Crossing History: Mearclough Bridge

Standing on the banks of the River Calder at Sowerby Bridge, you can't help but feel a connection to centuries of local history. This spot, where the quiet stream flows past ancient stones, has been a key crossing point for hundreds of years, linking the historic townships of Norland and Warley. The latest, and most enduring, of these crossings is the beautiful, three-arched Mearclough Bridge.

My recent walk to the bridge took me along the river, a scene made even more picturesque by the rich autumn colours. The photos I took on that day perfectly capture the serene, almost timeless feel of the place. The river, with its gentle flow, contrasts with the solid, dependable presence of the stone bridge.

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A Bridge with a Story

The current Mearclough Bridge, a stunning stone structure, replaced a previous crossing sometime between 1774 and the early 1800s. Its history is tied to the local townships it connected. The people of Norland were once responsible for its upkeep and were even fined for neglecting it—a detail that highlights the bridge's importance to the community.

Today, its role has changed. The bridge is now a Grade II listed structure, protected from heavy traffic by modern restrictions. These changes were a welcome relief, especially after a new bridge, the Sterne Mills Bridge, was built in the mid-2010s to divert larger vehicles. Before that, Mearclough Bridge, barely wider than a single track, was repeatedly damaged by heavy goods vehicles heading to nearby industrial units. Now, it stands as a peaceful monument, a reminder of a bygone era.

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The River's Power

From the bridge, looking east toward Sowerby Bridge town centre, you can see the Mearclough Weir. It's a fascinating part of the landscape, hinting at the area’s industrial past. This weir is believed to have once powered the Mearclough Mills, said to have been a corn mill in the early 1800s. The river, once a source of industrial power, now offers a tranquil backdrop for a walk, its gentle cascade over the weir a perfect soundtrack to the quiet beauty of the surroundings.

This visit to Mearclough Bridge was a perfect reminder that history isn't just in books or museums. It's in the stones of the bridges we cross and the rivers that flow beneath them. It's a history that has shaped the landscape and the communities that call this place home.

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The River Calder pictured from Mearclough Bridge, the former mill weir seen in the middle of the picture. Mearclough Mills were a chemical site by the turn of the 20th century and occupied land on both sides of the river. The mills were known as Triangle Mills by the 1930's and involved in photographic printing.

The River Calder again pictured from the bridge looking in the direction of Copley, To the left of the picture hidden by the trees is the Calder and Hebble Navigation, to the right again hidden by trees is a tow path that runs alngside the river to Sterne Mills Bridge.

Mearclough Bridge, the tunnel area just beyond the right arch was once the cellar of a dwelling that occupied the top corner of the structure. The Calder and Hebble Navigation is behind the wall a few feet higher than the river, there is a water overflow for the canal into the river to the right of the picture not shown.

Mearclough Bridge has 3 arches, the 2 larger ones pictured cross the water, a third one crosses waste ground now and is hidden by the trees to the left.

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Copley Valley: A Glimpse of Transformation in 2014

In March 2014, the Copley Valley in Calderdale, just east of Sowerby Bridge, was a landscape in flux. Once known as Milner Royd, this area was undergoing a significant redevelopment, transforming from its industrial past into a mix of industrial, housing, and nature reserve spaces.

The images captured in 2014 provide a fascinating snapshot of this transition. Prior to the redevelopment, Milner Royd was home to the remains of the Sowerby Bridge Sewage Works, a large dam that was a popular spot for anglers until its drainage, the Sterne Bridge (built in 1914), and the old Standard Wire Factory. It was also an area rich in wildlife and nature, bordered by the railway to the south, the River Calder splitting it down the middle, and the Calder & Hebble Navigation Canal to the north.

The Changing Landscape

The development was well underway in 2014, with a new road and bridge already constructed. Much of the land was set aside for the building of new industrial units. The scene shows the wet, muddy ground, indicative of recent earthworks, with the freshly laid road cutting through the landscape. This stark image contrasts with the more natural, albeit muddy, appearance of the valley before intensive development.

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Copley Valley Nature Reserve, The picture was taken looking west with
my back towards Copley Viaduct. 

Copley Valley, this area which had been cleared for industrial units and
the new access road was the site of Sowerby Bridge Sewage Works opened
in 1896. The road passes over what was the dam, the water that filled it now
underground to the River Calder.

Enduring Structures and Fading Eras

Amidst the changes, some older structures remained, offering a glimpse into the area's railway heritage. The Milner Royd Bridge, with its sturdy stone arches, stands as a testament to the enduring railway infrastructure. This bridge has since been closed to the public.

Further along the railway line, the Milner Royd Signal Box was still operational in 2014, although it would close just four years later in 2018. This small, distinctive building played a vital role in managing the railway traffic at Milner Royd Junction, where the line splits towards Brighouse and Halifax.

Another notable feature from this period is the Hollas Lane Arch Bridge. This stone arch bridge, where the railway line divides, is another example of the area's historical railway architecture, standing firm amidst the surrounding development.

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The Copley Valley project represents a significant chapter in Calderdale's history, balancing industrial growth with the preservation of natural spaces. The 2014 images serve as a valuable record of this ambitious transformation, capturing a moment when the past was giving way to a new future for Milner Royd.

Hollas Lane Railway Bridge, built circa 1840 to carry the Manchester and
Leeds Railway over Hollas Lane.

Milner Royd Bridge carries Milner Royd Lane over the railway, closed
to the public by gates at both ends, the bridge used to be one of the main
walking / packhorse routes down from Norland to the valley bottom.

Milner Royd Signal Box, was still in operation when I took this picture
in 2014, closing in the summer of 2018. The box had been built in 1876 to
control the junction to the right of the picture where trains head off in the
directions of Brighouse or Halifax.

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Milner Royd Junction: A Secluded Spot to Watch Time and Trains Go By

There are places that, for reasons often indefinable, simply call to you. For me, one such spot is Milner Royd Junction, nestled approximately a mile to the east of Sowerby Bridge Railway Station in West Yorkshire. It's not a grand tourist attraction, nor is it bustling with activity. Instead, it offers a quiet retreat, a place where the rhythm of passing trains provides a unique kind of solace.

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Where Lines Converge and History Lingers

Milner Royd Junction is a fascinating intersection of railway history and modern transport. This is the point where the Caldervale line, heading towards Halifax, diverges from the Calder Valley line, which leads towards Brighouse. The Calder Valley line, being the older of the two, carries a rich heritage. Interestingly, the section towards Brighouse was closed to passenger services in 1970, primarily serving as a freight line until its reopening for passengers in 2000.

Even today, the old signal box stands sentinel at the junction, a silent testament to a bygone era of railway operations, now redundant but still a proud fixture of the landscape. The junction itself is spanned by a distinctive four-arch bridge. This bridge once offered a pathway towards Norland, but for as long as I can remember, access from its northern side has been locked off. While the higher southern gate is typically unlocked, reaching it is a bit of an adventure, as the surrounding area is often overgrown.

Despite these minor access quirks, Milner Royd Junction remains a cherished spot. It's a place where you're virtually guaranteed to be left alone, allowing you to simply observe the constant flow of train transport passing by – a truly meditative experience for any railway enthusiast.

An Unforgettable Encounter: A Steam Train on the Valley Line

One particular day stands out vividly in my memory at Milner Royd Junction: Sunday, November 3rd, 2019. I had heard whispers that a majestic steam train was scheduled to journey along the valley, passing directly through the junction. This was an opportunity not to be missed. The train was making its way from Blackburn to Wakefield Kirkgate, a journey that promised a spectacular sight.

Knowing that punctuality isn't always a hallmark of British railways, I made sure to arrive early. This decision proved to be incredibly wise, as the steam train, defying expectations, arrived ahead of schedule! It was a truly exhilarating moment, the air filled with the iconic chuffing sound and the scent of coal, as the magnificent locomotive thundered through the junction.

The following two videos, from my YouTube account, capture the magic of that day, allowing you to experience a glimpse of that unforgettable steam train passage through Milner Royd Junction.

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