A Journey Through Time: Mytholmroyd Railway Station

 On the last day of 2018, with my Nikon D3300 in hand, I took a stroll around Mytholmroyd, a village nestled in the heart of the Calder Valley. My destination was the railway station, a place that, like many others in this industrial landscape, holds a wealth of history and a quiet dignity. The photos I captured on that day tell a story of a place in transition—a past of industrial grandeur giving way to a new future.

The Old Station Building: A Glimpse into the Past

The most striking feature of the station is the original building. This Grade II listed building, with its rugged sandstone and classical lines, stands as a testament to the Victorian era of railway expansion. Opened in 1871 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, it was once the bustling hub of the community, complete with a booking hall, stationmaster's house, and waiting rooms. For many years, however, it sat derelict and boarded up, a sad sight for a building of such importance.

What the photos don't fully capture is the incredible story of its revival. After decades of neglect, a dedicated group of local volunteers, the Mytholmroyd Station Partnership, began a long-running project to bring it back to life. Their work, supported by grants from organizations like the Railway Heritage Trust and Northern, aims to transform the building into a creative community hub, breathing new purpose into this historic landmark.

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The Viaduct and the Modern Station

The station is uniquely situated atop a magnificent viaduct, a feat of 19th-century engineering. The viaduct itself was built by George Stephenson and dates back to 1840, making it even older than the station building it now supports. From the street below, the imposing stone arches give a sense of the scale and ambition of the railway age.

While the old building was awaiting its new lease on life, the modern station was already serving the community. With two platforms, it's a vital part of the Calder Valley Line, connecting the village to major cities like Leeds and Manchester. The station is known for having step-free access to its platforms, a rare and helpful feature for a station built on a viaduct. The contrast between the old, unused entrance and the bustling modern platforms tells the story of a place that, despite its challenges, remains a crucial link for the people of Mytholmroyd.

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The Majestic Arches of Copley Viaduct: A Testament to Victorian Engineering and Calderdale's Railway Legacy

The Copley Viaduct, a striking 21-arch structure spanning the Calder Valley, stands as a testament to the ambition and engineering prowess of the Victorian era. It's more than just a railway bridge; it's a physical embodiment of the industrial revolution's impact on Calderdale, connecting Halifax to Sowerby Bridge and beyond, and shaping the region's economic and social landscape.

While the arrival of railways in Calderdale in 1841 marked a significant turning point, the initial connection to Halifax was far from ideal. A single-track branch line, constructed in 1844 from Greetland to Shaw Syke, offered a circuitous route to Manchester, hindering the efficient movement of goods and passengers. This bottleneck highlighted the need for a more direct and robust rail link.

Enter Sir John Hawkshaw, a prominent civil engineer of his time, tasked by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway with designing a solution. The result was the magnificent Copley Viaduct, completed in 1852. This engineering marvel, stretching across the valley floor, not only shortened travel times but also facilitated the transportation of raw materials and finished goods, fuelling the region's burgeoning textile industry.

Engineering Excellence and Historical Context:

The viaduct's 21 arches, constructed from locally sourced stone, are a testament to the craftsmanship and durability of Victorian engineering. Hawkshaw's design ingeniously navigated the challenging terrain, spanning the River Calder, the Calder & Hebble Navigation, and the busy A6026 Wakefield Road. Each arch, a semi-circular masterpiece, contributes to the viaduct's structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

The inclusion of the Calder & Hebble Navigation in the viaduct's span highlights the complex interplay between different modes of transport in the 19th century. Canals, vital for pre-railway commerce, continued to play a role alongside the burgeoning railway network. The viaduct's design seamlessly integrated these two transport systems, reflecting the pragmatic approach of Victorian engineers.

A Grade II Listed Monument:

The Copley Viaduct's historical and architectural significance was officially recognized on July 19, 1988, when it was granted Grade II listed status. This designation acknowledges the viaduct's importance as a preserved example of Victorian engineering and its contribution to the region's industrial heritage.

Beyond Functionality: A Symbol of Progress:

The viaduct is more than just a functional piece of infrastructure. It's a symbol of progress, connecting communities and facilitating the movement of people and goods. The rhythmic rumble of trains crossing its arches has become an integral part of the Calderdale soundscape, a reminder of the region's industrial past and present.

A Lasting Legacy:

Walking alongside or beneath the Copley Viaduct provides a tangible connection to the past. The sheer scale of the structure, the intricate stonework, and the echoes of history create a powerful sense of place. The viaduct's enduring presence serves as a reminder of the transformative power of engineering and the lasting impact of the Victorian era on the landscape and lives of those who call Calderdale home. It is a monument that continues to serve the region, carrying the present into the future, while preserving the lessons of the past. The viaduct's legacy is one of connection, progress, and the enduring strength of human ingenuity.

The pictures below were taken on various dates in 2014 with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The Calder and Hebble passing underneath one of the viaducts 21 archers.

Copley Cricket Club in the foreground of the picture.

The River Calder flowing towards the Viaduct.

YouTube

Where the following short video show a train crossing the viaduct at approx. 3 minutes 30seconds in.

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