Exploring the British Museum

The British Museum, a cornerstone of London's cultural landscape, is a place where human history, art, and culture converge under one magnificent roof. Located in the Bloomsbury area, it holds the distinction of being the world's first public museum, opening its doors in 1759. Its foundation was laid with the vast collection of Sir Hans Sloane, a physician and naturalist whose bequest to the nation became the seed for this monumental institution.

My visit on May 25, 2019, with my Nikon D3300, was a personal journey through this incredible repository of global heritage. The photos I captured barely scratch the surface of the millions of objects housed here, each telling a unique story of humanity.

The Great Court: A Breathtaking Welcome

The first thing that strikes you upon entering is the sheer scale of the Great Court. Enveloped by the magnificent glass roof designed by Norman Foster, it transforms what was once the museum's inner courtyard into a stunning covered public square. This space serves as the central hub, a bustling nexus from which all of the museum's galleries radiate. The light filtering through the intricate latticework creates a sense of awe, setting the perfect tone for the exploration that lies ahead.

Echoes of Ancient Worlds

The museum's halls are a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of past civilizations. In the Egyptian galleries, colossal statues stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era. I was particularly struck by the head and upper torso statue of Amenhotep III, its massive form and serene expression hinting at the immense power of the pharaohs. Nearby, an Egyptian papyriform column, crafted to resemble a bundle of papyrus stems, showcases the deep connection between architecture, nature, and symbolism in their culture.

As I ventured into the Greek and Roman galleries, the elegance of classical art took center stage. The Caryatid from the Erechtheion in Athens, a stunning example of an architectural support carved in the form of a draped female figure, exudes both grace and strength. The reliefs from the Nereid Monument further highlight the mastery of ancient sculptors, depicting dynamic scenes with incredible detail. It's also in these galleries that you can find the exquisite Vase from the Wedding of Peleus and Thetis, a beautiful example of black-figure pottery, capturing a mythical wedding feast.

The dramatic power of ancient Assyria is equally impressive. The Lion Hunt Reliefs, with their vivid and powerful depictions of a royal lion hunt, are a testament to the might of King Ashurbanipal and the incredible skill of his artists.

A Global Tapestry of Treasures

The museum's collection extends far beyond these well-known civilizations. I found a captivating Figure of Avalokiteśvara, a striking statue from India, which offers a window into the rich spiritual and artistic traditions of Asia. In another room, the intricate and elaborate craftsmanship of European artisans is on display, with objects like the Mechanical Galleon, a masterpiece of Renaissance clock-making, captivating visitors with its complexity and beauty.

A Complex Legacy

It is impossible to walk through the British Museum without contemplating the "controversial circumstances" under which many of its objects were acquired. The museum holds a number of items, such as the Parthenon sculptures and the Benin Bronzes, that are subject to ongoing debates about their rightful ownership and repatriation to their countries of origin. This conversation is an integral part of the museum's story, reflecting the complex history of colonialism and global relations.

Ultimately, the British Museum is more than just a building filled with artifacts. It is a place of learning and wonder, a journey through the collective history of humankind. While the debates about its collection continue, the museum's ability to inspire and educate remains undeniable, offering a profound glimpse into the incredible diversity of our shared past.

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Outside the British Museum

The Great Court

The Lion Hunt Reliefs

The Mechanical Galleon

The Neried Monument

Vase from the Wedding of Peleus and Thetis by Sophilos

Aphrodite crouching at her bath

Caryatid from the Erechtheion in Athens

Egyptian Papyriform Column

Figure of Avalokiteśvara

Head & Upper Torso Statue of Amenhotep III Wearing Nemes

Lion of Minrud

Perikles Statue

Terracotta Statue, perhaps Demeter and Persephone

The Ashurnasirpal II Slab

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A Visit to Dewsbury Railway Station

There's a special kind of charm to an old railway station. It's a place where history and modernity intersect, where the ghosts of steam trains feel just a stone's throw away from the daily rush of commuters. Dewsbury Railway Station, located in West Yorkshire, is one such place. Opened in 1848, this station is a portal to the past, a relic of a time when Dewsbury was a true railway town, boasting four stations and several more in the surrounding area.

The station was built by the London and North Western Railway, which had acquired the lines from the original builders, the Leeds, Dewsbury and Manchester Railway. Interestingly, for a period between 1924 and 1969, the station was officially known as Dewsbury Wellington Road. While other local stations like Dewsbury Central, Dewsbury Market Place, and Thornhill have long since closed, this station remains a vital link for travelers heading to destinations like Leeds, Manchester, and York.

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A Blend of Past and Present

Walking through the station today, you can see a blend of old and new. The classic architecture of the main buildings and the ironwork of the footbridge evoke a sense of Victorian elegance. The footbridge, in particular, is a highlight, offering a fascinating view of the tracks and platforms, and it features lifts for step-free access.

The platforms themselves are well-maintained, complete with waiting rooms on each side, offering a bit of shelter from the elements. On Platform 2, you'll find a true hidden gem: The West Riding Refreshment Rooms, a pub that adds a unique touch to the travel experience. It’s easy to imagine a weary traveler from a century ago, sitting in the very same spot, enjoying a pint before their onward journey.

In the year leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, the station was a bustling hub, serving approximately 1.622 million passengers, averaging over 31,000 per week. These numbers show that while the steam engines are gone, the railway remains an essential part of the town's life.

A trip to Dewsbury Railway Station is more than just a train ride. It's a journey into a rich and fascinating piece of local history.

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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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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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Tracing the Ghostly Rails: The North Dean Branch Line

Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, the remnants of a once-bustling railway line whisper tales of industrial heritage and bygone journeys. The North Dean, Stainland or Greetland and Stainland branch line, though short in length, played a vital role in connecting the mills of the valley to the wider world. Let's take a journey through its history and what remains today.

A Line Forged by Industry:

Opened on January 1st, 1875, this double-track line branched off the main line at Greetland, near Halifax, and climbed approximately 1.6 miles to its terminus at Stainland and Holywell Green Station. Its primary purpose was to serve the thriving textile mills that dotted the valley.

From Passengers to Goods:

For over half a century, the line carried passengers, with a surprisingly frequent service of 16 trains each way right up until its passenger closure on September 23rd, 1929. Goods traffic continued to rumble along the rails until September 14th, 1959, marking the final chapter for this industrious little line.

A Trail of Stations:

Despite its brief length, the line boasted four stations by 1907:

• Greetland Station: The junction with the mainline, opened in 1844, and remained in operation until September 8th, 1962.
• Rochdale Road Halt: Added in 1907 when rail motors were introduced, this passenger-only halt sat atop a bridge crossing the B6113 Rochdale Road at West Vale. Sadly, nothing remains of the bridge or the station today, having closed in 1929.
• West Vale Station: Located just after the impressive West Vale Viaduct, only a partially covered retaining wall marks the station site within the Green Royd housing estate. It mirrored the lines opening and closing dates of 1875 and 1959.
• Stainland and Holywell Green Station: The terminus of the line. Today, an industrial area occupies the site, leaving no trace of the station.

Architectural Echoes:

Two impressive viaducts stand as testaments to the engineering prowess of the era:

• West Vale Viaduct: A Grade II listed, 13-arch structure, now a public footpath and cycleway, offering stunning views of West Vale.
• Rawroyds (Stainland) Viaduct: Another Grade II listed marvel, this 14-arch viaduct spans the valley and Holywell Brook. While largely intact, it is now inaccessible, with only footpaths passing beneath its arches. The western embankment has been significantly altered for road access to Brookwoods Industrial Estate.

A Forgotten Path:

The line's final stretch passed under Long Heys Bridge, through a cutting beneath Station Road Bridge, and finally reached Stainland and Holywell Green Station. The cutting now serves as an access road.

A Photographic Glimpse:

These observations were captured with a Nikon d300 SLR camera on October 15th, 2017, providing a snapshot of the line's current state.

The North Dean branch line, though no longer active, leaves behind a fascinating legacy. Its viaducts, remnants of stations, and the stories they hold offer a glimpse into the industrial past of West Yorkshire.

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Clay House Bridge, Rochdale Road Halt was not far from here.

The previous 3 pictures were taken on the former track bed between what was the Rochdale Road Halt and West Vale Viaduct.

West Vale Viaduct, the above picture and 5 below show pictures taken from and of the viaduct.

West Vale viewed from the viaduct.

Long Heys Railway Bridge.

The cow was grazing in a field near top the railways former track bed. It seemed more interested in me than the field and other cows.

The 2 pictures show the remains of Rawroyds Viaduct, for a short branch line of less than 2 miles, this was the 2nd impressive viaduct that carried the line.

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