Marsden Railway Station: Gateway to the Pennine Landscape

Marsden Railway Station, nestled in the picturesque village of Marsden, serves as a vital link on the Huddersfield - Manchester line, just east of the imposing Standedge Tunnels. This charming village stop, the last in West Yorkshire, offers a unique blend of historical railway architecture and stunning natural beauty, making it a popular spot for both commuters and leisure travellers exploring the nearby canal and tunnels.

The station, originally opened by the London & North Western Railway on August 1, 1849, has seen its share of changes. Once boasting four platforms, including an island platform 2, its layout was reduced to two lines and three platforms in the 1960s. Despite facing potential closure in the late 1960s, Marsden Station has persevered, continuing to serve trains heading towards Manchester and Leeds.

Access to the platforms varies. Platforms 1 and 2 are reached via steps descending from a nearby road bridge, while platform 3, located to the south of the station, offers a unique approach by crossing the tranquil Huddersfield Narrow Canal, which runs alongside it.

While the station is undoubtedly popular, especially for those venturing to the Standedge Tunnels and Huddersfield Narrow Canal, its facilities are somewhat limited. There is no visible disabled access, no public toilets, and only minimal shelter and seating on the platforms. Nevertheless, its appeal remains strong, with the station serving an impressive 175,000 passengers in the last full year before the pandemic, averaging approximately 3365 per week, ranking it as the 50th busiest in West Yorkshire.

This recent visit to Marsden Railway Station on July 25, 2020, was my second time exploring its character. My intention on this occasion was to embark on a walk along the scenic Huddersfield Narrow Canal towards Slaithwaite. For those interested, I have previously shared images from my last visit to the station. The photographs accompanying this post were captured using my Nikon D3300 SLR, aiming to showcase the station's charm and its beautiful surroundings.

Join me in these images as we take a closer look at Marsden Railway Station, a testament to railway heritage set against the stunning backdrop of the Pennine landscape.

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

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Lock 42 which sits adjacent to Marsden
Railway Station Platform 3.

Bench and sign on the station's platform 1.

Taken from Platform 2, which was once an island platform with a third
accessible platform to my right. Platform 1 is to the right and the station's
entrance steps can be seen coming down from the bridge.

Huddersfield bound train stopping at platform 1.

Taken from the end of platform 2 looking across from what once
would have been the third platform to what is the modern day platform 3.

The stations only platform 1 and 2 entrance, the steps down from the bridge.

Looking eastwards along platform 2 in the direction of
platform 1.

Platforms 2 and 3 pictured from Station Road Bridge.

Platform 2 pictured from the end of platform 1.

Platform 1 and 2.

Platforms 1, 2 and 3 pictured from Station Road Bridge.

The former island platform 3 pictured from the current platform 3.

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 Fleeting Glimpse of Tile Hill: A Station's Enduring Story

Sometimes, a single photograph, captured in a hurried moment, can tell a surprisingly rich tale. Such is the case with my solitary image of Tile Hill Railway Station, snapped quickly on January 18, 2017, as my train to Berkswell was just pulling in. Living some 100 miles away, it's unlikely I'll ever return to this spot, making this one picture the sum total of my visual record of the station. Yet, even this fleeting glimpse, combined with the station's history, paints a vivid picture of its evolution and importance.

Tile Hill serves the suburbs of Coventry in the West Midlands, strategically located on the vital main line railway connecting London Euston and Birmingham New Street. Its origins trace back to 1850 when it first opened its doors as Allesley Lane. A couple of name changes followed, to Allesley Gate in 1857, before finally settling on Tile Hill on April 1, 1864 – a fitting name for a station deeply embedded in the local community.

Originally, the station featured staggered platforms on either side of the Cromwell Lane level crossing. This layout remained largely unchanged for over a century until the transformative 1960s. The electrification of the main line necessitated a complete rebuild of the station into its current, more modern form. Further significant changes arrived in 2004 when the old level crossing was replaced by a bridge, and a new platform connecting bridge was constructed, enhancing accessibility and safety for passengers.

My photograph, taken with a Nikon D3300 SLR, captures this modern iteration of the station, showcasing the broad, open platforms and the overhead footbridge connecting them. The digital display board, though slightly obscured, gives a sense of the constant rhythm of arrivals and departures.

Tile Hill has historically been a bustling hub. With a ticket office open seven days a week at various times, it typically saw an impressive average of approximately 700,000 passengers per year. However, recent times have presented significant challenges. A combination of car park developments and the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a dramatic drop in numbers, plummeting to just 107,000 during the 2020-21 period. This represents an average reduction of around 11,000 passengers per week, a stark reminder of the widespread effects of global events on local infrastructure.

Despite this recent downturn, Tile Hill remains a crucial link in the railway network, offering two trains per hour in both the Birmingham and London directions. My quick snapshot may be the only visual souvenir I have of this station, but it serves as a portal to its rich past and its enduring role in connecting communities. It's a testament to how even a hurried moment can encapsulate a significant story, prompting reflection on the constant evolution of our transport systems and the ever-changing lives they serve.

Clicking the image will 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!

The picture remains the copyright of Colin Green.

A Tale of Two Stations: Slaithwaite's Railway Station Through the Lens

As a photographer with a love for history, there's nothing quite like exploring locations that tell a story of transformation. Slaithwaite Railway Station, a charming village stop nestled 4 miles west of Huddersfield on the route to Manchester, offers just such a narrative. Join me as we delve into the past and present of this fascinating station, captured through the lens of my Nikon D3300 SLR.

---

From Grand Hub to Modern Convenience: The Original Slaithwaite Station

Imagine a bustling railway hub, teeming with activity. That was the original Slaithwaite Station, a much larger complex that first opened its doors. It boasted four platforms, all aligned and sheltered by canopies, complete with comfortable waiting areas. Beyond passenger services, it also featured a significant goods area – a testament to its importance in the local economy. In fact, the spot where today's Manchester-bound trains now pull in was once part of this expansive goods yard.

This original station thrived, remaining a popular and busy thoroughfare for passengers and freight alike. However, despite passionate local campaigns to keep it operational, it sadly closed its doors in October 1968. The fight didn't end there; residents continued to advocate for its return, even after the site was cleared. Their perseverance paid off, as, in the early 1980s, Metro (West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive) announced plans to re-open the station.

---

The Rebirth: Slaithwaite's Modern Railway Station

Fast forward to December 1982, and a new chapter began for Slaithwaite. The station was officially re-opened, though in a very different form. The modern station features two platforms, subtly staggered on either side of Crimble Bank Bridge. While it may not have the grandeur of its predecessor, it serves the community effectively with step-free access to both platforms, a vital improvement for accessibility.

It's a testament to modern efficiency, with more limited facilities – you'll find basic cover, but no toilets or refreshments, and it's an unmanned station. Despite this, Slaithwaite remains a well-used stop, with passenger numbers in 2018/19 reaching 208,000 per year, averaging around 4,000 passengers weekly.

---

Capturing the Essence: Photography at Slaithwaite

On the 25th of July, 2020, I spent some time at Slaithwaite Railway Station, capturing its character with my Nikon D3300. These photographs, 15 in total, aim to highlight both the echoes of its past and the functionality of its present.

---

Slaithwaite Railway Station is more than just a place where trains stop; it's a living piece of local history, a reminder of community spirit, and a symbol of adaptation. It's a fantastic spot for any photography enthusiast interested in the intersection of transport and heritage.

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

Crimble Bank Bridge, the station's platforms are staggered either side of the structure. Platform 2 is accessed by the road to the left, Platform 2 on the other side of the bridge.

 The steps can be seen opposite the entrance to platform 1 at the station. The lead up to housing on Bank Top.

The station entrance to the Manchester bound platform 2. The cobbled road used to lead up to the goods yard.

Train passing platform 1 for Huddersfield bound trains. Platform 1 sits upon the site of the original station which featured 4 platforms including a central island one. When the original station closed the line capacity was halved.

Platform 1

Platform 1 pictured from platform 2

Platform 2 occupies a site on the original station goods yard.

This artwork - bench can be found at the entrance to platform 1.

The pictures can be seen on YouTube, please take a moment to subscribe to my channel there.

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.

Denby Dale Railway Station and Viaduct

Nestled in the picturesque village of Denby Dale, West Yorkshire, lies a railway station that, at first glance, might seem unassuming. Today, Denby Dale Station offers a modest set of facilities, serving as a practical stop on the Penistone Line. But dig a little deeper, and you'll unearth a fascinating past, revealing a grander vision that once graced this tranquil corner of Kirklees.

From Grand Beginnings to Modern Simplicity

Imagine Denby Dale on July 1, 1850. This wasn't just another station opening; it was a significant event. The original Denby Dale Railway Station was a much larger, more imposing structure than its modern counterpart. Picture multiple buildings, expansive platforms, and tracks running in both directions – a bustling hub reflecting the ambition of the railway age.

The station was initially planned by the Huddersfield and Sheffield Junction Railway, who secured parliamentary permission for the line in June 1845. However, by the time the first trains pulled into Denby Dale, ownership had changed hands. In a series of mergers that reshaped Britain's railway landscape, the Huddersfield and Sheffield Junction Railway, along with many others, had become part of the formidable Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway in July 1847. This amalgamation brought a vast network under single ownership, and Denby Dale became a cog in a much larger machine.

The Evolution of the Penistone Line

Over the decades, railway lines often undergo transformations to adapt to changing needs and economic realities. The Penistone Line, on which Denby Dale sits, is a prime example. While much of the line north of Stocksmoor Station was singled at a later date, the section passing through Denby Dale saw its reduction much earlier. In 1969, the line was singled from Clayton West Junction to Penistone, directly affecting Denby Dale Station. This meant the removal of the northbound platform, its accompanying buildings, and the original entrance. Today, there's little to suggest the former grandeur, a testament to the ever-evolving nature of railway infrastructure.

Denby Dale Today: A Vital Link for the Community

Despite its reduced size, Denby Dale Station remains a vital artery for the local community. It may lack the extensive facilities of its past – you won't find toilets or refreshments directly on the platform – but the village centre is just a short, pleasant walk away, offering all the amenities a traveler might need.

The station is far from a forgotten relic. With an impressive average of 3,442 passengers per week utilizing its services, Denby Dale is a busy little station. It offers a convenient hourly service in each direction from Monday to Saturday, connecting residents to Huddersfield, Sheffield, and beyond.

Denby Dale Station stands as a subtle reminder of the intricate history of Britain's railways – a place where the echoes of a grand past meet the practicality of modern-day travel. It's a testament to how infrastructure adapts, serving its purpose while holding onto a whisper of its former glory.

The pictures below were taken on the 21st May 2016 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The start of Denby Dale Viaduct is just visible down the track.

When the whistle first blew at Denby Dale Station in 1850, trains didn't glide over the magnificent stone arches we see today. Instead, they traversed a timber viaduct, a testament to the prevailing economic realities of the time. The sheer cost of local stone made a permanent masonry structure an unaffordable luxury, forcing the railway company to opt for a seemingly temporary, albeit substantial, wooden solution.

Despite concerns, and even a visit from the Board of Trade – indicating the significant scrutiny such an unusual choice attracted – the timber viaduct stood its ground for over two decades. It wasn't until March 1877, under immense pressure from the burgeoning Huddersfield County Borough Council, that the railway company finally caved. The push for a more robust and permanent structure was undeniable, reflecting a growing civic pride and a demand for infrastructure that matched the ambitions of the industrial age.

The very next September, in 1877, work began on its stone successor, rising majestically adjacent to its wooden predecessor. Imagine the scene: the old timber structure still carrying trains overhead as the new, monumental stone arches steadily took shape below. This feat of engineering culminated in the grand opening of the new viaduct on May 15, 1880.

Today, the Denby Dale Viaduct is not just a functional part of the railway line; it's a cherished historical landmark. With its impressive 21 arches, it stands as a Grade II listed structure, a silent sentinel overlooking the valley, perpetually reminding us of the ingenuity, perseverance, and evolving landscape of Victorian railway construction.

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.

A Journey Across History: The Kincardine Bridge

I've just uploaded a new video to YouTube showcasing a crossing of the Kincardine Bridge in both directions, filmed in November 2019. This bridge isn't just a convenient route; it's a fascinating piece of Scottish engineering history!

Connecting Communities Across the Forth

The Kincardine Bridge spans the River Forth, located approximately 25 miles northwest of Edinburgh. For a long time, it was the closest road crossing to Scotland's capital until the Forth Road Bridge opened its lanes in 1964. Even today, the Kincardine Bridge serves as a vital alternative crossing to both the Forth Road Bridge and the newer Queensferry Crossing whenever they face closures or restrictions due to accidents or severe weather. This vital link connects the boroughs of Falkirk and Fife, facilitating countless journeys every day.

A Tale of Ingenuity and Unexpected Delays

Construction of the Kincardine Bridge took place between 1932 and 1936, under the watchful eyes of designers Sir Alexander Gibb and architect Donald Watson. Its opening was even delayed due to a dramatic incident in February 1935, when a steamship unfortunately crashed into the ongoing construction!

The decision to build the bridge was driven by a significant increase in traffic at Stirling Bridge, which, prior to the Kincardine Bridge, was the nearest crossing point on the Forth (other than by ferry). Traffic levels at Stirling had surged from around 150 vehicles per hour in 1922 to over 400 per hour by 1932 – a clear sign that a new solution was desperately needed.

One of the most remarkable features of the Kincardine Bridge was its central 364ft section, designed to operate as a swing bridge. This allowed ships to pass through to the Port of Alloa. This swing section remained in use until 1988 and was finally locked shut in 1989. While the mechanics are still present to operate it, it's highly unlikely it will ever swing open again.

The bridge itself boasts an impressive total length of 2697ft and was constructed at a cost of £327,000. While it's still very much in use today, its role as the primary bridge crossing was taken over in 2008 by the Clackmannanshire Bridge, a more modern marvel that cost a substantial £120 million to complete.

So, the next time you cross the Kincardine Bridge, take a moment to appreciate its rich history and the significant role it has played in connecting Scotland. 

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!

The Halifax Gibbet: A Precursor to the Guillotine and a Brutal Past

When you think of the guillotine, your mind likely jumps to the French Revolution. However, centuries before the streets of Paris ran red, a similar, equally brutal device was at work in the quiet town of Halifax, England. Known as the Halifax Gibbet, this early form of public execution offers a chilling glimpse into medieval justice.

Centuries of Swift (and Not-So-Swift) Justice

The Halifax Gibbet first saw use in the 13th century, a staggering 500 years before its French counterpart gained notoriety. The earliest confirmed execution dates back to 1286, when John of Dalton met his end. Over the centuries, at least 52 confirmed executions took place, though local belief suggests the true number exceeds 100. The last to face the gibbet's blade were John Wilkinson and Anthony Mitchell on April 30th, 1650.

The Mechanics of Death

Standing approximately 15 feet high on a 4-foot-high, 13-foot-square platform, the gibbet was a formidable sight. The blade itself was surprisingly simple: a 10-inch by 8-inch piece of metal, not sharpened, but relying on speed and weight to sever the head from the body. It was held in place by a pin, which was dramatically withdrawn by a cord at the moment of execution.

The Infamous Gibbet Law

The Halifax Gibbet operated under its own unique and unforgiving set of rules: the Gibbet Law. This law decreed that any thief caught or confessing to stealing cloth, goods, or animals worth at least 13 1/2d within the boundaries of Sowerbyshire or the Forest of Hardwick (which included Halifax) would be arrested. After a trial by jury, if convicted, the individual would endure six days in the town stocks before their execution on the seventh day. The Gibbet Law made no distinction between men and women, and sadly, at least five women are confirmed to have been executed by this method, their names etched into the grim history:

• July 13th, 1588: Wife of Thomas Roberts, Halifax
• February 22nd, 1603: Wife of Peter Harrison, Bradford
• November 23rd, 1623: George Fairbank & his illegitimate daughter Anna
• July 5th, 1627: Wife of John Wilson, Northowram
• December 8th, 1627: Sarah Lum, Halifax

The "Running Man" and a Glimmer of Hope

Remarkably, Gibbet Law offered a slim chance of escape. If the accused could withdraw their head after the pin was released and flee across the Hebble Brook (the then-boundary, approximately 500 yards from the gibbet), they would be granted freedom, provided they never returned to the prescribed boundaries. Two men are said to have achieved this remarkable feat: a Mr. Dinnis and the more famous John Lacey, also known as "the Running Man."

Lacey's escape in 1617 became legendary. However, his story has a tragic postscript. A few years later, he foolishly returned to Halifax, was recaptured, and ultimately met his fate on January 29th, 1623.

The End of an Era and Rediscovery

The reign of the Halifax Gibbet came to an end in 1650 when it was outlawed by Oliver Cromwell. The last two victims, Anthony Mitchell (convicted of stealing 16 yards of cloth) and Abraham Wilkinson (convicted of stealing two horses), were executed on the same day, April 30th, 1650.

For centuries, the gibbet's site was lost to time, buried under layers of rubbish and soil. It wasn't until 1839, when Mr. Bates purchased the land for a warehouse, that its gruesome past was unearthed. Workmen discovered the bodies and heads of two individuals (believed to be Mitchell and Wilkinson), and further excavation revealed the gibbet platform.

Today, a 15-foot high replica of the gibbet stands on the restored platform, erected in August 1974, a stark reminder of Halifax's dark history. The original gibbet blade, once thought lost, was miraculously discovered in 1970 in a solicitor's office in Wakefield and is now a chilling exhibit at the Bankfield Museum in Halifax.

The Halifax Gibbet serves as a powerful reminder of the brutal realities of justice in centuries past, a local innovation that predated its more famous French cousin by half a millennium, leaving an indelible mark on the town's history.

The pictures were taken on the 23rd August 2014 using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, 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 Photo4Me and Clickasnap using the links below. Your Support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

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.

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 images remain the copyright of Colin Green.