A Glimpse into History: Bradshaw's Church of St John the Evangelist and War Memorial

Bradshaw, a charming village nestled near Halifax, holds within its boundaries not only picturesque scenery but also significant historical markers. In June 2015, I had the pleasure of capturing some moments around two such important sites: the Church of St John the Evangelist and the Bradshaw War Memorial. Join me as we delve into their stories.

The Church of St John the Evangelist: A Victorian Gem

The Church of St John the Evangelist stands as a beautiful example of Victorian architecture and a testament to the enduring faith of the local community.

A Brief History: Before the mid-19th century, residents of Bradshaw would have had to travel to Halifax or other nearby parishes for worship. As the population grew, the need for a local church became apparent. The foundation stone for St John the Evangelist was laid in 1837, and the church was consecrated in 1839. It was designed by a prominent architect of the time, though sometimes sources vary on the exact name, it's generally attributed to John Oates, a well-known Yorkshire architect.

Architectural Highlights: The church is built in the Gothic Revival style, a popular architectural movement of the Victorian era that sought to emulate medieval Gothic designs. You'll notice features like pointed arches, stained glass windows, and a sturdy bell tower.

Inside, the church is known for its beautiful stained glass and intricate wooden features, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

Interesting Fact: The church was built as a "Commissioners' Church," meaning it received funding from the Church Building Commission, established after the Napoleonic Wars to build new churches in rapidly growing industrial areas. This highlights its importance in catering to the spiritual needs of a burgeoning community during the Industrial Revolution.

The Bradshaw War Memorial: A Solemn Tribute

Just as poignant, and equally important, is the War Memorial that stands as a silent sentinel to the sacrifices made by the men of Bradshaw.

A Community's Remembrance: Erected after the First World War, the memorial is a deeply personal tribute from the community to those who gave their lives in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts. It serves as a permanent reminder of the human cost of war and the bravery of those who served.

I took these images with a Polaroid is2132 camera in June 2014. Clicking any of the images above should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Stones of History and Dales Views: A Photo Journey Through Settle, North Yorkshire

Settle, nestled in the stunning landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, is a market town where the past is visibly woven into the present. A recent trip allowed me to capture a collection of images that perfectly illustrate this blend of history, architecture, and dramatic scenery. Join me as we explore the stories behind these Settle snapshots.

The Folly: A Grand Statement in Stone

One of the most architecturally striking buildings in Settle, and a central feature of any visit, is the magnificent house known as The Folly

This imposing structure, with its multiple gables and magnificent mullioned windows, is a superb example of seventeenth-century gentry house architecture.

• A Solicitor’s Ambition: The Folly was built in the late 1670s (either 1675 or 1679) by a wealthy local solicitor, Richard Preston. He strategically placed it where the main road entered Settle at the time, clearly intending to display his wealth and status to all who arrived.

• The Name: Why "The Folly"? While the name is often associated with a costly but useless structure, in this case, it’s also thought to have derived from the French word feuille, meaning leaves, or even an earlier meaning of "delight."

• A Building of Many Lives: Over the centuries, The Folly has led a remarkable number of lives, including a family home, a farmhouse, a bakery, a furniture shop, a doctor's surgery, and even a fish and chip shop! Today, after meticulous restoration, it is owned by the North Craven Building Preservation Trust and houses the Museum of North Craven Life. Its survival and current use are a testament to the community’s dedication to heritage.

The Talbot Arms: An Ancient Hostelry

The brilliant white facade of the Talbot Arms contrasts sharply with Settle's traditional stone, but its history is just as deep.

• Claiming Antiquity: The Talbot Arms is reputed to be one of Settle's oldest pubs, with claims of a history dating back to 1642. Inns like this were vital stopping points along the ancient trade routes that crossed the Dales.

• On the Old Road: The pub stands on what was historically the main street, the pre-turnpike road to Skipton, a prime location for catching travellers and locals alike. It remains a popular, welcoming free house today, celebrating local Yorkshire ales.

The Town’s Commercial Hub: A Distinctive Facade

Another photograph captures a significant building, now housing commercial premises, standing prominently on a corner. Its formal stone facade, with a central arched entrance and striking circular window above, suggests a public or commercial role, possibly even a bank or municipal building in its past.

This building is an excellent example of the 18th or 19th-century confidence and prosperity that grew in Settle as a central market town, often incorporating architectural grandeur into its commercial premises to reflect its importance. The bunting adds a touch of modern life and festivity to the historic setting.

The Mystery of the Elephants

A quirky and unexpected sight in the town is the pair of metal elephant sculptures. This small installation adds a delightful, slightly eccentric touch to the streetscape, standing in front of what the sign indicates is the Tourist Information Centre.

• A Literary Connection? While a definitive origin is hard to pin down immediately, the elephants might subtly nod to a literary or historical figure with a local connection. Settle is known for its surprising link to the famous novelist and aeronautical engineer, Nevil Shute. Though he is more famously associated with Australia and aviation, there are local stories suggesting connections to the area that sometimes inspire local art or references.

Castlebergh and the Landscape of the Dales

The final photograph pulls back from the town to showcase its magnificent backdrop: the surrounding Yorkshire Dales. Dominating the view is the steep, grass-covered limestone crag that rises directly behind the town.

• Castlebergh Crag: This striking hill, or crag, is known as Castlebergh. It has been a prominent feature and viewpoint for centuries. Notice the column of stone rising from the woods below the crag—this is likely part of the Castlebergh Plantation, a wooded area on the lower slopes.

• Victorian Pleasure Ground: Castlebergh became a popular attraction in the Victorian era, laid out with paths and even serving as a pleasure ground, attracting visitors arriving via the newly constructed Settle-Carlisle Railway. The views from the top, where a flagpole now stands, are truly spectacular, overlooking the town and the vast green expanses of Ribblesdale.

Settle offers a rich tapestry of sights, from grand 17th-century houses and historic pubs to captivating landscapes and charming modern touches. These photographs capture just a few layers of this beautiful and history-rich North Yorkshire town.

I took the pictures with a Nikon d3300 in August 2016, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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The Untamed Beauty of Carter Bar: Where England Meets Scotland

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Cheviots, high in the wild expanse of Northumberland National Park, lies a place steeped in history, breathtaking views, and an undeniable sense of raw, untamed beauty: Carter Bar.

More than just a point on a map, Carter Bar is a symbolic gateway, marking the exact spot where England bids farewell and Scotland extends a welcoming embrace (or vice-versa, depending on your direction of travel!). For centuries, this strategic mountain pass has witnessed countless tales – from fierce border reivers and warring clans to the peaceful passage of travellers seeking new adventures.

A Panoramic Welcome to Scotland

Driving north on the A68, the ascent to Carter Bar is a journey in itself. As you climb, the landscape gradually transforms, opening up to ever-more spectacular vistas. Then, you arrive.

On one side, the Saltire of Scotland proudly flutters, while on the other, the St. George's Cross of England stands sentinel. Between them, a stone cairn marks the precise border. But it's the view that truly captures the soul. Looking out across the vast, undulating moorland, often swathed in a vibrant purple haze of heather during late summer, you feel an incredible sense of scale and wilderness.

Echoes of a Turbulent Past

Today, Carter Bar is a peaceful, popular stopping point for tourists. However, its history is anything but tranquil. For centuries, the Anglo-Scottish border was a lawless land, a battleground where the "Border Reivers" – notorious raiders from both sides – wreaked havoc, stealing cattle and clashing in bloody skirmishes. The very landscape seems to whisper tales of these turbulent times. You can almost imagine the clang of steel and the thundering hooves of horses echoing across these very hills.

While the conflicts are long past, the distinct identities of both nations remain strong, making the border crossing a tangible experience.

More Than Just a View: What to Do at Carter Bar

Even if you're just passing through, a stop at Carter Bar is highly recommended.

• Soak in the Views: Take your time to absorb the magnificent panoramic scenery. On a clear day, you can see for miles across both English and Scottish terrain.

• Photo Opportunities: Naturally, the border marker with the flags provides an iconic backdrop for photographs. Get a picture with one foot in England and one in Scotland!

• Visitor Information: There's usually a small mobile shop or visitor information point where you can grab a warm drink, a snack, and perhaps a souvenir to commemorate your visit.

• Continue Your Journey: From here, you can choose to delve deeper into the Scottish Borders or continue your exploration of Northumberland.

Planning Your Visit

• Location: Carter Bar is located on the A68 road, approximately 8 miles north of Byrness, England, and 12 miles south of Jedburgh, Scotland.

• Accessibility: There's a free car park right at the viewpoint.

• Weather: Be prepared for all types of weather, even in summer. It's an exposed location, so wind and rain are not uncommon. Layers are always a good idea!

Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply passing through on a road trip, Carter Bar offers a memorable experience. It's a place where the grandeur of the landscape meets the echoes of history, and where two proud nations meet in a stunning embrace. So next time you're traversing the Anglo-Scottish border, make sure to pull over, take a breath, and truly appreciate the untamed beauty of Carter Bar.

I took the pictures below with a Polaroid is2132 camera on the 21st February 2014, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

A Waterscape Transformed: Boxing Day Floods at Sowerby Bridge

The spirit of Boxing Day 2015 across the Calder Valley was shattered by a deluge that turned the familiar, picturesque waterways into a formidable, muddy torrent. The photographs you've shared capture this profound moment of transformation, specifically along the Calder and Hebble Navigation between Chain Bridge and the Canal Wharf in Sowerby Bridge.

This wasn't the gentle, reflective water canal users know. It was a raw display of the River Calder asserting its dominance, overwhelming the engineered boundaries of the navigation and reshaping the landscape entirely.

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The Calm Before the Storm’s Surge

Sowerby Bridge is defined by its water. It’s where the Rochdale Canal, the Calder and Hebble Navigation, and the River Calder all converge. Historically, the Wharf was the bustling heart of industry, surrounded by magnificent stone mills and warehouses—many now converted into modern apartments, as seen clearly in the background of these images.

On an ordinary day, the navigation holds a clear, deep line, its water level neatly contained by the towpath walls and grassy banks. Narrowboats sit calmly in their moorings, perfectly mirrored in the still water.

However, the relentless rain leading up to and on Boxing Day stripped away this sense of calm. The river level rose dramatically, and its connection to the adjacent canal system meant the navigation quickly became a repository for the swollen river's volume.

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Overspill and Overwhelm

The images show a waterway that has completely burst its banks, though the boundary between river and canal is blurred by the sheer volume of water.

• Elevated Water Level: In several shots, the water is seen almost to the top of the retaining walls, turning the low banks and grassy verges into extensions of the water itself. Where normally there would be dry land and walking paths, there is only the swirling, brown current.

• Submerged Features: The water has risen to consume parts of the infrastructure. The cobbled and paved areas surrounding the canal basin at the Wharf are underwater, turning the quay into a shallow, muddy lake. The scene by the dramatic old railway bridge (often called the Chain Bridge or a nearby canal bridge) shows the water aggressively lapping at the grass verge, reaching a level far above the towpath.

• The Narrowboats: The boats moored along the canal and at Kirkham Turn—the very heart of the Sowerby Bridge boating community—are suddenly sitting much higher. Instead of having a clear line between the boat and the bank, the water is right up to the grassy edge. While they are designed to float, the sight of them surrounded by the flood and the sheer volume of the murky water highlights the danger to these floating homes and leisure craft.

• Kirkham Turn's Transformation: The section at Kirkham Turn (where the canal bends past the large, contemporary apartment buildings) is particularly striking. The water stretches far wider than the canal's original width, flooding the low-lying ground by the trees and transforming the view from a controlled waterway into a vast, temporary lake reflecting the grey winter sky.

These photographs aren't just a record of a flood; they are a stark visual reminder of the vulnerability of our built environment when faced with the raw power of nature, and the dramatic reality faced by this resilient, historic Calder Valley town on that unforgettable Boxing Day.

The pictured below were taken with a Polaroid is2132, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

A Mighty Fortress, a Majestic Landscape: Dating Harlech Castle from a 35mm Slide

There are some views that are simply timeless, and this 35mm slide from my collection perfectly encapsulates one of them: the imposing silhouette of Harlech Castle against the dramatic backdrop of Snowdonia. It's a truly iconic Welsh vista, and this particular photograph, with its distinct colours and atmosphere, offers a wonderful opportunity to delve into its history and try to pinpoint when this moment was captured.

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Harlech Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Let's start with the star of the show. Harlech Castle is one of Wales' most spectacular medieval fortresses, a testament to the might of King Edward I.

• Edward I's Iron Ring: Built between 1283 and 1289 as part of Edward I's ambitious "Iron Ring" of castles designed to subdue the Welsh, Harlech was a marvel of military engineering. Its concentric design, with two rings of walls and towers, made it almost impregnable.

• A Symbol of Resistance: Despite its English origins, Harlech became a powerful symbol for the Welsh. It famously endured a seven-year siege during the War of the Roses, leading to the inspirational song "Men of Harlech."

• The Landscape: Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop overlooking Tremadog Bay, the castle once stood directly on the sea. Over the centuries, the sea has receded, leaving it overlooking a vast dune system, but the views across to the mountains of Snowdonia remain breathtaking.

This slide perfectly captures that sense of commanding presence, with the castle dominating the foreground and the rugged peaks in the distance, testament to Wales' stunning natural beauty.

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Dating the Slide: A Quest for Clues

Now for the fun part: trying to place this photograph on a timeline. The castle itself hasn't changed dramatically structurally since the medieval period (aside from some partial demolitions after the English Civil War, and subsequent conservation), so we need to look at other indicators:

1. Film Stock and Colour Rendition: The most significant clue comes from the colours. We see:

   • A somewhat muted green in the foreground grass and distant fields, without the intense saturation of modern digital cameras.

   • A distinctive reddish-brown hue to the castle stonework and the low-lying scrub around it, especially in the shadows.

   • A slightly cool, almost desaturated blue/grey sky.

   • These characteristics are highly typical of Kodachrome film, particularly earlier generations from the 1960s to early 1980s. Kodachrome was known for its fine grain, sharpness, and unique colour palette, which could lean towards these specific tones.

2. Vegetation and Landscaping: The trees and bushes immediately around the castle and the small house to its right appear mature but not overly overgrown, suggesting a consistent level of maintenance as a tourist attraction. There are no obvious signs of recent major landscaping.

3. Lack of Modern Infrastructure: We don't see any modern cars prominently displayed, no overly aggressive signage, or obvious large-scale modern tourism infrastructure that might suggest a more recent date. The road winding up to the castle looks like it always has.

4. Weather/Light: The slightly overcast sky with patches of brighter light is also consistent with typical Welsh weather, but doesn't offer specific dating clues beyond suggesting it's not mid-winter (due to the green foliage).

Potential Date Range:

Given the strong lean towards the Kodachrome aesthetic and the general lack of modern intrusions, I would confidently place this slide somewhere in the 1970s. The colours feel very much of that decade, perhaps leaning slightly earlier towards the mid-to-late 70s rather than the early 80s.

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It's amazing how much information a single 35mm slide can hold! This photograph isn't just a picture; it's a window to a specific point in time, allowing us to appreciate Harlech Castle as it stood almost half a century ago.

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Chasing the Last Light: An Atmospheric Day in Scarborough, North Yorkshire

There’s a unique, nostalgic magic that settles over the British coast as summer reluctantly gives way to autumn. On September 7th, 2024, I found it draped across the cliffs and lapping the shores of Scarborough, North Yorkshire. It was a day of transition—the vibrant crowds of high summer had thinned, leaving behind a profound sense of place, perfectly captured through the lens of my trusty Nikon D3300.

This wasn't about seeking out picture-postcard sunshine. It was about atmosphere, the contrast of Victorian grandeur against the raw, rugged North Sea.

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The Headland’s Timeless Watch: Castle and Lighthouse

The journey to the heart of Scarborough always starts with the dramatic headland, where the past is literally carved into the rock. The formidable ruins of Scarborough Castle stand guard, silently surveying both the bustling South Bay and the calmer North Bay. From this vantage point, you feel the weight of over 3,000 years of history, from Roman signal stations to Civil War sieges.

Looking down towards the harbour, one of the most compelling scenes unfolds: the South Bay beach, the colourful boats, and the sturdy white and red stripe of the Scarborough Pier Lighthouse.

On a day like this, the air was thick with a salty, invigorating mist, softening the edges of the town and lending a timeless, cinematic quality to the light. The lighthouse, a beacon of safety since 1806, seemed to glow from within, a stark, steadfast pillar against the movement of the sea. Capturing this composition—the power of the ancient castle looming over the industry of the harbour—is the essence of Scarborough.

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The Elegance of Iron: Scarborough's Spa Bridge

As you move away from the wild coastline, you encounter the architectural elegance that cemented Scarborough's status as Britain’s first seaside resort. The Cliff Bridge, often still referred to as the Spa Bridge, is an astonishing multi-span cast iron footbridge dating back to 1827.

Spanning the valley from St Nicholas Cliff to The Spa complex, the bridge is more than just a convenient shortcut; it’s an iconic piece of Georgian engineering and Grade II listed beauty. Its green iron arches cut a striking silhouette against the sky. Walking across it, high above the valley, offers a unique perspective on the town.

It was designed to transport Victorian gentry effortlessly to the natural Spa waters—a testament to the town’s luxurious heyday. The intricate ironwork, still perfectly preserved, feels like a delicate lacework against the sheer drop, contrasting the brute force of the coastline with a touch of civilised finesse.

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In the Frame: A Photographer’s Love Letter to the D3300

As a photographer, there’s a certain satisfaction in using a workhorse like the Nikon D3300. While the latest models boast incredible features, the D3300’s 24.2-megapixel sensor and robust handling prove that you don't need the most expensive gear to capture breath taking images.

On this September day, the challenge was the atmospheric light. The D3300 excelled at rendering the deep, moody blues and greys of the overcast sky and the texture of the sea. I paid particular attention to:

1. Composition: Using the strong vertical lines of the lighthouse and the horizontal lines of the pier and bridge to anchor the images.

2. Detail: Focusing on the incredible detail in the castle stone and the rust on the fishing boats, showing the town's character.

3. Timing: The mid-morning light, diffused by the cloud cover, was perfect for capturing the muted, gentle colour palette that defines the early autumn seaside.

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The Enduring Charm

My day in Scarborough was a reminder that the best seaside towns offer more than just a beach and a handful of arcades. They offer layered history, architectural marvels, and a constantly changing, dramatic landscape.

Whether you're visiting for the fish and chips, a walk along the Cleveland Way, or to find a quiet spot to watch the tide come in, Scarborough remains utterly captivating.

If you’re planning a trip to the North Yorkshire coast, make sure to pack your camera—you won’t regret capturing the enduring, powerful beauty of Britain’s original seaside resort.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.