Whispers of Steam and the Rhythms of Rail: A Hour at Milner Royd Junction

 An Ode to a Historic West Yorkshire Rail Hub

Nestled in the lush, wooded valleys of West Yorkshire, just a stone's throw from Sowerby Bridge, lies a seemingly unassuming spot that pulses with the lifeblood of Britain’s rail network: Milner Royd Junction. This is where lines diverge, where commuter services swiftly move passengers, and where, on special days, the magnificent ghosts of the steam era roar back to life.

This visit on the 3rd November 2019, captured in a series of dramatic photographs, was a testament to the enduring allure of the railway, offering a captivating contrast between the past and the present, all within a few yards of each other.

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The Crucible of Calderdale Rail: Milner Royd's History

The web of rails at Milner Royd is more than just a junction; it's a critical intersection whose history stretches back to the golden age of rail. It was established by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway (L&YR), the ambitious company that linked the great industrial centres of the north.

Milner Royd is the point where the main Calder Valley line (heading towards Brighouse/Wakefield/York) and the line towards Halifax diverge. This link to Halifax, opened in 1852, was crucial, providing a direct route for the important textile town to the burgeoning rail network.

• The Silent Sentinel: A fascinating piece of history is the nearby Milner Royd Junction Signal Box, which, for many years, stood as a testament to the area’s heritage. The box was of considerable historic interest, one of the last surviving examples built by a small firm named Smith & Yardley for the L&YR around 1878. While the signalling equipment inside was updated over the decades, the very structure was a relic of early railway operations, only recently succumbing to modern rationalisation schemes. When you stand here, you are standing on a piece of ground that has been governing train movements for nearly 150 years.

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The Present: Commuters and the Northern Fleet

The first trains to sweep around the wooded curve were the modern workhorses—the Northern Rail diesel multiple units (DMUs). These brightly-liveried trains, seen in sharp focus as they traverse the intricate points, represent the daily pulse of the region:

• The Daily Grind: They carry the people of Yorkshire to work, school, and leisure, a constant, reliable rhythm that defines the contemporary railway. Their speed and efficiency are a marker of transport progress.

• The Modern Landscape: These trains navigate an environment where the old absolute block signalling has been replaced by modern control systems, yet they follow the same ancient path laid down through the valley by Victorian engineers.

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The Past Returns: The Might of Black Five No. 44871

Then came the star of the show, a magnificent machine whose power and majesty instantly connected the present-day scene with its past: LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 No. 44871.

The images perfectly capture the drama of a mainline steam locomotive in full flight:

1. The Roar: The rhythmic 'chuffing' grew into a thunderous roar as the engine tackled the curve.

2. The Smoke and Steam: A gargantuan, billowing cloud of white steam and black smoke erupts from the chimney. This plume—thick, dramatic, and indicative of the immense effort being demanded of the engine—is the visual signature of steam power that no modern diesel or electric can replicate.

3. A True Survivor: Looking closer at the number, we recognise a railway celebrity. The Black Fives (or 'Mixed Traffic' engines) were the quintessential all-purpose locomotive of the London, Midland and Scottish (LMS) railway and later British Railways. No. 44871, built in 1945, holds a special place in history, as it was one of the locomotives chosen to haul the famous "Fifteen Guinea Special" on August 11, 1968—the very last day of mainline steam operation on British Rail. Withdrawn from service the next day, it was preserved immediately, and today, owned by Ian Riley, it is a regular and powerful presence on heritage tours, often working the famed 'Jacobite' service in Scotland.

Seeing this locomotive thundering through Milner Royd Junction is not just watching a preserved engine; it is watching a living piece of history that participated in the very final chapter of the steam era.

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More Than Tracks: A Living Heritage

Milner Royd Junction, set against the backdrop of the rugged Calder Valley, encapsulates the essence of the railway: a place of dramatic scenery, vital infrastructure, and profound history. It is a venue where the workaday reality of the modern commuter rail intersects with the thrilling, visceral nostalgia of a steam legend like No. 44871, proving that the magic of the railways is as strong today as it was over a century ago.

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Unveiling the Hidden Arches: A Norland Perspective of Copley Viaduct

The Copley Viaduct, a stoic sentinel of stone and rail, is a familiar and imposing sight to many in the Calderdale valley. Its grand, rhythmic arches, usually captured and admired from the more accessible Copley side of the river, are a profound testament to the ambition and structural ingenuity of Victorian engineering. However, on a crisp 5th of November in 2016, armed with my trusty Nikon d3300, I embarked on a personal quest to unveil a lesser-seen, often-overlooked side of this magnificent structure – the view from the wilder, higher Norland embankment.

The Quest for a New Angle

My intention was born from a desire for a unique perspective. The viaduct, an integral part of the railway line stretching towards Halifax, is the longer and more impressive of the two major crossings in the area. Yet, the rugged Norland bank of the River Calder at this point is rarely photographed. I wanted to see it through fresh eyes, framed by the wild, untamed beauty of the western slope, capturing the interplay between the raw landscape and the man-made marvel.

The viaduct itself, a Grade II listed structure completed in 1852 for the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, is a marvel designed by the prominent engineer Sir John Hawkshaw. Its original purpose was to link Sowerby Bridge and Halifax more directly, bypassing the earlier, circuitous branch line. Its 21 to 23 arches (sources vary slightly) elegantly span the valley, crossing not just the River Calder, but also the historic Calder & Hebble Navigation and the Wakefield Road (A6026). This sheer scale and historical importance add immense weight and character to every stone.

An Unrecommended Ascent

The specific viewpoint I sought demanded an ascent. The climb up the embankment was, to put it mildly, a significant challenge. It was a steep, difficult scramble, weaving through thick undergrowth and navigating treacherous, uneven terrain. As I pushed upwards, my mind was half-expecting to encounter a formidable fence at the summit, a clear, sensible demarcation preventing access to the elevated, active railway line.

To my surprise, when I reached the top of the banking overlooking the line, there was no fence. While this offered an unobstructed view, it instantly reinforced the absolute necessity of extreme caution. I maintained a safe and sensible distance away from the active railway lines at all times. The brief moments at the top were only for two quick, carefully composed shots before I commenced the careful and difficult descent back down the banking.

I must stress this point strongly: I absolutely would not recommend anybody else attempt this climb. The risks involved, especially the proximity to a busy, active main railway line like the Calder Valley route, are far too high, and the terrain itself was unforgiving. Safety, around any railway infrastructure, must always be paramount.

The Rewards of the North Bank

The effort, for me, was justified by the images captured, which offer a rare glimpse into the hidden world beneath and beside the viaduct from this unique vantage point.

Looking up from the base of the embankment, the sheer scale of the viaduct becomes strikingly apparent. The imposing, semi circular arches, usually perceived as elegant distant features, now loom overhead, their weathered, rock-faced sandstone a massive canvas of time and history. They dwarf the surrounding trees and give a visceral sense of the colossal effort that went into their construction.

The scene, captured on an autumnal day, is framed by the skeletal trees, stripped bare by the approaching November chill. Their branches reach like gnarled, dark fingers towards the sky, creating natural, gothic frames for the stone arches. The low, crisp light of the day filters through the canopy and between the arches, creating pockets of illumination and deep shadow—a moody, almost ethereal atmosphere that hints at the industrial and natural secrets held within the valley.

The Norland side, less manicured and more rugged, provides a powerful contrast to the structure itself. It reminds you that this incredible piece of Victorian infrastructure was driven right through a landscape that did not easily surrender, a landscape still defined by the steep banks of the River Calder.

The images taken from the top of the embankment offer the true prize: an unprecedented, sweeping view along the length of the viaduct as it vanishes towards Halifax. This perspective, often monopolized by the distant Copley side, reveals the full, majestic sweep of the arches from a parallel, elevated angle—a fitting reward for a difficult photographic quest to see a familiar landmark with completely new eyes.

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A Glimpse into History: Bradshaw's Church of St John the Evangelist and War Memorial

Bradshaw, a charming village nestled near Halifax, holds within its boundaries not only picturesque scenery but also significant historical markers. In June 2015, I had the pleasure of capturing some moments around two such important sites: the Church of St John the Evangelist and the Bradshaw War Memorial. Join me as we delve into their stories.

The Church of St John the Evangelist: A Victorian Gem

The Church of St John the Evangelist stands as a beautiful example of Victorian architecture and a testament to the enduring faith of the local community.

A Brief History: Before the mid-19th century, residents of Bradshaw would have had to travel to Halifax or other nearby parishes for worship. As the population grew, the need for a local church became apparent. The foundation stone for St John the Evangelist was laid in 1837, and the church was consecrated in 1839. It was designed by a prominent architect of the time, though sometimes sources vary on the exact name, it's generally attributed to John Oates, a well-known Yorkshire architect.

Architectural Highlights: The church is built in the Gothic Revival style, a popular architectural movement of the Victorian era that sought to emulate medieval Gothic designs. You'll notice features like pointed arches, stained glass windows, and a sturdy bell tower.

Inside, the church is known for its beautiful stained glass and intricate wooden features, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

Interesting Fact: The church was built as a "Commissioners' Church," meaning it received funding from the Church Building Commission, established after the Napoleonic Wars to build new churches in rapidly growing industrial areas. This highlights its importance in catering to the spiritual needs of a burgeoning community during the Industrial Revolution.

The Bradshaw War Memorial: A Solemn Tribute

Just as poignant, and equally important, is the War Memorial that stands as a silent sentinel to the sacrifices made by the men of Bradshaw.

A Community's Remembrance: Erected after the First World War, the memorial is a deeply personal tribute from the community to those who gave their lives in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts. It serves as a permanent reminder of the human cost of war and the bravery of those who served.

I took these images with a Polaroid is2132 camera in June 2014. Clicking any of the images above should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Postcard from the Past: Bankfield Museum and the Golden Age of Halifax

 The beauty of collecting vintage postcards lies in holding a physical, tangible piece of history. This week, I’ve been working on a new acquisition—an old sepia postcard of Bankfield Museum in Halifax. After digitally colourising it (a little artistic license to bring its beautiful architecture to life!), I wanted to dive into the history of the building itself, a true monument to Halifax’s industrial glory days.

The Architecture: A Monument to Victorian Wealth

The image itself is fantastic. It captures the contrasting architectural styles of Bankfield, highlighting the sheer grandeur and confidence of Victorian design. The building wasn't originally intended as a museum; it was the opulent home of one of Halifax's most successful textile barons.

Edward Akroyd (1810–1887), a name synonymous with Halifax's vast wool and worsted industry, built this mansion. He was a visionary who was not only focused on production but also on the welfare of his workers and the intellectual life of his community.

• The Original Core (Right): The darker, more restrained side of the building reflects the original home, built in the earlier Victorian style.

• The Akroyd Expansion (Left): The grander, lighter-coloured section on the left, with its distinctive Italianate and Byzantine Revival features, was the magnificent extension Akroyd added. Note the prominent stone quoins, the arched windows, and the confident, solid structure—it was designed to impress and reflect the wealth generated by his vast mills, particularly Dean Clough.

This architectural masterpiece eventually became too grand for the next generation, and the family sold it to the Halifax Corporation in 1887, where it was established as a museum to benefit the public—a wonderful legacy of Akroyd’s civic-mindedness.

The Postcard Clues: Dating the Image

Since this postcard was originally sepia, it’s safe to assume it dates from the early 20th century, likely pre-1920. The golden age of postcards, when they were the primary means of quick communication, was roughly 1900 to 1914.

Looking at the photo's style, there are some clues:

• Hand-Colouring Style: The slightly uneven, tinted appearance you see in the colourised version often mirrors the look of early colour postcards where sepia or black-and-white photos were hand-tinted before printing. This technique was very common in the 1900s–1910s.

• Lack of Automobiles: The grounds are immaculately kept, but there is a distinct absence of modern vehicles or extensive paved parking, suggesting a time before widespread car ownership.

• The Trees and Garden: The landscaping, particularly the small, young tree on the right, also provides a sense of the era, suggesting a period when the grounds were already established as a public park/museum setting.

This postcard, therefore, gives us a snapshot of Bankfield Museum during the zenith of the postcard era—a time when Halifax was at its economic peak and sharing its civic pride, like this beautiful museum, with the world.

Bankfield Today

Today, Bankfield Museum continues Akroyd's legacy, housing impressive collections focused on local history, textiles, and military history. It stands as a powerful reminder of the industrial titans who shaped the North of England, and is an essential stop for anyone visiting Halifax.

I love that this small, hand-coloured view allows us to look back across a century and appreciate the monumental architecture of a city built on wool.

(Note: The colour in the image is a digital interpretation by the author to enhance the architectural detail.)

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Steeped in History: A Visit to Steep Lane Baptist Chapel, Sowerby (June 2015)

Back in June 2015, armed with my Polaroid iS2132 bridge camera, I took a series of photographs around the exterior of Steep Lane Baptist Chapel in Sowerby, near Halifax. These images, rendered in a classic monochrome, perfectly capture the enduring character of this historic building and its picturesque Pennine setting.

Walking around chapels like this always sparks a sense of connection to the past, and Steep Lane is no exception. It's a place that tells a story not just of faith, but of community, industry, and the landscape itself.

A Beacon of Faith on the Hillside

The first image captures the chapel's impressive façade. Built of local stone, its Georgian-style architecture is both sturdy and elegant. Above the entrance, the inscription "BAPTIST CHAPEL" is clearly visible, along with the date of its construction or significant renovation. This chapel was built in 1808, replacing an earlier meeting house from 1754, making it a truly venerable institution in the area. The circular motif above the inscription, perhaps a sunburst or wheel, adds a touch of decorative flair.

The notice board on the right, even in monochrome, hints at the continued life within: "STEEP LANE BAPTIST CHAPEL, SOWERBY. Worshipping God for over 250 years." It’s incredible to think of the generations who have passed through those doors.

Resting in the Pennine Landscape

The other photographs provide a broader context, showcasing the chapel's relationship with its environment.

• The Graveyard: The second image looks towards the side of the chapel, with its arched windows, framed by an ancient-looking graveyard. The old headstones, some leaning, some ornate, are testament to the countless lives connected to this chapel and the surrounding community. The long grass and wildflowers give it a natural, almost wild beauty.

• Nestled in the Valley: The wider shots (Images 3 and 4) truly bring home the chapel's location. It sits proudly on the hillside, overlooking the vast, undulating landscape of the Pennine valleys. The drystone walls crisscrossing the fields, the distant farmhouses, and the scattered trees all paint a picture of rural England, yet still within sight of the industrial heartlands that once thrived nearby. The small houses with their characteristic stone roofs are typical of the Sowerby area.

Historical Footnotes

Steep Lane Baptist Chapel holds significant historical importance:

• Early Nonconformity: Nonconformist chapels like Steep Lane were vital centres of community life in the industrialising North of England. They provided not only spiritual guidance but also education and social support for their congregations, many of whom were involved in the burgeoning textile industries of the region.

• A Continuous Presence: For over two centuries, this chapel has served its community, witnessing immense change in Sowerby and beyond. Its continued presence is a testament to the enduring faith and spirit of the people who built and maintained it.

Capturing these images with a camera that itself feels a little nostalgic (a Polaroid bridge camera!) seems fitting for such a timeless subject. This collection of photographs isn't just about a building; it's about the history, the community, and the rugged beauty of a very special corner of Yorkshire.

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Halifax Headlands: A New Year's Walk Across Albert Promenade

There’s a unique beauty to the start of a new year in the West Yorkshire Pennines, and my walk on January 1, 2019, with my Nikon D3300, captured the best of it. Tracing the paths around Albert Promenade and Scar Bottom in Halifax reveals a landscape that is simultaneously rugged, historical, and deeply connected to its industrial past.

These photos are a testament to the dramatic views you get when the winter sun breaks through the heavy Pennine clouds, casting a golden light over the valley.

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The View from Albert Promenade

Albert Promenade is famous for providing breath taking panoramic views over the Calder Valley and the town of Halifax itself.

• The Vista: The image overlooking the valley captures a mosaic of the town. The houses and buildings are clustered in the valley floor, while the surrounding hills—typical of the area—are bare and covered in muted winter vegetation. The view is framed beautifully by stone benches and a classic stone wall in the foreground, creating a perfect spot for reflection.

• Wainhouse Tower's Presence: Even from this high vantage point, the unmistakable silhouette of Wainhouse Tower dominates the skyline to the right. Standing tall against the rolling moorland, the tower is a constant, dramatic feature, visible even when obscured by the sparse winter foliage.

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The Geological Drama of 'The Rocks'

Just off the promenade, the landscape takes a more dramatic turn at a section commonly referred to as 'The Rocks'.

• Millstone Grit: This area showcases the sheer power of the local geology. Large, dark, stacked slabs of Millstone Grit rock jut out from the hillside, forming natural cliffs and ledges.

• Light and Texture: The winter sunlight, caught breaking through the clouds, highlights the rugged texture of the stone and the exposed, mossy growth clinging to the edges. This area provides a wonderful contrast between the manicured promenade above and the wild, natural structure beneath.

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Descending to Scar Bottom and Copley

Following the paths downward offers a different perspective—one that puts you directly beneath the iconic landmarks.

• Wainhouse Tower from Below: The view from Scar Bottom is perhaps the most intimate and imposing. The full height of the 253-foot Victorian folly is framed against a bright blue winter sky, towering over the terraced stone houses built into the hillside. The foreground features old stone walls and archways, reminding you that these paths have been walked for generations.

• Copley Viaduct: Looking further into the valley, you can spot the impressive Copley Viaduct. Its sturdy stone arches span the valley floor, a powerful symbol of the railway engineering that drove the textile industry in this region. The viaduct is a reminder that this rural landscape is deeply interwoven with Britain's industrial heritage.

These images from a brisk New Year's Day in 2019 capture the enduring, dramatic character of Halifax. It’s a place where history, geology, and architecture collide, offering a stunning vista from every hillside. If you ever find yourself in the area, a walk along Albert Promenade is a must!

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

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

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The Historic Heart of Salterhebble Locks

There's a rugged charm to the Calder and Hebble Navigation, a waterway carved into the West Yorkshire landscape to fuel the Industrial Revolution. Nowhere is this blend of engineering, history, and community spirit more evident than at the Salterhebble Locks, a crucial flight of steps that descends from the high ground near Halifax to the main line of the navigation.

These locks—the top and middle ones, captured beautifully in these photographs—tell a story of industrial might, clever design, and the quiet life of the waterways.

The Calder and Hebble: A Georgian Highway

The Calder and Hebble Navigation, an early feat of civil engineering, was constructed in phases starting in 1759, with the main line to Sowerby Bridge completed by 1770. Its purpose was to extend the navigation westwards from Wakefield, creating a vital liquid highway for the transport of coal, wool, and other goods for the rapidly growing industries of West Yorkshire.

The Trio of Locks and the Missing Guillotine

The Salterhebble section features a series of three locks. You can see the Top Lock and Middle Lock here, with their traditional mitre gates and sturdy stone construction. However, what makes this flight truly unique is the final one: the Guillotine Lock. On the day I took these pictures, I did not picture the guillotine lock, I can not recall why, so the picture below is from an earlier set I took in February 2014.

 The Guillotine Lock, found immediately behind the Stainland Road bridge, is a sight to behold. Rather than having two hinged mitre gates, it uses a single, massive, vertical gate that is lifted and lowered like a medieval portcullis. This type of gate is often used to combat high river levels or where space is restricted. It’s a fascinating, modern piece of canal machinery that dramatically contrasts with the Georgian stonework of the locks above it, and is a great reason for boaters and towpath walkers to visit this spot.

Life by the Water: The Lock Keeper's Cottage

These pictures capture more than just the mechanics of the canal; they show the tranquil waters of the mooring pound between the locks, overshadowed by the charming lock keeper's cottage.

This Grade II Listed, stone-built house sits right next to the canal, historically serving as the home and office for the person whose job it was to manage the flow of traffic and water. Today, it is a private residence, accessed by a pedestrian footbridge over the Top Lock. Its location is truly unique—an island of historic peace bordered by the modern hustle of a busy road. The cottage is an integral part of the Salterhebble Basin and its future has been a focus for canal heritage groups.

The next time you walk the towpath or cruise the Calder and Hebble, stop at Salterhebble. Pause to admire the architecture, listen for the rush of the water filling the chambers, and imagine the thousands of barges that passed this way carrying the goods that built the North. It's a place where you can truly feel the history of the industrial age woven into the landscape.

I took the pictures below on the 24th November 2023 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window.

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

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.