Winter at Willow Hall Dam, Sowerby Bridge

I haven't posted for a while despite having loads of pictures and videos available, just been busy job hunting. I think that that problem is now addressed so I thought I would post today about a set of pictures I took a year ago at Willow Hall Dam, Sowerby Bridge. Last years winter seemed to be the  winter that kept on giving and looking back now after a normal UK mild winter I have no nostalgia for how bad the weather was. I know it was only a few inches at worst but in the UK any weather that is deemed out of the ordinary seems to bring the country to a standstill, we as a nation are just obsessed by it.

Willow Hall Dam is actually 2 dams, with the lower used as a fishing lake and the upper mainly feeding it and looking overgrown. I'm not sure what the dam's original purpose was, there were a number of mills nearby which have long since disappeared so I assume it was to help drive power to one of those. The dam is surrounded by woodland on 3 sides and is popular with locals walking there dogs. Dam Head Road runs across the head of the dam and there is terraced housing either side of the dam head. These pictures were taken using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera on the 18th March 2018, they can be seen below or on Clickasnap un-watermarked.

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The People's Park, Halifax

The People's Park is a 12.5 acre park built by Sir Francis Crossley and opened in 1857. After the park had been opened for a year it was transferred to the Halifax Corporation for the people of Halifax to use as  a park forever. The following 12 conditions are attached to the gift,

1. That the park is open to the public from morning until evening, during the whole year.

2. That the park is opened as soon as the sun rises after 6am, but never before, and remains open until dusk.

3. That it can only be used as a promenade.

4. That no games such as cricket, bowls, or hockey, etc be allowed, nor bathing.

5. Bands be allowed except on Sundays, but dancing prohibited.

6. That refreshments not be sold in the park.

7. That the corporation spend not less than £315 annually maintaining the grounds, buildings, bridges, statues, trees, shrubs, walks and seats. Also providing gardeners and keepers.

8. If the corporation fails to maintain the park, it shall revert to Frank Crossley or his heirs.

9. No buildings shall be erected except summer houses, lodges, and like structures, as may from time to time be necessary.

10. The park shall not be used for any political or other meeting, nor yet for the celebration of the anniversaries of clubs or other societies.

11. No charge shall ever be made for admission to the park, nor any use made of it for private or municipal pecuniary advantage.

12. That the corporation make and enforce such regulations as shall protect the trees, walks, etc from injury.

Crossley had been impressed with the scenery on a visit to New England, which had inspired him to build such a space for the workers of Halifax to enjoy and proposed "to arrange art and nature so that they shall be within the walk of every working man in Halifax, that he shall go to take his stroll there after he has done his hard day's toil, and be able to get home without being tired".

The Pavilion.

Built by G.H. Stokes the Pavilion was inaugurated on the 14th August 1860 and features a marble statue of Sir Francis Crossley. There are pools either side of the pavilion which have the following inscriptions above them "The rich and the poor meet together. The Lord is the maker of them all. Blessed by the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits. Let no man seek his own but every man another's wealth. The Pavilion sits on the terrace.

The Terrace.

The statues and urns that run along the length of terrace were designed by G.H. Stokes and sculptured by Francesco Bienaime. The terrace featured an urn at each end of the terrace and has had statues added at various times of Apollo (Son of Zeus), Dancing Girl, Diana (Roman Goddess), Hercules, Neapolitan Music Girl, Sophocles, Telemachus and Venus. Over the years these statues have suffered from erosion and vandalism and not all still remain.

The Crossley Fountain.

At the centre of the park stands the Crossley and Saville fountain. Built in 1864 by Simpson of Pimlico the Crossley fountain was replaced in 1914 when Sir Savile Crossley offered to provide a new fountain, since 1914 the fountain then became known as the Saville and Crossley Fountain.

The Bandstand.

The bandstand was built in 1882 and made of cast-iron, wood and features a zinc roof. When the bandstand opened music was only allowed on a weekday.

Smith Sundial

The Grade II listed Smith Sundial was presented to the town of Halifax in 1873. It was created by John Smith for Pocklington School, but they rejected it and Matthew Smith a local politician purchased the sundial.

The Thorp Fountain.

No longer connected to the water supply the Thorp Fountain was a drinking fountain designed by John Hogg and given to the park by Joseph Thorp. The fountain bears the following "Thank God for water, Water is best" The fountain is Grade II listed.

The Lake and Ponds.

The parks has a serpentine pond - lake to the eastern edge which is crossed by a couple of Grade II cast iron bridges. The lake - pond is approx 175m in length and widens as runs from north to south in the park.

The pictures above and below were taken on the 27th May 2018 with a Nikon d3300 camera. They can also be seen on Clickasnap un-watermarked and higher resolution. Clicking any picture should open the Clickasnap version in another window.

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to the higher resolution, un-watermarked version on Clickasnap.

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Willow Hall Dam: A Hidden Gem in the Calder Valley

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, lies Willow Hall Dam, a tranquil haven for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike. While its modest size might suggest a simple fishing spot, Willow Hall Dam holds a rich history and a surprising diversity of aquatic life, making it a truly captivating destination.

Operated by the Bradford No. 1 Angling Association, Willow Hall Dam offers a peaceful escape for those seeking a day of fishing. A small fee is required, granting you access to a well-stocked lake teeming with a variety of species. Imagine casting your line and patiently waiting for a bite, knowing that roach, perch, ide, bream, chub, and the ever-elusive pike lurk beneath the surface. But perhaps the most intriguing residents are the two catfish, confirmed by the Fish Around website, adding an unexpected twist to the lake's ecosystem. With approximately 18 pegs available, the dam ensures a comfortable and uncrowded fishing experience.

What many may not realize is that Willow Hall Dam is actually comprised of two distinct bodies of water. The upper lake, often overlooked, serves a crucial role as a barrier, intercepting the feeder streams that cascade down from the surrounding hills. This upper lake, hidden from the main fishing activity, acts as a natural filter and reservoir, contributing to the health of the lower, more popular lake. The lower lake, the primary focus for anglers, offers a picturesque setting for a day of relaxation and sport.

Surrounding the lakes is a lush woodland, a haven for local wildlife. The tranquil atmosphere is punctuated by the sounds of birdsong and the rustling of leaves, creating a truly immersive natural experience. The dam's idyllic setting provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The history of Willow Hall Dam is inextricably linked to the now-vanished Willow Hall Mills complex. Only the dam remains, a silent testament to the area's industrial past. The mill, once a thriving hub of activity, has been replaced by the modern housing estate of Bentley Mount. Notably, Willow Hall Mills holds a place in history as the first mill in Britain to be illuminated by gas lighting, a pioneering achievement that highlights the site's significance.

The accompanying images, captured on a crisp December 26th, 2013, using a humble Samsung Galaxy Tablet, offer a glimpse into the dam's tranquil beauty. While the technology may have been simple, the images convey the serene atmosphere and the natural charm of the location. These photographs can also be found on Clickasnap, allowing you to visually explore the dam's allure.

Willow Hall Dam is more than just a fishing lake; it's a slice of history, a natural sanctuary, and a testament to the enduring beauty of the Calder Valley. Whether you're an avid angler, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Willow Hall Dam offers a unique and rewarding experience. Its hidden depths, both literal and historical, continue to captivate and inspire. Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media. and check out my portfolio's on ClickAsnap and Photo4Me via the links below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.