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, clicking any of them 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. Your support means a lot!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Discover History and More at Bankfield Museum, Halifax

Nestled within the scenic Akroyden Park in Halifax, you'll find Bankfield Museum, a fascinating gem that offers a journey through local history, art, and more. This beautiful building, a Grade II listed former house, has a rich past of its own, having once been the residence of Edward Akroyd MP.

In 1887, the Halifax Corporation acquired the property, transforming it into a public museum and library shortly thereafter. Its historical significance was further recognised in 1954 when it was granted its Grade II listing.

Today, Bankfield Museum continues to welcome visitors with a diverse range of displays. Explore exhibits on local history, textiles, art, toys, and jewellery, providing a glimpse into the vibrant heritage of the area. The museum also keeps things fresh with a constantly changing set of temporary displays throughout the year, meaning there's always something new to see.

For those interested in military history, Bankfield Museum is also home to the Duke of Wellington Regimental Museum, offering a dedicated space to explore the regiment's storied past.

The best part? Entry to Bankfield Museum is completely free! It's open from Tuesday to Saturday, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. With a convenient car park and the lovely Akroyden Park right on its doorstep (overlooked by the impressive All Souls Church), it's the perfect spot to spend a few hours exploring, learning, and enjoying the surroundings.

I took these pictures with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet in November 2014, clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

This painting can be seen covering the ceiling just inside the
main entrance.

Bankfield Museum from the car park.

Bankfield from Akroyden Park

Duke of Wellingtons Regiment uniform from the Crimean War

The fireplace in the library with textile displays in the cabinets. The 
marble busts are life size and from left to right are Edward Akroyd, his father
Jonathan and then his wife Elizabeth.

This was on display in the regimental museum and was given to coalition
forces during the 2003 invasion of Iraq to help identify the most wanted members
of the Iraqi government.

The library ceiling which features images of William Shakespeare, John Milton, Alfred
Tennyson and Geoffrey Chaucer all poets admired in the era the roof was painted. When I
visited, a fellow admirer told me that the local council once had a plan to
paint over the ceiling. What an act of vandalism that would have been had it come to pass.

Another view of the library.

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.

A Glimpse into History: "The Nation's Shrines" Cigarette Cards

 I recently unearthed a fascinating piece of history and turned it into a short YouTube video titled "The Nation's Shrines." It features a complete set of 25 cigarette trading cards released in 1929 by Player's Cigarettes, also called "The Nation's Shrines."

What Makes These Cards Special?

Each card in this collection showcases an image of a historic place from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It's a real time capsule, offering a look at some of the most significant abbeys, cathedrals, castles, and other points of interest across the United Kingdom almost a century ago.

---

A Tour Through Time and Place

The video, which features every card in the set, takes you on a visual journey. You'll see stunning depictions of historical landmarks. Interestingly, while the complete set is there, Kenilworth Castle only makes a fleeting appearance, nestled briefly between John Milton's Cottage and Manorbier Castle due to the video software.

Breaking down the representation, the collection heavily features England with 17 sites. Wales and Ireland each have 3 sites, while Scotland is represented by just 2. It's safe to say that if this collection were curated today, we'd likely see a much more balanced representation, especially with more sites from the Celtic nations!

---

Why Check Out the Video?

If you're a history buff, a fan of vintage ephemera, or simply curious about how these iconic locations were viewed nearly a century ago, this video is a must-watch. It's a charming and unique way to connect with the past and appreciate the enduring beauty of the UK's heritage.

Ann Hathaway's Cottage, Warwickshire, England.

Blarney Castle, County Cork, Ireland.

Bootham Bar and York Minster, Yorkshire, England.

Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland.

Clonmacnoise, County Offaly, Ireland.

Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire, England.

Furness Abbey, Cumbria, England

Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset, England.

Haddon Hall, Derbyshire, England.

Henry VIII's Chapel, Westminster Abbey, London, England.

Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, Scotland.

John Knox's House, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Milton's Cottage, Buckinghamshire, England.

Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire, England.

Manorbier Castle, Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Birthplace of William Shakespeare, Warwickshire, England.

St Davids Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, Wales

St Pauls Cathedral, London, England.

Stoke Poges Church, Buckinghamshire, England.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England.

The Cloisters at Newstead Abbey, Nottinghamshire, England.

Tower of London, London, England.

Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire, Wales.

Warwick Castle, Warwickshire, England.

Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire, England.

Clicking any image 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. Your support means a lot!

A Glimpse into the Past: A Postcard Mystery from My Collection

As a collector of postcards, I often find myself lost in the stories they silently tell – tales of travel, connection, and moments frozen in time. Today, I'm excited to share a couple of intriguing additions from my large collection, one of which presents a delightful little historical puzzle!

Take a look at this charming postcard:

This particular card, featuring The Priory, Llandogo, Monmouthshire, Wales, carries a fascinating journey within its aged fibres. What immediately captivated me was the postmark: June 4th, 1954, from the picturesque town of Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. It was addressed to a "Chapman" at 36 Hill Road, West Worthing, Sussex – a lovely, tangible link to lives lived decades ago.

However, a closer inspection of the stamp has thrown a delightful spanner in the works! The stamp clearly depicts King George VI. For those familiar with British history, you'll know that King George VI sadly passed away in 1952.

This discrepancy immediately sparks a few questions:

• Was the postcard truly posted in 1954? It's possible that a stamp from 1952 (or earlier) was still in use and valid for postage two years later. Royal Mail often allows for a period where old stamps remain valid after a new monarch accedes to the throne. This would be the most straightforward explanation.
• Could the postmark be slightly misread or unclear? While I've checked it carefully, sometimes aged ink and paper can play tricks on the eyes.
• Is there a less common scenario at play? Perhaps it was a special issue or a collector's item used unusually? (Though this is less likely for a standard postcard.)

This little puzzle only adds to the charm and historical value of the postcard for me. It's a tangible reminder that even seemingly simple artifacts can hold layers of history and intrigue. It also highlights the importance of scrutinizing every detail when exploring historical items!

The image itself, of The Priory in Llandogo, offers its own quiet beauty. Nestled in the heart of Monmouthshire, Llandogo is a village known for its stunning Wye Valley scenery. I can almost imagine the sender enjoying the tranquillity of the area before sending this snapshot across the country.

The postcard reads as best as I can as follows, if I can't make the word out I will just underscore
The Priory - Llandogo
Via Chepstow, Herefordshire.

Dear Denis, Eva and All,
We are having an enjoyable time here, had a v. wet journey on Saturday. Rain almost all the way. Arrived without Jerry at 3.00, had to wait at ____Jerry arrived 7.30 just as the dinner bell went the weather has been _______ __ ______ __ day was nice we walked to a beacon hill and villages ___ most of the rest of the card I unable to make out but it ends with, I hope you fix something up soon, love to you all ______Love from Hugh and Jerry.

The 2nd postcard I want to feature is of  Happy Valley, Llandudno, these are a set of gardens that are home to wildlife animals and plants and still popular today. Llandudno Pier can also be seen in the picture.

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.