Hawksclough Bridge, Mytholmroyd

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Calder Valley, in the charming Yorkshire village of Mytholmroyd, lies the Grade II listed Hawksclough Bridge. This seemingly unassuming structure, crafted from the warm embrace of local sandstone, is more than just a passage over the River Calder. It's a bridge woven with myth, whispered secrets, and the echoes of a bygone era.

As you stand upon its weathered stones, the gentle gurgle of the water below serenades you, transporting you back in time. Legend has it that the bridge was built by the devil himself, enticed by a wager with a local builder. The deal? The bridge's completion within a night was in exchange for the builder's soul. But as the rooster crowed, signalling the dawn, the bridge remained unfinished, just one stone short. The devil, cheated of his prize, vanished in a puff of brimstone, leaving behind the incomplete bridge as a testament to his trickery.

While the truth behind the bridge's construction is likely less fantastical, the myth adds a touch of magic to its history. It's a reminder that even the most ordinary structures can hold extraordinary stories, waiting to be unraveled by the curious mind.

But Hawksclough Bridge is more than just a relic of the past. It's a vibrant part of the Mytholmroyd community. Children clamber along its edges. Artists capture its rustic beauty in their paintings, and photographers find endless inspiration in its weathered nooks and crannies.

Below are a set of pictures taken at the bridge with a Nikon d3300 in July 2024.

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Vintage Rochdale Canal Images.

The pictures below were taken on the Rochdale Canal between Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd in November 2013. I've edited them to give the impression of a vintage photograph with vignette and noise added to increase the effect.

They were taken using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on November 2nd 2013, they can also be seen on Clickasnap un-watermarked and higher resolution.

Lock 7 Broad Bottom can be found on the canal near the point where Burnley Road crossers over the canal, a short distance from what was once the site of Walkley Clogs. The lock is Grade II listed having been given this status on the 21st June 1984.

Mayroyd Moorings, Hebden Bridge pictured from Station Road Bridge.

Broad Bottom Lane Bridge pictured from Broad Bottom Lock 7, Mytholmroyd.

Bridge 12, Westfield Terrace Bridge, the canal had been drained for a stretch here, I can not remember why and for how far it stretched.

Mayroyd Bridge near the moorings at Hebden Bridge.

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Memorial and Rain, Brearley

The following pictures were taken whilst walking the route 66 cycleway through Brearley, West Yorkshire. I'd set off to walk a loop from my home in Sowerby Bridge, down the valley from Sowerby through Boulderclough, and in to Mytholmroyd before returning along route 66 and the Rochdale Canal towpath.

Along the route, as you pass through Brearley, you pass the murder stone just north of the railway bridge. The stone is a memorial to William Deighton, a tax inspector who was killed in Halifax while investigating "King" David Hartley and his coiner gang. I have previously posted more on the memorial.

The path is part of the Route 66 cycleway (bridleway), with the railway bridge seen at the top of the picture and the green metal wall.

Underneath the skeletal artwork reads the following:A full and true account of a barborous, bloody, and inhuman murder. There is further artwork below this writing.

Carrying on my walk past the former chapel, now apartments, and through the centre of Brearley, the rain came, and trying to avoid soaking, I sheltered underneath Wheatley Royd Farm Bridge. This didn't work out as planned after nearly 30 minutes of waiting for my weather app to update to tell me it was going to be at least another hour, so I carried on with the walk and the soaking. The following two pictures were taken underneath the shelter of the bridge.

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St Michael's Church, Mytholmroyd

 Mytholmroyd Parish Church, better known as St Michael's Church was consecrated on the 8th September 1848. Built as part of the Million Pound Church act, a scheme officially known as the 1820 Church Building Act, that was intended to start a program of building churches in growing areas. The act was created after research had shown that few new churches had been built since the era of Queen Anne who had died in 1714. The act saw the government contribute over £1.1 million and public subscription raise an additional £1.9 million. Churches built to minimum budgets and became known as Commissioners Churches, Million Pound Churches or Waterloo Churches, a large amount of the money raised being taken from the war indemnity after the Napoleonic Wars.

St Michael's was extended in 1888, with a 2 storey Sunday School following soon after, this was reduced to 1 storeyand converted to the church hall in the 1970's. The church was badly flooded in the 2015 Boxing Day Floods, levels reaching a height of over 4 feet and forcing a closure that lasted for almost 2 years. This was the first significant flooding at St Michaels since the 1940's and has led to more flood prevention work taking place along the banks of the River Calder.

I took theses pictures with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on the 26th October 2013, I have replaced the sky as the original picture showed a washed out lifeless one.

The River Calder flowing past St Michael's, a little over 2 years later the river burst its banks and rose to approx 4ft above the floor of the church. The buildings to the left were so severely damaged they were demolished shortly after and now it is an open space between Burnley Road and the River.

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Saint John in the Wilderness, January 2015

The Church of Saint John in the Wilderness has served the community of Cragg Vale since 1817. The church is also known as Cragg Church and Marshaw Bridge Church and sits across Cragg Brook from the Hinchcliffe Arms.

The current church that occupies the site was opened in 1839 funded by the million pound act at a cost of £2130. It was built to replace the earlier church on the site which had opened in 1817, a few years after the foundation stone had been laid in March 1813. This earlier church had accommodated 250 worshipers but is larger replacement could now house 800. This was useful when the church was responsible for control of the area as the vicar had the power to force people to attend services and often demanded people leave the nearby pubs to do so.

In 1844 the church was given independence from the Parish of Halifax and the prominent local Hinchcliffe family became more involved with the church, donating and supporting the church in funds and activities. A number of the families graves can be seen within the grounds. It is said the church was visited by the Bronte Family often, this could be due to Branwell Bronte's time spent working as a clerk at the nearby Luddenden Foot Railway Station. Another famous although now notorious celebrity with links to the church is Jimmy Saville who was made an honorary church warden in 1967.

The pictures were taken using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera on the 10th January 2015. They can be seen here and on Clickasnap.

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Mytholmroyd Railway Station October 2013

 Mytholmroyd Railway Station was opened in May 1847 by the Manchester & Leeds Railway with temporary platforms and buildings, several years after the railway was completed through the Calder Valley. These temporary buildings were replaced by a new station with platforms overhanging Mytholmroyd Viaduct in December 1871 and thats how things remained for over 100 years. In the 1980's some of the buildings that overhung the viaduct were removed, in 1985 the station became an unstaffed stop, and by the decades end the Grade II listed former ticket office and entrance had been bordered up and closed, after new platforms were constructed to the eastern end of the station, the platforms overhanging the viaduct were also removed around this time.

Mytholmroyd Station has limited facilities including a small car park, bus shelter cover on each platform and electronic ticket machines. No refreshment or toilet facilities can be found at the station. In the last full years of passenger numbers the station was used by 45912 passengers. This was for the year 2020/21 during the covid pandemic and was an approx average of 882 per week, down from an average of 3884 per week pre covid.

These pictures were taken using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on the 26th October 2013. They can be seen below or on Clickasnap full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

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Artworks of Calderdale

 Artworks of Calderdale if a YouTube slideshow of over 50 drawings, sketchers and art images based on photographs by me and some historical images of photo's and postcards by others. Many areas of Calderdale feature and much architecture and scenes are also shown within the video. The images are all set to music by Strauss and Liszt. 

Images 1,2,5,6,8,12,15,18,19,23,26,28,31,32,34,36,37,38,40,41,43,45,46,47,48,49,51 and 53 are based on photographs by me and the full copyright belongs to me.

All the other images featured are based on postcards and photographs taken by others, the original copyright remains theres, the artwork copyright is mine. I am happy to credit them if required.

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Churn Milk Joan Artwork

 I previously posted the picture Churn Milk Joan in April 2021 and provided the following information alongside it,

Churn Milk Joan is a standing stone upon Midgley Moor overlooking the Calder Valley. Also Known as Churn Milk Peg and Nelmires Stoop it reaches a height of approx 7ft and is thought to have been erected as a boundary marker, having been recorded as early as the 17th Century.

The stone is thought to have been given the name Churn Milk Joan in the early 19th Century, as a tribute to a milkmaid who froze to death whilst crossing the moor from Peckett Well to Luddenden during a heavy snow storm. Some of the legends said about the stone include leaving a penny in the depression on top of the stone is said to bring you good luck, it is also claimed that the stone spins 3 times on New Years Eve when the sound of the St Michaels Church bells, Mytholmroyd can be heard around it, the stone is thought to predate the church by a couple of hundred years.

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Churn Milk Joan, A Moorland Mystery

Standing sentinel on Midgley Moor, overlooking the breathtaking Calder Valley, is a stone steeped in history and legend. Known by many names – Churn Milk Joan, Churn Milk Peg, and Nelmires Stoop – this imposing 7ft monolith has watched over the valley for centuries, its origins shrouded in time.

First recorded in the 17th century, the stone is believed to have served as a boundary marker, a silent witness to the ebb and flow of life across the moors. But its more colourful name, Churn Milk Joan, didn't appear until the early 1800s, and with it came a tale as chilling as the moorland wind.

Local legend whispers of a milkmaid, caught in a ferocious snowstorm, who tragically froze to death while crossing the treacherous moor from Peckett Well to Luddenden. They say the stone was named in her memory, a poignant reminder of the harsh beauty and unforgiving nature of the landscape.

But Churn Milk Joan isn't just a monument to tragedy. It's also a source of local folklore and superstition. Legend has it that placing a penny in the hollow atop the stone will bring you good luck. And if you're brave enough to venture to the moor on New Year's Eve, you might witness a truly magical spectacle. They say that as the bells of St. Michael's Church in Mytholmroyd echo across the valley, the stone itself spins three times! A captivating thought, especially considering the stone predates the church by a couple of hundred years. What secrets has it witnessed in its long vigil?

So, the next time you find yourself exploring the Calder Valley, take a detour to visit Churn Milk Joan. Stand in its shadow, feel the wind whipping across the moor, and let your imagination wander. Is it just a boundary marker? A memorial to a lost milkmaid? Or a magical stone with the power to grant good fortune? Perhaps it's a little bit of all three, a testament to the rich tapestry of history and folklore woven into the very fabric of the Yorkshire landscape.

The picture was taken on the 5th April 2021.

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Lost Lines and Echoes of Steam: A Journey Through Calderdale's Railway Heritage

Calderdale, with its dramatic valleys and industrial past, was once a thriving hub of railway activity. Today, I'm excited to share a project that sheds light on this rich history: a short YouTube video slideshow titled "Railway Stations of Calderdale."

This isn't just any slideshow; it's a comprehensive visual journey featuring public domain pictures of nearly every single railway station that has ever served an area of Calderdale. From grand Victorian structures to humble halts, this collection paints a vivid picture of a rail network that once crisscrossed our region.

What's even more remarkable is the sheer scope of this project. Out of all the stations that existed, there were only four that I couldn't track down a public domain image for: Brighouse Clifton Road, Halifax Shaw Syke, Rochdale Road Halt (Stainland Branch), and West Vale Station. For every other station, I managed to find at least one photograph, and crucially, the video also includes a current picture of every station that remains open today. To help you trace their stories, opening and closing dates are included with each image, alongside the estimated re-opening date for Elland, which is currently projected for 2022.

A Heritage Lost, and a Future Imagined

Watching this slideshow is a bittersweet experience. It starkly highlights the magnificent railway heritage that, sadly, we largely 'chucked away' in this area. Of all the closed stations, only Elland and potentially Hipperholme stand a chance of ever seeing trains again.

Imagine the possibilities if we had 'land banked' those closed lines and stations. We could have been looking at a revived Queensbury Lines, with Holmfield or Ovenden Stations providing an invaluable extra route to the north via Keighley. The Pickle Bridge line, with its Baliff Bridge or Clifton Road Stations, could have offered much-needed extra capacity on the route between Huddersfield and Bradford. Think of the impact on road congestion if we had added extra stations at Luddendenfoot, Cornholme, or Portsmouth (Lancs), or at Norwood Green or Lightcliffe.

This video isn't just a nostalgic trip; it's a poignant reminder of what was and a prompt to consider what could have been. It underscores the importance of preserving our infrastructure and planning for the future.

Take a moment to explore Calderdale's railway past – you might be surprised by what you discover!

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Unplanned Beauty: My Train Trip from Sowerby Bridge to Mytholmroyd

"Step aboard for a glimpse of a New Year's Eve train journey from Sowerby Bridge to Mytholmroyd! On December 31st, 2018, at approximately 11:15 am, with the carriage blissfully uncrowded, I decided to capture the passing scenery. My Nikon D3300 SLR was already mounted, and the thought of 'why not?' led to this spontaneous video.

Our westward journey commenced from Sowerby Bridge Railway Station Platform 1. Almost immediately, the iconic County Bridge, the majestic Town Hall Clock, and the gentle flow of the River Calder swept past. We then skirted Goodalls Transport, a reminder of the area's industrial past, built on the grounds of the former goods yard and near the original 1876 station site. The world outside then narrowed as we plunged into Cemetery Tunnel – known locally as Dixy Tunnel – burrowing beneath the serene Dixon Scar Woods and the peaceful Sowerby Bridge Cemetery. Though the tunnel section lasted a minute, I've fast-forwarded it for brevity in the video.

Emerging from the darkness, the landscape blossomed into open country as we sped towards Sowerby Bridge's Tenterfields, a once-bustling mill complex now humming with modern businesses. Next came the former VTL works, now a quiet haven for caravans within Fairlea Mills, followed by the historical echo of Luddendenfoot Railway Station, now repurposed into bustling industrial units.

Beyond Luddendenfoot, the rolling countryside stretched out again, punctuated by the blink-and-you'll-miss-it hamlet of Brearley, a scattering of homes and businesses barely discernible from the train. Finally, as Mytholmroyd drew near, the modern lines of Moderna Business Park peeked through the trees, and the venerable St. Michael's Church appeared as my cue to prepare for disembarkation.

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Unveiling Calderdale's Railway Legacy: A New Photo Slideshow

I'm excited to share my latest YouTube creation, "Train Stations of the Calder Valley" – a new slideshow that takes you on a photographic tour of every active railway station in Calderdale. This collection features images I've taken since 2013, offering a contemporary look at these historic transport links.

The Calder Valley's railway network has played a crucial role in shaping our region, and these stations are living testaments to that rich history. From their original opening dates to significant redevelopments, each station tells a unique story.

In the video, you'll find these iconic stations:

• Brighouse Railway Station: First opened in 1840, it experienced a temporary closure in 1970 before being reopened in 2000, highlighting its continued importance.
• Halifax Railway Station: Established in 1844, its current more convenient location was adopted in 1855.
• Hebden Bridge Railway Station: A true survivor, it has been serving passengers continuously since 1840.
• Mytholmroyd Railway Station: Opened in 1841 and has seen significant changes, with rebuilds in 1871 and the 1980s adapting it for modern use.
• Sowerby Bridge Railway Station: Operating since 1840, its present layout was established in 1876 to improve efficiency.
• Todmorden Railway Station: A constant presence on the line since 1841.
• Walsden Railway Station: Initially opened in 1845, it closed in 1961 but was thankfully reopened in 1990, reconnecting the community.

Ready to explore? Watch "Train Stations of the Calder Valley" now!

Looking ahead, the Calder Valley's rail network is on track for exciting expansion! I'm particularly keen to feature Elland Station when it reopens in 2022, and there's also the promising prospect of Hipperholme Station and Cornholme (Portsmouth) Station potentially coming back into service. These developments would truly enhance local connectivity.

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Aspinall Street: Where Ted Hughes Began

Nestled in the heart of Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire, a seemingly ordinary terraced house holds an extraordinary secret. 1 Aspinall Street, with its unassuming facade, is the birthplace of one of England's most celebrated poets, Ted Hughes. Born on August 17th, 1930, Hughes's early years within these walls, and the wild, dramatic landscape surrounding them, would forever shape his poetic vision.

Imagine a young Ted, his imagination ignited by the rugged beauty of the Calder Valley. The wind whistling through the hills, the dark, brooding moors, the rushing waters of the River Calder – these were the raw materials that would later be forged into the powerful imagery of his poetry. He lived here until he was eight, a formative period that imprinted the very essence of this place onto his soul, even after his family moved to Mexborough, South Yorkshire.

It's fascinating to consider how this small, terraced house, a humble beginning, could nurture such a towering literary figure. The landscape of Mytholmroyd, with its blend of industrial grit and untamed nature, is palpable in Hughes's work. You can almost feel the dampness of the stone, hear the cries of the curlews, and sense the ancient, elemental forces that he so masterfully evoked.

Today, 1 Aspinall Street stands as a testament to Hughes's legacy, thanks to the dedicated work of the Elmet Trust. Established in 2006, the Trust is a passionate advocate for Hughes's life and work. They took on the responsibility of restoring the house, meticulously recreating its 1930s ambiance. In June 2008, their efforts culminated in a beautifully preserved piece of literary history.

But 1 Aspinall Street isn't just a museum piece. It's a living, breathing space, a retreat for writers seeking inspiration in the very place where Hughes's own journey began. Imagine yourself, pen in hand, sitting by the window, gazing out at the same vistas that fuelled his imagination. The very air seems charged with creative energy.

The Elmet Trust has transformed this modest dwelling into a sanctuary, a place where words can flow freely, where the echoes of Hughes's voice can still be heard. It's a reminder that even the most extraordinary journeys often begin in the most ordinary of places.

If you're a writer, a poet, or simply a lover of literature, consider a pilgrimage to 1 Aspinall Street. It's more than just a house; it's a portal to the past, a connection to the roots of a literary giant, and a chance to experience the very landscape that shaped his genius.

Perhaps, within those walls, you too will find your own voice, inspired by the whispers of Aspinall Street.

I took these pictures on the 21st July 2018 with a Nikon d3300, clicking on any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

I wanted to add the sepia & black and white versions to age the pictures a little, i felt they gave the photo's a bit more character than the colour versions.

The picture below features a copy of Hughes poem the Harvest Moon, no copyright infringement is intended and I will remove if required.

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All pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.