Echoes of Sacrifice: A Journey to the Settle War Memorial

 The Settle War Memorial, located at the junction of Church Street and Langcliffe Road, is a striking piece of architecture that captures the attention of both locals and visitors. Built in 1925, the memorial was designed by the architect Henry Ross and constructed by the local firm Brassington, Sons and Company Ltd.

The cenotaph itself is made of pristine white granite, standing on an octagonal plinth with a stepped pedestal. Its design is deliberately understated yet powerful, reflecting the sombre mood of the nation following the devastation of the Great War.

The Inscriptions: A Voice from Antiquity

One of the most moving aspects of the Settle War Memorial is the choice of inscription. Carved into the stone are the words of the ancient Greek playwright Euripides, taken from his tragedy The Women of Troy:

"No mean crown he wins who bravely for his country dies."

This quote, chosen by the people of Settle nearly a century ago, bridges the gap between ancient history and modern sacrifice. It reminds us that the pain of loss and the honour of service are universal human experiences that transcend time and geography.

The front of the memorial also bears the dedication:

• "PRO PATRIA" (For Country)

• "Erected by public subscription to the honoured memory of those from the township of Settle who gave their lives for King and Country in the Great War 1914-1918."

Honouring the Fallen: Names That Live On

The memorial serves as a permanent record of the individuals who left this idyllic corner of North Yorkshire to serve on the front lines.

• World War I: The names of 50 men from the Settle township are inscribed, arranged by their year of death.

• World War II: In 1948, the memorial was rededicated to include 17 additional names from the 1939-1945 conflict.

• Modern Conflicts: Demonstrating that the memorial remains a "living" monument, a name from the Afghanistan (2001-2014) conflict was also added, ensuring that recent sacrifices are never forgotten.

Notably, the memorial also honours two US airmen who died in the district during World War II, a poignant reminder of the international cooperation and the local impact of the war even far from the front lines.

The Story of the Sunflowers

In recent years, visitors to the memorial garden may have noticed an addition that adds a splash of colour and contemporary meaning: metal sunflowers. These handcrafted steel sculptures, often made of Corten steel which develops a beautiful rust-like patina over time, have become symbols of hope and support.

Originally part of various charity installations (such as those for local hospices or as a show of solidarity with Ukraine), these sunflowers represent "moments that matter." Their presence alongside the stark granite of the cenotaph creates a beautiful dialogue between the "ordered ranks" of the fallen and the "everlasting bloom" of community spirit.

From Bridge End to Church Street

The memorial hasn't always stood in its current peaceful garden. When it was first unveiled on December 6, 1925, by Brigadier General J.E. Edwards, it was located in the middle of the road at Bridge End. As the town grew and traffic increased, the monument was eventually moved to its present, more tranquil location on Church Street, where it is now protected as a Grade II listed building.

Why You Should Visit Settle

Settle is a town steeped in history, serving as a gateway to some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. After paying your respects at the war memorial, you can explore:

• The Settle-Carlisle Railway: One of the most scenic train journeys in the world starts right here.

• Castleberg Crag: A towering limestone cliff that offers panoramic views of the town.

• The Folly: A 17th-century Grade I listed house that now serves as a local museum.

The Settle War Memorial is not just a destination for history buffs; it is a place for quiet reflection for anyone visiting the Yorkshire Dales. It stands as a reminder that the freedom we enjoy to walk these hills was bought at a high price by the very names carved into its granite face.

I took these with a Nikon d3300 on the 23rd August 2016. 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.

Whispers on the Path: The History of Norland's Donkey Bridge

Deep within the wooded valley that divides the villages of Norland and Copley in West Yorkshire lies a hidden gem of local heritage: the Donkey Bridge. Surrounded by mossy stone walls and the vibrant green of the Maple Dean Clough, this little crossing may seem unassuming, but it carries the heavy weight of local history, marking a vital link in the region's industrial past.

Visiting this secluded spot, capturing its serene, almost timeless beauty. The stone abutments, draped in thick moss, and the wooden path over the water tell a silent story of trade, toil, and community connection.

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What the Donkey Bridge Crosses

The bridge spans the Norland Stream, also known as Maple Dean Clough. This small watercourse is more than just a stream; it acts as the historic boundary between the townships of Norland and Copley. The water itself, tumbling over stones in the steep valley, is a typical feature of the Calderdale landscape.

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The Historical Importance: A Pack Horse Route

The name of the bridge is the most telling detail of its past. The "Donkey" in Donkey Bridge doesn't necessarily mean donkeys were the only animals used, but it firmly establishes the structure as a crucial part of a pack horse route.

In the era before turnpike roads and widespread cart usage, pack horses were the primary means of moving goods across the rugged, hilly terrain of the Pennines.

• Trade Connection: This path would have been a lifeline for local commerce, linking the high-lying village of Norland with the lower valley communities, particularly Copley.

• A Route of Necessity: The bridge allowed for the efficient movement of essential goods, raw materials, and finished products between areas. Norland's history is steeped in the woollen industry and quarrying; this path was likely crucial for transporting quarried stone down from the Norland side and perhaps bringing in supplies.

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From Trade to Toil: An Industrial Link

As the Industrial Revolution transformed Calderdale in the 18th and 19th centuries, the bridge’s role shifted from primarily trade to daily toil.

• Factory Workers' Commute: The path over Donkey Bridge became a daily route for many Norland residents who worked in the burgeoning mills and factories down in the valley. Historical records suggest that many locals, including those who worked at Akroyd’s mill in Copley, would have walked this path every day.

• The Dawn Commute: Imagine the journey: walking to and from work over this bridge, often in the dark hours before sunrise and after sunset, as the mill schedule demanded. The rough, setted (paved with small stones) nature of the path would have been difficult even in daylight.

Today, the original stone bridge structure is clearly visible, though the decking and railings are modern replacements ensuring safe passage. The long, moss-covered walls leading up to the crossing create a funnel, suggesting the path was deliberately narrowed and contained, a common feature of old tracks that were too steep for wheeled traffic.

Standing here, listening to the rushing of the Maple Dean Clough, it’s easy to feel connected to the footsteps—human and equine—that have passed over this little bridge for centuries. It remains a poignant reminder of the enduring infrastructure that powered the Industrial Age in West Yorkshire.

I took these pictures on the 20th March 2019 with a Nikon d3300, 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 Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The Secret Stairways of Halifax: A Journey Up the Snickets

In the heart of West Yorkshire lies a town where history is etched into every stone wall and winding street. Halifax is a place of grand Victorian architecture and industrial heritage, but its true character is often found in the hidden corners and forgotten paths. For those with a curious spirit, these places are an invitation to step back in time. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the town's numerous snickets, narrow alleyways or passages that often take the form of steep, cobbled stairways.

Inspired by a recent trip to Old Lane near Boothtown, I captured two such snickets, each a unique testament to the town's past.

Snicket 1: The Gentle Ascent

The first snicket appears almost as an open invitation. Its worn stone steps are wide, leading up a gradual slope between two sturdy stone walls. On the left, a weathered wooden fence hints at a private garden, while a bare tree stands as a silent sentinel. The path is littered with autumn leaves, and the wet cobbles gleam under the grey sky.

This snicket feels like a well-trodden path, a practical shortcut used by generations of locals. It's a connection between two worlds: the quiet residential street below and whatever lies at the top. The image evokes a sense of tranquillity, a brief moment of quiet contemplation before returning to the rhythm of daily life.

Snicket 2: The Vertical Climb

Just a short distance away, the second snicket presents a stark contrast. This is not a path for the faint of heart. Narrow and steep, it rises like a vertical ribbon of stone. A metal handrail runs alongside the towering stone wall, a necessary aid for those brave enough to make the climb. The walls themselves are a patchwork of different-sized stones, telling a story of repairs and rebuilds over the decades. The vegetation on the left, overgrown and wild, adds to the feeling of a passage carved directly from the landscape itself.

This snicket is a challenge, a true "Boothtown" climb that speaks to the rugged terrain of the area. It feels more secluded and intimate than the first, a hidden passage known only to those who need to use it. It is a reminder that in Halifax, some of the most beautiful and interesting places require a bit of effort to discover.

Why We Love the Snickets

These images, captured in stark black and white, highlight the texture and form of these pathways, stripping away the distractions of colour to reveal their raw, historical beauty. They show us that a snicket is more than just a shortcut; it's a living part of the community's history. These aren't manicured tourist attractions; they are the veins and arteries of the town, connecting homes, streets, and people. They are a physical representation of the town's resilience and its enduring spirit.

Next time you find yourself in Halifax, I encourage you to look beyond the main roads. Seek out a snicket. Take a moment to feel the history under your feet and imagine the countless journeys that have been made on those very same stones. You might just discover a new appreciation for the secret stairways that define this incredible town.

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. These were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 23rd December 2023.