Bolling Hall: A Glimpse into Bradford's Past.

Nestled in the heart of Bradford, Bolling Hall stands as a testament to the city's rich history. This magnificent Grade I listed manor house, with its origins dating back to the 13th century, offers visitors a captivating journey through time.

A Brief History

Bolling Hall has witnessed centuries of change. It has served as a family home, a stronghold during the English Civil War,and a symbol of the industrial revolution. The hall's architecture reflects its evolution, with elements of medieval, Tudor,Georgian, and Victorian styles.

Exploring the Hall

A visit to Bolling Hall is a delightful exploration. Wander through the beautifully preserved period rooms, each offering a glimpse into different eras. Admire the intricate details, from the ornate fireplaces to the antique furnishings.

Highlights include:

• The Great Hall: A spacious and impressive room with a stunning inglenook fireplace.
• The Victorian Kitchen: Step back in time and experience the challenges of Victorian domestic life.
• The Servants' Quarters: Discover the lives of the people who worked behind the scenes.
• The Gardens: Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Events and Activities

Bolling Hall regularly hosts a variety of events and activities, making it a great destination for families and history enthusiasts. From exhibitions and workshops to themed events and live performances, there's always something to discover.

A Must-Visit for History Lovers

If you're looking for a fascinating and educational experience, Bolling Hall is a must-visit. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and engaging exhibits, it's a captivating destination that offers something for everyone.

The pictures I took were in the gardens, they show the magnificent of the hall on a cool December morning. They were taken using a Nikon d3300 on the 10th December 2022, they can also be seen in a higher resolution on my Clickasnap account.

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A Postcard from Burnham-on-Sea's Manor Gardens

Today, let's step back in time with a fascinating find from my personal collection: a beautiful, unposted postcard depicting the charming Manor Gardens in Burnham-on-Sea. What makes this particular card so intriguing isn't just the picturesque scene, but the mystery surrounding its origins and the delightful message it carries.

At the heart of the image stands the bandstand, a classic feature of many early 20th-century public gardens, undoubtedly a focal point for leisure and entertainment back in its day. Even now, the Manor Gardens remain a beloved green space in Burnham-on-Sea, a testament to their enduring appeal.

While the postcard itself bears no postmark, making an exact date elusive, I'd hazard a guess that it hails from the post-First World War period. This era saw a resurgence in seaside holidays and leisure activities, making Burnham-on-Sea a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and enjoyment.

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A Message from the Past

Despite never being mailed, this postcard carries a handwritten message, offering a precious, albeit partial, glimpse into the lives of its senders. The faded script, though challenging to decipher completely, reads as follows:

"Dear Phyliss we are having a lovely time plenty of attractions and crowds of people we are getting along nicely we have lovely lodgings and quite near the sea front you'll wish you were here we are first going to the Manor Gardens love _____ and _____."

Sadly, the names of the senders are illegible, lost to the passage of time. Yet, even without their identities, their words paint a vivid picture: a joyful holiday filled with "plenty of attractions and crowds of people," comfortable "lovely lodgings" close to the sea, and a clear sense of contentment and happiness. One can almost feel their excitement as they anticipate their visit to the Manor Gardens, perhaps to enjoy a bandstand concert or a leisurely stroll amidst the flowers.

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This postcard, unposted and anonymous as it may be, serves as a poignant reminder of simpler times and the enduring pleasure of a seaside escape. It’s a tiny fragment of history, allowing us to imagine the lives and experiences of those who visited Burnham-on-Sea over a century ago.

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A Glimpse into the Past: Weston-Super-Mare, 1917

magine holding a piece of history in your hands, a tangible link to a time long past. That's precisely the feeling evoked by a recent discovery: a vintage postcard mailed over a century ago, on September 12th, 1917. Despite the ravages of time, this postcard offers a fascinating, albeit faded, window into the Edwardian era, specifically featuring the charming Marine Parade Gardens and Rozel Shelter in Weston-Super-Mare.

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Echoes of a Bygone Era: The Faded Message

The most poignant aspect of this postcard is its badly faded written message. While the postal print remains remarkably clear, the personal words intended for a loved one have largely succumbed to time, leaving us to wonder about the full sentiment they once conveyed. However, with careful deciphering, a fragment of the past emerges:

Mr F Denning,
30 Hanham Road, Kingswood, Bristol.

Dear Dady, just a few lines hoping you arrived home alright and what time did you get home last night

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A Snapshot of Daily Life Amidst Global Conflict

It's humbling to consider that this simple message, inquiring about a father's safe return, was penned in the midst of World War I. While battles raged across Europe, life continued on the home front. This postcard serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring human need for connection and reassurance, even in the most tumultuous times. It speaks to the everyday concerns and affections that persisted amidst the broader global conflict.

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Then and Now: Weston-Super-Mare's Enduring Beauty

The image itself transports us to Marine Parade Gardens and Rozel Shelter. A natural question arises: does the Rozel Shelter still stand today? While its fate remains a mystery without further investigation, we do know that the Marine Gardens themselves have stood the test of time, continuing to grace Weston-Super-Mare with their beauty. This contrast between the potentially lost and the enduring offers a compelling insight into the evolution of our landscapes.

The back of the card offers another tangible link to the past: a King George V Half Penny stamp remains firmly attached, a small but significant detail that helps date the postcard and grounds it in its historical context.

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This vintage postcard, with its faded script and enduring imagery, is more than just a piece of paper; it's a whisper from the past, inviting us to contemplate the lives of those who walked these paths before us. It sparks curiosity about the stories behind the names, the everyday moments that made up a lifetime, and the remarkable resilience of both nature and human connection.

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What other forgotten messages do you think are waiting to be discovered, telling tales of a world we can only imagine?

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From Mansion to Memorial: The Enduring History of Crow Wood Centenary Park

Nestled in Sowerby Bridge, Crow Wood Centenary Park is more than just a green space; it’s a living testament to history, community, and remembrance. This 5.49-hectare park, situated at Upper Bolton Brow, offers a fascinating journey through time, from its grand beginnings as a mansion estate to its vital role in local life today.

Originally the site of the imposing Crow Wood Mansion, the grounds witnessed a significant transformation during World War 1 when the mansion served as a hospital, providing essential care until its closure in March 1920. In May 1919, the forward-thinking Sowerby Bridge Council recommended purchasing the estate. Their vision was grand: to create a public park, a maternity home, and a child welfare centre – a true hub for the community.

The mansion itself, once standing near what are now the tennis courts and gardens, was demolished before the park officially opened its gates in April 1923. But its spirit of service lived on. A poignant addition to the park’s landscape came on November 10, 1929, with the unveiling of the Memorial Gate. This powerful monument was initially dedicated to those who perished in the Great War and now honours all the fallen of both world wars from the Sowerby Bridge area, serving as a solemn reminder of sacrifice and courage.

Over the years, the park has adapted to changing times and community needs. In 1930, a bandstand was added, offering picturesque views across the parkland. While its days of hosting musical performances are long past, it has found a new life as a vibrant skate board area, echoing with the sounds of a new generation. Another notable change saw the park’s paddling pool – a source of joy for many years – replaced by a car park near the garden area.

Perhaps the most significant renaming occurred on August 4, 2014, when the park became Crow Wood Centenary Park. This thoughtful change marked 100 years since the onset of the First World War, reinforcing its historical significance and its role as a place of reflection.

Today, Crow Wood Centenary Park continues to be a beloved community asset, offering a diverse range of amenities. Visitors can enjoy the modern skate board area, challenge friends on the bowling green or tennis courts, stroll through the tranquil gardens, or watch children play in the dedicated children's play area.

So, next time you’re in Sowerby Bridge, take a moment to explore Crow Wood Centenary Park. You’ll not only discover a beautiful green space but also a rich tapestry of local history woven into every corner.

The pictures were taken on New Years Day 2020 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The Memorial gate which was unveiled on the 10th November 1929. The towns annual remembrance day parade congregates here.

The parks former band stand now part of a skate park. The bandstand was opened on the 4th May 1930, despite living in the area for over 45 years, I don't recall the bandstand being used regularly or having a roof covering the whole octagon.

The cobbled walkway leads down from the park in the direction of Pye Nest Road.

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A Green Oasis with a Storied Past: Exploring West View Park, Halifax

Nestled in the Highroad Well area of Halifax, West View Park stands as a testament to Victorian philanthropy and a cherished green space for the community. Opened in 1896, this approximately 14-acre public park boasts a rich history, intriguing features, and a tranquil escape from the urban bustle.

The very existence of West View Park is thanks to the vision and generosity of two prominent local figures: Mr. Henry Charles McCrea and Mr. Enoch Robinson. Built on the site of a former quarry, the land itself was a donation from Lord Saville. McCrea and Robinson, driven by a desire to create a public amenity, funded the park's development on the condition that the local council would assume responsibility for its ongoing upkeep. This unique partnership ensured the park's longevity and its accessibility to all.

McCrea's influence is also evident in the park's name. "West View," he insisted, was a fitting moniker, reflecting the breathtaking vistas over the Norland Hillside, the distant Pennines, and the winding Calder Valley to the west of Halifax. Even today, these views remain a defining characteristic of the park, offering a sense of expansive beauty and connection to the wider landscape.

West View Park is not just a patch of grass; it's a meticulously designed space offering a variety of experiences. Visitors can stroll through formal gardens, enjoy the open spaces of the play areas, or simply relax on the terrace. It's a place where generations have come to unwind, play, and connect with nature.

A poignant addition to the park's landscape arrived in 1904: a war memorial dedicated to the soldiers from the area who lost their lives in various conflicts. Standing proudly on the terrace area, the memorial commemorates two soldiers who perished in the Afghan Wars (1839-42 and 1878-81) and a significant 73 who died in the South African War (1899-1902). This impressive statue, reaching a height of 76 feet (23 meters), serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made. Interestingly, its history isn't without incident; it was famously blown over in a gale in 1937. In the same year, three field guns that originally surrounded the memorial when it was unveiled were also removed. The memorial's historical significance was formally recognized on November 23rd, 1973, when it was granted Grade II listed status, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

While the provided text makes a curious jump to a train station and tunnel, these details appear to relate to a different location and project a sense of confusion when associated with West View Park itself. It's important to clarify that the information regarding the level crossing, stream, bombing during WWII, and Winterbutlee Tunnel pertains to a railway station in the Todmorden area, not West View Park. The photographic details, however, confirm the dates and equipment used for capturing images of West View Park in February 2019, providing a recent snapshot of the park's appearance.

In essence, West View Park remains a vital part of Halifax's heritage. From its philanthropic origins and thoughtful design to its solemn war memorial and stunning views, it offers a blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. It's a place where the past and present intertwine, inviting visitors to reflect, play, and appreciate the enduring legacy of a truly remarkable green oasis.

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Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Photo4Me and Clickasnap using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.