, once dominated by industrial and natural spaces, has since been redeveloped with new housing and industrial units, connected by a new bridge and roads.

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Echoes of the Past

The riverbanks at Copley once bustled with activity. The Sterne Mills, a site with a history of milling dating back to the 18th century, stood on the north bank. By the turn of the millennium, the site was unoccupied, but its legacy remains. The weir that once powered the mill and a nearby sluice gate are still visible, a quiet tribute to the area's industrial past.

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A Changing Landscape

The river crossing at Copley has also evolved over time. What was once a simple fording point was later a wooden bridge, then a single-track concrete structure from 1914, before being replaced by the current, modern bridge. This evolution mirrors the larger changes in the area, where new developments now sit alongside historic remnants. This blend of old and new makes the Copley Valley a unique place to explore.

The pictures below were taken on the 8th March 2015 with a Polaroid is2132 camera, clicking on any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The former sluice gate is all that remains of the mills that once occupied the site.

The weir and modern bridge crossing, the 1914 bridge abutment can just be seen before the metal banking, behind the watermarked col.

The river passing Copley Village, the stone wall to the pictures left is all the remains of Edward Akroyd's Copley Mill which was demolished in 1974, the site is now covered by housing.

This picture was taken from the side of Copley Playing fields looking towards the bridge and wier.

Taken from the south bank, this path used to pass Sowerby Bridge Sewage Works, the site is now occupied by industrial units. I was told once that the river used to be navigable past this point until the canal came and weirs were built to power the mills.

The river again pictured here to the west of Sterne Mills Bridge, the north bank pictured across the river is now covered by housing on what was once considered a flood plain. Just about visible through the trees is the Halifax Bank's Copley Data Centre, opened in the mid 1980's the centre is earmarked for complete closure in 2025.

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Copley's Hidden Arches: A Tale of Three Viaducts

 South of Halifax, the small village of Copley is a place where history is carved into the landscape. While many know of the two prominent railway viaducts that dramatically span the valley to the west, few realize there's a third, equally important viaduct tucked away to the east. This one silently crosses the River Calder, completing a trio of Victorian engineering marvels that shaped the region. Together, these viaducts tell a story of a time when the railroad was king, and its iron bridges were the lifelines of industry.

Copley's most famous landmark is the spectacular Copley Viaduct. Completed in 1852, its 23 arches stretch across the landscape, a testament to Victorian engineering that finally created a direct rail link between Sowerby Bridge and Halifax. This viaduct was a game-changer, eliminating the need for trains to perform a cumbersome reversal at Greetland Station. As it soars over the valley, it offers a dramatic perspective on the region, passing over or near the River Calder, the scenic Calder & Hebble Navigation Canal, the bustling A6026 Wakefield Road, and the quaint Copley Cricket Ground.

Standing at a viewpoint from Norland, one can witness a striking scene of two railway viaducts carving their way across the valley near the village of Copley. The older, three-arched viaduct, a testament to early rail engineering, was built by none other than George Stephenson, the "Father of Railways." Opened in 1840 as part of the Manchester and Leeds Railway, it was the first line to traverse the Calder Valley.

For decades, this viaduct was a vital artery of commerce and travel. However, its fate became uncertain when passenger services ceased in 1970. The line faced repeated threats of closure throughout the 1970s and 80s, becoming a "ghost railway" used almost exclusively for freight and the occasional diverted train. Yet, its story wasn't over. In a remarkable twist of fortune, the reopening of Brighouse station in 2000 breathed new life into the line, allowing passenger trains to rumble across Stephenson's historic arches once more, linking the past with the present.

Copley's third and often-overlooked railway viaduct stands as a testament to early Victorian engineering. Opened in 1840 by the Manchester and Leeds Railway, this stone giant gracefully crosses the River Calder. It's nestled discreetly to the east of Copley village, near the Old Rishworthians' sports ground, and its arches disappear into the landscape at the foot of North Dean Woods. This viaduct is not just a bridge; it's a silent sentinel from a time when steam and steel forged the new paths of progress.

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Walking the Calder and Hebble Navigation: Sowerby to Salterhebble

The Calder and Hebble Navigation isn't just a waterway; it's a testament to the ingenuity of the Industrial Revolution and a living thread in the history of West Yorkshire. As you walk the towpath between Sowerby Bridge and Salterhebble, you're treading the same ground once bustled with horse-drawn barges and the clamour of industry. This specific stretch, captured so beautifully in these photos from February 2020, reveals the canal's rich story, from its vital role in commerce to its peaceful modern-day purpose.

The Broad Canal's Genesis

Opened in 1770, the Calder and Hebble Navigation was a groundbreaking feat of engineering. Unlike many of its contemporaries, it’s a broad canal, designed to accommodate wider boats and larger cargoes, a clear sign of its ambition to be a major commercial artery. It was a fusion of man-made cuts and cleverly "navigated" sections of the existing River Calder and River Hebble. This design was both a blessing and a challenge, harnessing the power of nature while requiring meticulous control to manage water levels and prevent flooding. Our journey begins at the Sowerby Bridge Basin, a historic nexus where the Calder and Hebble Navigation meets the Rochdale Canal. This connection, completed in 1804, transformed Sowerby Bridge into a critical trans-Pennine hub, linking the ports of Hull and Liverpool. The basin itself is a beautiful blend of industrial architecture and modern leisure, where former warehouses have been converted into cafes and bars, and canal boats now serve as peaceful homes and holiday cruisers.

Copley: A Glimpse of Industrial Life

As you follow the path from Sowerby Bridge, you'll reach the picturesque section around Copley. Here, the canal flows alongside the Calder, and you can see tangible reminders of its industrial past. The pictures show old sluices and delivery chutes, once used to load and unload goods directly from the mills that lined the waterway. These structures are more than just ruins; they are silent witnesses to the daily grind of workers and the flow of raw materials that fuelled the textile industry. The tranquil water and green banks today stand in stark contrast to the smoke-filled, noisy reality of two centuries ago.

The Salterhebble Locks: A Stepping Stone to Halifax

Continuing east, the canal eventually reaches the Salterhebble Locks. This is a particularly fascinating point, as it marks the former junction with the Halifax Branch Canal. The branch, opened in 1828, was a crucial link for mills in Halifax town center, rising an impressive 110 feet through 14 locks. Although the branch was abandoned in the 1940s, the remnants can still be seen, including the locks and the charming lock keeper's cottage. The lock complex at Salterhebble itself is a piece of living history, with some of the original handspike-operated paddle gear still in use, a rare sight on Britain's waterways.

Today, the Calder and Hebble Navigation is a vibrant leisure route, used by boaters, walkers, and cyclists. Its transformation from a workhorse of industry to a peaceful recreational haven is a powerful story of renewal. It reminds us that even after their original purpose has faded, our industrial waterways continue to provide a valuable resource, connecting people with nature and our shared past.

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Copley Railway Viaduct: A Hidden Gem in the Calder Valley

Nestled discreetly between the Old Rishworthians Sports Ground and the picturesque North Dean Woods, the Copley Railway Viaduct (officially known as MVN2/160 or Copley Bottom Bridge) stands as a testament to the rich railway history of West Yorkshire. This impressive structure, carrying the railway over the River Calder, is a true hidden gem just east of Copley village.

A Glimpse into the Past

Opened way back in August 1840 by the Manchester and Leeds Railway, this bridge was once a vital artery for main railway traffic through the entire Calder Valley. Imagine the hustle and bustle of early trains rumbling across its arches! Its prominence shifted somewhat with the construction of nearby lines at Milner Royd and Greetland Junctions, which diverted rail traffic towards Halifax.

Despite its historical significance, the line over Copley Viaduct faced closure plans in the late 1970s, especially after the closure of Brighouse (1970) and Elland (1962) stations. However, it persevered! It continued to serve as a crucial diversionary route for passenger trains and remained active for freight-only traffic during this period.

The year 2000 marked a significant turning point with the reopening of Brighouse Station. This brought passenger trains regularly crossing the Copley Viaduct once more, reconnecting this historic bridge to modern-day rail travel.

Photography Hotspot and Safety First!

One of the fantastic aspects of the Copley Viaduct is the open nature of the North Dean side, offering superb opportunities for photography enthusiasts. If you're keen on capturing the majesty of passing trains, especially the often-seen steam trains, this is an excellent spot.

However, and this is a crucial point, always remember to prioritise safety when near railway tracks. If you're venturing out to photograph, make sure to keep a safe distance away from the tracks. Staying well within the tree line, is always a good idea. Your safety is paramount!

These images were captured on a crisp 25th February 2019 using a Nikon d3300 SLR, showcasing the bridge's enduring beauty against a bright sky.

So, next time you're looking for a little piece of local history, consider seeking out the Copley Railway Viaduct. It's a truly impressive structure with a fascinating past and a continuing role in the Calder Valley's railway network.

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

The Copley side of the viaduct

Taken on the North Dean side of the bridge, looking in the
direction of Copley.

The bridge again taken from the North Dean side.

Taken from the far end of Old Rishworthians sports ground.

The top of the bridge, the open nature of the track at the bottom of North
Dean Woods allows great access for taking pictures of trains passing.
Please be aware of a safety when near the lines, this is level with the tree
line which i consider a safe distance from the track. although when
trains are approaching I stand much further back than this.

The River Calder flows underneath the bridge,

The River Calder, taken looking towards Copley from underneath
the viaduct.

Again in the direction of Copley but from the other side of the bridge.

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