The Forgotten Giants: Halifax's Berry Lane Coal Drops

Tucked away on a steep embankment in Halifax, a series of crumbling stone arches stands as a silent sentinel to a bygone industrial era. These are the Berry Lane Coal Drops, a striking piece of Victorian engineering that, for decades, has been largely forgotten and left to the forces of nature. Their story is one of a once-vital industrial machine, a fall into disuse, and a modern struggle for survival.

A Legacy of the Rails

Built in 1874 by the Ovenden and Halifax Junction Railway, the drops were a critical piece of the town's industrial infrastructure. Imagine the scene: steam trains from the Halifax Station goods yard would chug along the elevated track, stopping directly above these arches. They would unload coal into a system of 15 drops, each a funnel-like chute designed to transfer coal directly into waiting horse-drawn carts below. The entire system was an ingenious solution to the challenges of moving bulk goods in a hilly landscape, using gravity to streamline the process.

The drops were a bustling hub of activity for nearly a century, but as with so much of Britain's industrial past, their time came to an end. They were largely abandoned in the 1970s as coal's role in industry and heating diminished. The tracks fell silent, the chutes became redundant, and nature began to reclaim the magnificent stone structures.

A Fight for Survival

The Berry Lane Coal Drops are now a poignant symbol of a broader conservation struggle. In 2021, they were added to the Victorian Society's Top 10 at Risk Buildings list, a stark reminder of their precarious state. Despite their overgrown and abandoned appearance, the drops are remarkably intact. Experts believe they are just a few minor repairs away from being fully operational, a bittersweet thought given that their original purpose is now obsolete.

In a curious twist of fate, their Grade II listed status, granted on September 28, 1993, has offered them some protection, preventing their demolition but not necessarily their decay. A plan in 2004 to convert them into houses was proposed, but like many hopeful visions for these old structures, it never came to fruition. A falling piece of masonry in the early 2000s led the council to fence off the bottom, further isolating these grand arches from public view.

Today, the Berry Lane Coal Drops exist in a state of limbo. They are monuments to Halifax's industrious past, overgrown with trees and plants that have taken root in their stone crevices. Their story is a powerful one, highlighting the challenge of preserving our industrial heritage in a world that has moved on. They stand as a silent, beautiful testament to the power of Victorian engineering and a desperate call for a new purpose before time, and neglect, take their final toll.

I took these pictures on the 22nd June 2014 with a Polaroid is2132 camera. clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The spire of Square Church can be seen beyond the drops.

I've always liked how the spire of Square Church, and Halifax Parish Church tower bookend this picture of the drops.

These 2 were taken on top od the drops, I accessed it thru some overgrowth in the Eureka car park.

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Where Lancashire Met Yorkshire: The Majestic Todmorden Town Hall

Nestled in the heart of the Calder Valley, Todmorden boasts a jewel of architectural grandeur: its Town Hall. This neo-classical masterpiece, a Grade I listed building, stands as a testament to ambition, rivalry, and the enduring legacy of the Fielden family.

The story of Todmorden Town Hall is as fascinating as the building itself. Construction began in 1860, with architect James Green at the helm. However, the project was soon plagued by legal and financial woes, grinding to a halt. The unfinished structure stood as a silent testament to these early struggles.

Enter the Fielden family, local industrialists with a vision. In January 1866, they purchased the land and the incomplete hall at auction, breathing new life into the project. They appointed John Gibson of Westminster to redesign the building, and under his guidance, the hall was transformed into the architectural marvel we see today.

On April 3rd, 1875, the grand Todmorden Town Hall was officially opened, a culmination of years of effort and a staggering £54,000 investment. Its imposing facade and intricate detailing spoke of the town's prosperity and the Fieldens' commitment to their community.

But the hall's significance extends beyond its architectural beauty. It was deliberately built across the historic Lancashire-Yorkshire county boundary, a symbolic gesture intended to bridge the rivalries between the two counties. This unique positioning reflected the town's desire for unity and harmony. However, in a twist of fate, the boundary was later adjusted on January 1st, 1888, bringing the entire town, including the hall, firmly within Yorkshire.

A Visual Journey:

I had the privilege of capturing the hall's grandeur on April 22nd, 2017, using my Nikon D3300 SLR camera. The images I took serve as a visual record of its timeless beauty, showcasing the intricate details of its facade, the imposing columns, and the overall sense of historical significance.

Why Todmorden Town Hall Matters:

• Architectural Significance: The neo-classical design, with its grand columns and symmetrical facade, is a prime example of Victorian architecture.
• Historical Significance: The hall's construction story, marked by challenges and eventual triumph, reflects the town's resilience and the Fielden family's legacy.
• Symbolic Significance: The initial placement across the county boundary highlights the town's desire for unity and its unique position in British history.
• Community Hub: Even today, the town hall serves as a vital community space, hosting events and gatherings.

Todmorden Town Hall is more than just a building; it's a living piece of history, a symbol of ambition, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the town. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful buildings, a visit to Todmorden Town Hall is a must.

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The town hall roof pictured from the railway station. Stoodley pike Monument can be seen in the distance.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.