Old Bridge at Hebden December 2015

 These pictures were the result of not felling I wanted to intrude on peoples grief, I was in Hebden Bridge just 4 days after the town had been devastated by the 2015 Boxing Day floods, I'd caught the train up out of curiosity of what damage the town had endured and having seen it I didn't want to picture what was peoples private property being thrown out due to water damage. I took a few pictures of the old packhorse bridge and then set off for home walking along the Rochdale Canal.

Hebden Old Bridge also known as the Old Packhorse Bridge is a Grade II listed, 3 arch stone bridge that crossers Hebden Water in the market town of Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. The bridge was built circa 1510 to replace an earlier timber crossing a little further upstream. It is 7ft 6 in wide with passing places in the parapet. It was replaced as the main crossing point over Hebden Water by the new turnpike a few hundred metres to the south when opened in the 1770's.

The pictures below were taken with a Polaroid is2132 camera on the 30th December 2015.

The bridge was once the main crossing point over Hebden Water, it's not hard to see it would not have been suitable for the Georgian Era when it was replaced in 1772, never mind the modern traffic levels seen now. The bridge is only accessible to pedestrians and push bikes.

This picture was taken from the 1772 replacement bridge to the south.

Clicking any image should open a link in another window to the un-watermarked, higher resolution version on Clickasnap.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Hebden's Old Bridge (July 2018)

Sometimes, the best adventures are the unplanned ones. Recently, I found myself with a few spare moments in the charming town of Hebden Bridge. Camera in hand, I decided to revisit a familiar and beloved landmark: the ancient packhorse bridge that gracefully spans Hebden Water, right in the heart of town.

This isn't my first encounter with this picturesque bridge. I've shared images of it before, captured with the nostalgic charm of a Polaroid is2132 Bridge Camera and the digital versatility of a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, But this time, I was armed with my trusty Nikon D3300, ready to capture the bridge in a different light.

But this bridge isn't just a pretty face; it's a piece of history. Thought to date back to the early 16th century, it stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of the local community. Imagine! It nearly fell victim to progress when the new turnpike was built in the 1770s, but thanks to the determined residents of Heptonstall, it was spared.

Over the centuries, the bridge has undergone numerous renovations, adapting to the changing times while retaining its historical charm. One of its most distinctive features is the jutting parapets, designed to create passing places due to its narrow width. It's a clever and practical design, a reminder of the bridge's original purpose as a vital crossing point for packhorses carrying goods.

And, of course, the bridge is where the town gets its name: Hebden Bridge. A fitting name for a town that proudly embraces its heritage while looking towards the future.

These few minutes spent capturing the essence of Hebden Bridge served as a gentle reminder of the beauty that can be found in the everyday. It's a reminder to slow down, appreciate the history that surrounds us, and capture those fleeting moments that make a place truly special. Whether it's through the nostalgic lens of a Polaroid or the crisp detail of a DSLR, every image tells a story. And the story of Hebden Bridge, with its ancient packhorse bridge at its heart, is one worth telling.

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

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media, and check out my portfolio's on Photo4Me and Clickasnap via the links below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Hebden Old Bridge: A Historic Landmark in Hebden Bridge: November 2013

ntroduction

Hebden Old Bridge, also known as the Old Packhorse Bridge, is a Grade II-listed, 3-arch stone bridge that crosses Hebden Water in the market town of Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. The bridge was built circa 1510 to replace an earlier timber crossing a little further upstream. It is 7 feet 6 inches wide, with passing places in the parapet. It was replaced as the main crossing point over Hebden Water by the new turnpike a few hundred meters to the south when it opened in the 1770s.

History

Hebden Old Bridge is one of the oldest and most significant landmarks in Hebden Bridge. It is a testament to the town's rich history and its importance as a crossing point over Hebden Water. The bridge was built in the early 16th century to replace an earlier timber crossing that had been washed away by a flood. It was constructed from locally sourced stone and is a fine example of medieval bridge-building techniques.

The bridge played a vital role in the town's development for centuries. It was the main crossing point over Hebden Water, and it facilitated trade and commerce between Hebden Bridge and the surrounding areas. The bridge also served as a meeting place for locals and a site for public gatherings.

In the 18th century, a new turnpike road was built to the south of the bridge. This road became the main thoroughfare for traffic, and the old bridge was relegated to secondary status. However, it remained an important pedestrian crossing and a popular spot for locals and visitors to enjoy the views of Hebden Water.

Architecture

Hebden Old Bridge is a three-arched bridge made of stone. The arches are semi-circular, and the piers are rectangular. The bridge is approximately 7 feet 6 inches wide, with passing places in the parapet. The bridge is constructed from locally sourced stone, and it is a fine example of medieval bridge-building techniques.

The bridge is a Grade II-listed building, which means that it is of historical and architectural interest. It is also a scheduled monument, which means that it is protected by law.

Present Day

Today, Hebden Old Bridge is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can walk across the bridge and enjoy the views of Hebden Water. The bridge is also a popular spot for photographers.

The bridge is a reminder of Hebden Bridge's rich history. It is a testament to the town's resilience and its ability to adapt to change. The bridge is also a symbol of the town's community spirit.

Additional Information

• The bridge is located on the Hebden Water, near the center of Hebden Bridge.
• The bridge is open to pedestrians only.
• There is no charge to visit the bridge.
• The bridge is a popular spot for photographers.
• The bridge is a Grade II-listed building and a scheduled monument.

Conclusion

Hebden Old Bridge is a historic landmark that has played a vital role in the development of Hebden Bridge. It is a testament to the town's rich history and its ability to adapt to change. The bridge is also a symbol of the town's community spirit.

If you are planning a visit to Hebden Bridge, be sure to check out Hebden Old Bridge. It is a beautiful and historic landmark that is sure to impress.

Additional Tips

• Visit the bridge in the morning or evening for the best lighting for photography.
• Take a walk along the Hebden Water and enjoy the views of the bridge from different angles.
• Visit the Hebden Bridge Visitor Centre to learn more about the history of the bridge and the town.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the Hebden Water and take in the scenery.

I took these pictures with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet in November 2013, clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking, and please take a moment to share and following me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.