Dewsbury Railway Station

 Dewsbury Railway Station is a station approx 9 miles south west of Leeds in West Yorkshire, England. The station provides trains with links to Leeds, Huddersfield, Manchester, York, Hull, Sowerby Bridge, Redcar and Hebden Bridge. In the last full year before the Covid pandemic (2019-20) the station served approx 1.622 million passengers at an average of 31,200 per week. The station is staffed during daytime hours and has self service ticket machines, it features waiting rooms on each platform which is connected by a footbridge which offers step free access via lifts. The station also features a pub on Platform 2 known as the West Riding Refreshment Rooms.

The station was opened on the 18th September 1848 by the London and North Western Railway who had taken over the lines builders the Leeds, Dewsbury and Manchester Railway. Dewsbury was to become something of a railway town for a time when there was 4 stations in the town in addition to a number in the nearby area. The stations serving the town were Dewsbury Central closed 1964, Dewsbury Market Place closed 1930, some of the stations facade can still be seen supporting the ring road, and Thornhill closed in 1961. From June 1924 until February 1969 Dewsbury Station was known as Dewsbury Wellington Road.

These pictures were taken in April 2015 using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. The 11 pictures can also be seen on Clickasnap full size, resolution and un-watermarked where copies can also be purchased.

The station's Milton Walk entrance.

The connecting bridge is also a public right of way connecting Milton Walk
with the town centre via the station.

Platform 1.

Platform 2.

The West Riding Refreshment Rooms.

The station pictured from Wellington Road Bridge.

The station pictured from Platform 1.

The bridge is a fantastically maintained gem.

Taken from the end of Platform 2's canopy.

The bridge and platform 2 pictured from platform 1.

The connecting bridge taken from above platform 2.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Ravensthorpe Station: A Quiet Enigma on the Huddersfield Line

Tucked away between Mirfield and Dewsbury in West Yorkshire lies Ravensthorpe Railway Station, a small suburban stop on the Huddersfield Line. With just 35,342 passengers in 2018-19 (around 680 people per week), it's fair to say Ravensthorpe is far from a bustling hub. You can't help but wonder if its fortunes would change dramatically with the addition of platforms serving the lines towards Wakefield, which conveniently branch off just before the station.

A Glimpse into the Past

Opened in 1890, this was actually the second station to serve the Ravensthorpe area. The first, on the Ravensthorpe branch of the Spen Valley Line, opened in 1869 but closed its doors in 1962. The current station was built with a keen eye on freight, featuring a goods shed added 42 years after the line's opening. It also boasted rather grand station buildings, which were listed for preservation before a fire led to their demolition and replacement with the basic shelters you see today.

A Character All Its Own

Ravensthorpe station possesses a unique character that's hard to put your finger on. Logically, its location within an industrial suburb of Dewsbury should give it the feel of a busy commuter stop. Yet, when you're standing on the platforms, there's an undeniable sense of rural calm, almost as if you've stumbled upon a countryside halt. It's this intriguing contrast that makes Ravensthorpe stand out.

Basic, But Functional

As for facilities, Ravensthorpe is no-frills. You'll find limited shelters on both platforms, but no toilets or ticket machines. Information boards and timetables are available, and the station is unstaffed. If you're heading to platform 2, access is via a bridge and steps.

The pictures below were taken on December 30 2019 with a Nikon d3300, Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The lines to the left of the picture, there has never been a station serving
those line at this location, this may change as there are plans to demolish
and re-site the station just beyond the bridge in the picture, as part of plans to
put 4 tracks along this route.

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A Journey Through Time: Unpacking Hebden Bridge Station's Rich History

Stepping onto the historic platforms of Hebden Bridge Railway Station is more than just catching a train; it’s an immersive journey through time, a direct connection to the industrial heartland that shaped the Calder Valley. This isn't merely a place where passengers embark and disembark; it's a magnificent relic, a testament to Victorian engineering prowess, and a silent observer of two centuries of human endeavour.

The Dawn of the Iron Horse: Hebden Bridge's Pioneering Role

Imagine the anticipation in October 1840 when Sowerby Bridge Station first opened its doors. For a brief, thrilling period, it marked the very end of the line, a frontier of progress in the burgeoning railway network. The air would have crackled with excitement, the station a beacon of modernity in a world still largely reliant on horse and cart. This pioneering status was short-lived but significant, as by New Year's Eve 1840, just two months later, the tenacious engineers had pushed the tracks further, conquering the formidable terrain to reach the majestic Summit Tunnel at Walsden.

The true revolution, however, arrived in March 1841. With the completion of the line through the tunnel, the first direct services began thundering from Leeds to Manchester, transforming travel and commerce across the North. Hebden Bridge, strategically positioned, became a vital link in this new arterial network. The station's importance grew steadily, and by 1852, its reach expanded even further, connecting the bustling markets and mills of Halifax and Bradford to the expanding railway grid.

The magnificent station buildings we admire today, with their characteristic architectural flourishes, weren't erected until 1893. They stand as a proud testament to the late Victorian railway boom, a period of immense investment and expansion. It's fascinating to consider that the spacious station car park, a convenience we now take for granted, was once the bustling station goods yard until as late as 1966. This transformation underscores the railway's changing role – from a primary mover of heavy goods to a more passenger-centric service. And for those with a keen eye, the thoughtful renovation in 1997 subtly pays homage to its heritage, incorporating signage in the distinctive colours of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, a powerful echo of its foundational past.

A Modern Hub Rooted in History

Today, Hebden Bridge Station seamlessly blends its rich history with contemporary functionality. It remains a crucial part of the region's transport infrastructure, a vibrant hub bustling with daily commuters and intrepid explorers of the Calder Valley. The station is fully manned, offering the reassuring presence of staff, comprehensive ticket facilities, and essential toilets. For those moments of respite, a charming small café provides a warm welcome, offering hot drinks and snacks before or after a journey. Stepping out of the main entrance, passengers are immediately connected to local bus services, ensuring smooth onward travel throughout the area.

While the station has embraced modern accessibility standards, its historical layout presents certain challenges. The Leeds-bound platform (Platform 2) boasts excellent disabled access, allowing everyone to embark on journeys towards Yorkshire's vibrant cities. However, for those heading towards Lancashire and Manchester on Platform 1, access currently involves navigating steps. Yet, hope is firmly on the horizon! Exciting plans are well underway to reinstate the lifts between platforms, silent since the 1980s. This vital upgrade will undoubtedly enhance accessibility for all, ensuring that Sowerby Bridge Station truly serves every member of the community.

In terms of services, the station hums with activity. Platform 1 dispatches three vital Manchester-bound trains per hour, connecting the Calder Valley to the dynamic heart of the North West, alongside a crucial single service towards Preston. On Platform 2, four reliable Leeds-bound services per hour ensure frequent connections to Yorkshire's largest city, with three routes winding through the bustling Bradford Interchange and another offering a picturesque journey through Dewsbury.

Capturing the Timeless Spirit: A Photographer's Gaze

On a bright July 21st, 2018, I had the privilege of capturing the station's enduring spirit through the lens of my Nikon D3300. The resulting images, a selection of which you can explore below, aim to convey the station's unique atmosphere – the interplay of historic architecture with the rhythm of modern train movements.

 It's also worth noting that I previously explored the station in August 2017, focusing primarily on the westbound trains, and those images can be found in an earlier blog post, offering a fascinating comparison of the station across different seasons and times.

Hebden Bridge Railway Station isn't just a point on a map; it's a living archive, a place where the echoes of steam trains still resonate amidst the hum of electric motors. It's a testament to progress, resilience, and the enduring power of connectivity. What stories do you imagine these platforms hold?

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