Exploring St. John the Divine: A Historic Gem in the Cliviger Valley

Tucked away in the scenic Cliviger valley, on the outskirts of Burnley, lies the beautiful and historic Church of St. John the Divine. This Grade II listed building is a testament to history, with a fascinating story that dates back to the 18th century, and even earlier.

A New Beginning on Ancient Ground

The current church was consecrated in 1794, but its history is much older. It stands on higher ground, a short distance from the site of an earlier, more rustic chapel that had served the community since the reign of King Henry VIII. When the original chapel became too dilapidated and small for the growing parish, it was demolished in 1788 to make way for the new structure. The new church, built in a simple classical style with squared sandstone, was largely funded by Dr. T. D. Whitaker, a local landowner and historian from the nearby Holme Hall.

Architectural Highlights and Hidden Treasures

The church's architecture is a striking departure from the more common Gothic style found in many English parishes. Its clean, classical lines, a pedimented entrance, and a bell turret topped with an octagonal cupola give it a unique and elegant character. But the real treasures are found both inside and out. The churchyard itself is a peaceful and beautiful space, with a winding path leading through a sea of old headstones and memorials.

One of the most notable features of the churchyard is the burial site of General Sir James Yorke Scarlett, the celebrated leader of the Charge of the Heavy Brigade during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. Despite his fame, Scarlett's grave is a humble memorial in this quiet corner of Lancashire. The church also houses remnants of its past, including a 16th-century oak pulpit and two intricately carved oak stalls with misericords, believed to have been moved here from the ruins of Whalley Abbey.

Another interesting detail is the large archway at the entrance, a lychgate, which stands as a welcoming portal to this historic site. Nearby, you'll find a war memorial in the shape of a cross, a poignant tribute to local lives lost in conflict. The church and its grounds are a peaceful place, where history, nature, and community intertwine, making it a compelling spot for a quiet stroll and a moment of reflection.

I took these pictures on the 23rd April 2016 with a Nikon d3300, clicking on any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Warland Reservoir: Unveiling History and Hidden Depths

Nestled amidst the dramatic Pennine landscape, Warland Reservoir offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, engineering marvels, and intriguing history. A recent visit provided a fascinating glimpse into this impressive body of water, revealing its past and the secrets it holds.

Our journey to Warland Reservoir began at an intriguing old entrance, marked by two weathered stone pillars bearing the inscription "R.C. W.W 1925." This carving points to the reservoir's deep historical roots, likely indicating the Rochdale Corporation Water Works, who extended the reservoir in 1927. While this date marks an expansion, the reservoir itself has a much older lineage; it was originally constructed around 1857 by the Rochdale Canal Company to ensure a consistent water supply for the canal, a vital artery of commerce in the region.

As we ventured further, the sheer scale of Warland Reservoir became apparent. On a cloudy day, the vast expanse of water stretched out before us, flanked by the sturdy dam wall and the rugged, moorland terrain. The water levels were noticeably low, exposing significant portions of the reservoir bed, which added a unique and somewhat stark beauty to the scene.

A prominent feature of the reservoir is its imposing intake tower, a testament to the engineering prowess involved in its creation. This castellated structure stands sentinel in the water, connected to the bank by a robust bridge, efficiently managing the water supply.

One of the most intriguing aspects of our visit was the sight of the "boat remains" exposed on the bed of Warland Reservoir. These skeletal remnants, looking like decaying wooden frames and structures, offer a poignant reminder of past activities on the water. Local accounts suggest that these boats, reportedly three in total, were deliberately submerged during World War II. The theory is that they were joined together with cables to prevent enemy seaplanes from landing on the reservoir and using it as a strategic staging point. While I only saw the remains of one boat during my visit, the idea of these submerged vessels playing a role in wartime defence adds a fascinating layer to Warland Reservoir's history.

Further exploration of the exposed reservoir bed revealed a surprising "waterfall" cascading down a rocky outcrop, an unusual sight in what would normally be submerged land. The vast, sandy, and muddy expanse, aptly named "The Beach" in one of the image descriptions, showed signs of erosion and the forces of nature at play.

Warland Reservoir is not just a functional body of water; it's a place with a story to tell. The visible "R.C. W.W 1925" sign, the majestic intake tower, and especially the mysterious sunken boat remains all contribute to a rich tapestry of history and intrigue. Our visit offered a unique perspective on this remarkable landscape, highlighting not only its natural beauty but also the human footprint left upon it over the decades. It's a place that invites contemplation, sparking questions about its past and the lives it has touched.

I took these pictures with Nikon d3300 on 27th May 2025, clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The next 3 pictures were taken with my Canon EOS R100, again clicking on them should open a link to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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A Quiet Echo of a Bygone Era: A Visit to Burnley Rose Grove Railway Station

Stepping onto the platform at Burnley Rose Grove railway station, you're not just arriving at a stop on the East Lancashire Line; you're stepping into a quiet echo of a bygone era. On a late summer day, the 19th of August 2022, I took my camera, a trusty Nikon D3300, to capture a station that, in many ways, tells a story of the ebb and flow of Britain's industrial past.

Burnley Rose Grove, which opened on September 18, 1848, was once a bustling hub, far grander than its current, minimalist form suggests. It was built to serve not only the Rose Grove suburb but also the nearby town of Padiham. The station's importance truly blossomed with the opening of the Great Harwood Loop, also known as the North Lancashire Loop, in 1875. This new line, connecting Rose Grove to Padiham and beyond, cemented the station's role as a vital link in the local rail network.

Looking at the station today, it’s hard to imagine the volume of activity that once took place here. The images I captured from the metal staircase leading down to the platforms giving a sense of the station's compact, functional nature. The blue metalwork of the bridge and stairs, though stark, serves as the main access point, a testament to the station's lack of disabled access and its simple, no-frills character.

The platforms themselves are a study in modern railway minimalism. A small shelter provides some cover from the Lancashire rain, and a few metal benches offer a place to rest. Information boards, like the one with "East Lancashire Line" proudly displayed, offer a connection to the wider rail network, but there are no cafes, no toilets, and no staff—a far cry from the station's heyday when it was a hive of activity.

The railway's story here is a familiar one. Passenger numbers began to decline between the two world wars, and the goods traffic that had sustained the station for so long started its own descent in the 1960s. The coal and oil trains, which once served the nearby power stations, made their last journeys in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The station's fate was sealed. The Great Harwood Loop closed in 1964, and the goods yard soon followed, much of it now buried beneath the concrete sprawl of the M65 motorway. By the early 1980s, the station buildings were gone, and the staff were withdrawn, leaving behind the stripped-down, essential stop we see today.

One of the most poignant scenes I captured was of the disused and overgrown rail track. Parallel to the active line, this track is a physical remnant of the station's past, swallowed up by nature. It's a powerful visual metaphor for a railway that has shrunk but not disappeared. The tracks that remain still serve a crucial purpose, splitting to the east with the East Lancashire Line continuing to Colne and the Caldervale Line heading towards Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.

Burnley Rose Grove is a junction, but it is also a quiet monument to a different time. It stands as a reminder that not all progress is about expansion and growth; sometimes, it's about finding a new, more modest purpose. For those who appreciate the subtle beauty of industrial heritage and the quiet narratives woven into our landscape, a visit to Burnley Rose Grove offers a moment of reflection—a chance to stand in a place where the past and present meet on parallel lines, one active and one reclaimed by the wild.

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

The only way to access the station is a steep metal staircase, a daunting climb that immediately highlights the lack of accessibility for disabled passengers or anyone with mobility issues. As you ascend or descend, you're faced with what I recall as 34 steps—a challenging number for anyone burdened with luggage or a pram.

This humble station bears little resemblance to its former glory. The center of the platform, now a wide, empty space, was once home to solid stone buildings. It's almost impossible to visualize the vast network of tracks that once existed here; I'm told there were two additional bay platforms and at least eight lines crisscrossing the area.

To the left of the main platform, where the overgrown goods yard once lay, a secret remains. I was later informed that the original bay platforms are still there, hidden from view, tucked away by the dense tree line on either side of the picture. They are a silent testament to a time when this station was a central hub of industry and transit.

Platform 2 occupies this southern side of the bay platform, Trains towards Hapton, Accrington and Blackburn can be caught here. Again the station's only access, the stairs can be seen.

Platform 2.

Overgrown and abandoned track bed viewed from Platform 1. I have been told that there was a bay platform where the trees are.

The island platform from the end of 1.

The opposite end of Platform 1, the sum total of the stations facilities on show, an info board, shelter and bench seats.

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Burnley Barracks: A Hidden Gem on the East Lancashire Line

Ever heard of a request stop? It's a bit like an old-fashioned bus stop, but for trains. You have to actively let the driver know you want to get on or off. That's exactly the kind of place Burnley Barracks is—a small, unassuming station on the East Lancashire Line, but one with a surprisingly rich history.

The station, which opened way back in 1848, was originally known as Burnley Westgate and served as the temporary terminus for the line. It was only meant to be a short-lived stop, but the rapid development of the area, including a new army barracks, led to its reopening in 1851. Renamed Burnley Barracks after the nearby military base, the station became a local hub, serving passengers while the larger stations at Rose Grove and Bank Top (now Burnley Central) handled the freight.

Today, Burnley Barracks is a simple affair. As you can see from the photos, the station has a single platform, a basic shelter, and a card-only ticket machine. It offers step-free access and relies on on-street parking, but its charm lies in its simplicity. It’s a quiet spot, often overlooked, but it's a vital link for the local community.

The station's history is written in its very structure. The old eastbound platform, which was taken out of use when the line was singled in 1986, is now largely overgrown and hidden from view. It's a subtle reminder of a busier past, a time when the station had two platforms and a footbridge connecting them.

While passenger numbers have fluctuated over the years—dropping significantly after the army barracks closed in 1898 and local slum clearances in the 1960s and 70s—they've been on the rise in recent years. This is thanks to new housing developments and a growing trend of people opting for public transport over their cars.

Burnley Barracks is more than just a stop on the line; it’s a living piece of local history. It's a testament to the changes in the area, from its military past to its modern residential communities. On my recent visit, it was the busiest of the eight stations I visited on the East Lancashire Line, with several passengers boarding and alighting the train.

There's a proposal to close the station should the line be upgraded, but for now, Burnley Barracks remains a quiet, functional, and fascinating part of the railway network. It’s a small station with a big story, a true hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.

So next time you're on the East Lancashire Line, why not make a request stop at Burnley Barracks? You might just find yourself stepping back in time.

The pictures were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 19th August 2022, clicking any of them below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Colne bound training just leaving. It would 45 minutes before another train passed through the station.
There is 1 train in each direction approx. every hour.

The entrance sign to the station

The station looking west from the end of the platform. Despite Junction Street Bridge (Foreground)
and Padiham Road Bridge (Background) passing over the station, the 2 platforms were connected
by a wooden passenger bridge sighted between the 2. I assume this was removed when the line
was singled in the 1980's, but it may have been earlier as there is evidence on another site entrance
just off Junction Street Bridge.

The station looking eastward (towards Colne) from the end of the platform. The stations only
facilities are the shelter seen before the bridge and a ticket machine to my right
just out of shot.

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Exploring Kirkby Lonsdale's Stanley Bridge

Just a short walk from the historic Devil's Bridge in Kirkby Lonsdale lies its more modern, yet equally impressive, successor: the Stanley Bridge. This elegant structure, built in the early 1930s, stands as a testament to both functional engineering and local history.

A Bridge of Progress

Constructed by the Westmorland County Council, Stanley Bridge was a key part of a major bypass project designed to carry the A65 road over the River Lune. Its creation was a significant undertaking, involving over 60 workers and a cost of more than £20,000—a substantial sum at the time, equivalent to approximately £1.5 million today. The bridge's main span stretches an impressive 109 feet 11 inches (33.5 meters) across the river, showcasing the ambition of its design. It was officially opened on December 3, 1932, by the then-Minister for Home Affairs, the Rt. Hon. Oliver Stanley, after whom the bridge is named.

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From Old to New

The construction of Stanley Bridge effectively replaced the need for Devil's Bridge to carry vehicle traffic, allowing that ancient, three-arched stone bridge to become the beautiful pedestrian crossing it is today. This transition highlights a common theme in infrastructure development: as society's needs evolve, new solutions are built to preserve the old while providing modern convenience. The two bridges now exist in a harmonious relationship, representing different eras of transport and engineering.

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A Photographer's Delight

Stanley Bridge, with its distinctive yellow and grey arches, is a favourite subject for photographers. Its reflection on the calm waters of the River Lune provides a captivating visual, especially on a bright day. The surrounding landscape, with its mossy banks and skeletal trees, adds to the serene, timeless quality of the scene. The variety of colours and textures makes it a perfect subject, capturing the interplay of light, water, and architecture.

I took these pictures with a Polaroid is2132 camera on the 4th April 2015. Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Devil's Bridge can be seen beyond the archway.

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All images are the copyright of Colin Green.