A Glimpse into Scottish History: 1933 "Famous Scots" Cigarette Card Collection

 I recently embarked on a little journey through Scottish history, right from my own home. I've been in possession of a fascinating set of 50 cigarette trading cards from 1933, titled "Famous Scots." As I was preparing to list these unique pieces of ephemera for sale, I realised what a treasure trove of historical figures they represented.

Rather than just selling them off, I decided to take the time to scan each card and create something special for you all. I've put together two videos, each featuring 25 of these incredible images, and uploaded them to YouTube.

These cards showcase a diverse array of famous Scottish individuals, ranging from beloved poets and influential playwrights to ground breaking inventors, powerful politicians, revered royalty, and so much more. It's a truly captivating cross-section of Scottish talent and influence throughout history.

You can view both videos right here in this post, and of course, on YouTube. I'd be absolutely thrilled if you could take a moment to subscribe to my channel while you're there – it really helps me to create more content like this!

A little bit of background on the cards themselves: they were originally released in packs of Mitchells Cigarettes. Mitchells was a Scottish tobacco company with its roots in Linlithgow. Interestingly, while the company had merged with Imperial Tobacco by 1901, these cards were still released under the Mitchells branding, adding another layer to their historical significance.

It's been a real pleasure delving into these cards and sharing a piece of Scottish heritage with you all. I hope you enjoy the videos as much as I enjoyed creating them!

and part 2,

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A Glimpse Through Time: Exploring Northern England's Past, Brotton, Skipton and Walsden

 Ever wonder what life was like in your local village decades or even centuries ago? There's something truly captivating about seeing old photographs and postcards that transport you back in time. I've been diving into my collection of images, both personally taken and carefully gathered, to create a series of video slideshows that offer a unique look at three distinct Northern English locations.

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Brotton: From Domesday to Decline

First up, we travel to Brotton, a village nestled in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland. With a history stretching back before the 1086 Domesday Book – its name literally meaning "Brook Farm" – Brotton holds centuries of stories within its ancient boundaries.

Today, Brotton has a population of around 5,400, a significant decrease from its peak. This decline directly correlates with the fading of its once-thriving ironstone mining industry. The early 20th century saw a downturn, and by 1954, the last mine had closed its doors. The images in this slideshow are a fascinating mix of collected postcards and public domain treasures, offering a visual narrative of Brotton's past.

Skipton: A Market Town's Enduring Charm

Next, we journey to Skipton, a bustling market town in North Yorkshire. Home to approximately 14,600 residents, Skipton is a hub of activity, intersected by the River Aire, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and the Airedale Railway Line.

My slideshow of Skipton is another collection built from vintage postcards I've gathered over time. These images capture the essence of a vibrant market town, showcasing its enduring charm and how its key transportation routes have shaped its development.

Walsden: A West Yorkshire Village with Lancashire Roots

Finally, we head to Walsden, a village in the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale, West Yorkshire. With a population of roughly 5,200, Walsden is characterized by the flow of Walsden Water (which feeds into the River Calder), the Rochdale Canal, and the A6033 Rochdale Road. It even boasts its own railway station on the Caldervale Line.

What's particularly interesting about Walsden is its historical identity. While it's now firmly part of West Yorkshire, it was once historically part of Lancashire and administered by Rochdale Corporation. Unlike the other two slideshows, all the pictures in the Walsden video were taken by me in August 2017, offering a more contemporary, yet still reflective, look at the village.

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Vintage Postcards, Aspremont. Meggen, Jaffa and the Taj Mahal

Whilst sorting through my large postcard collection I have decided to digitise them all and share occasionally in addition to my own pictures.

The pictures in this post are unposted and undated but I am told they are from between the wars from the 1920's - 30's. Clicking any of the images should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Aspremont is a small village in south-east France, 10km north of Nice with a population of approx. 2190. I have searched for the tower in the background beyond the apartment blocks and I believe it is the tower of the Church of Saint-Jacques le Mejeur.


Jaffa (Yafo Hebrew, Yafa Arabic) is a port city in Tel-Aviv, Israel. The picture on the postcard which is unposted so not dated shows the coastline from what is the modern day Tel-Aviv Promenade.

Meggen is a mining community of approx. 2900 residents in Lennestadt, Western Germany.

The Taj Mahal, the most famous picture of the postcards featured. The "Crown of Peace" is a mausoleum close to the Yamuna River, Agra, Indian. Built between 1632 -53 as a tomb by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal.

A late addition to the postcards I uploaded on the 23rd May 2020, is the following one, I missed when writing the post.

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Journey Through Time: Sowerby Bridge in Pictures!

I'm thrilled to share a new project I've been working on that's really close to my heart: a series of three YouTube videos featuring historic pictures of Sowerby Bridge.

These aren't just any old photos; they're a window into our town's past, spanning the last 150 years! I recently came across a fantastic collection of images, and I've been advised they're all public domain and copyright-free. Some of these even belong to a Lilywhites postcards collection, meaning they're over a century old – imagine the stories they could tell!

My aim with these videos is to bring a bit of Sowerby Bridge's rich history to life for everyone to enjoy. You'll see familiar landmarks and perhaps even discover areas of the town as they looked generations ago.

Of course, if I've been misinformed about any copyright, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'm more than happy to credit the source or remove any picture at your request.

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Smithy Bridge: A Tale of Two Stations and Enduring Connectivity

Nestled on the Caldervale Line, midway between the bustling metropolises of Leeds and Manchester, lies Smithy Bridge Railway Station. While it might appear, at first glance, to be a modest, unstaffed two-platform stop, its history is anything but ordinary, a testament to the evolving needs of a community and the enduring importance of rail travel.

A Modern Yet Modest Hub

Today, Smithy Bridge Station serves as a vital link for the local community, evidenced by its impressive passenger numbers – 167,000 in 2017/18, equating to over 3,200 journeys per week. Despite its unstaffed status, the station offers essential facilities. Small shelters on both platforms provide respite from the elements, while information boards keep passengers informed. For convenience, ticket machines are available for both purchasing and collecting tickets prior to travel.

Accessibility is a key feature, with both platforms reachable via ramps, ensuring that the station is usable by all. A small car park sits between the station and the picturesque Rochdale Canal, though passengers are advised this is not station property. A defining characteristic of Smithy Bridge is its proximity to the level crossing that carries Smithy Bridge Road, a route leading up to the scenic Hollingworth Lake – a popular local attraction.

From Victorian Origins to Modern Revival

The story of Smithy Bridge Station is a fascinating journey through time, a narrative of closure and triumphant re-opening. The original station, a product of the Victorian railway boom, was opened by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway in October 1868. This was nearly three decades after the initial line through Smithy Bridge had been laid, extending to Littleborough. For over 90 years, this initial incarnation of Smithy Bridge Station served its purpose, connecting the community to the wider rail network.

However, the mid-20th century saw significant changes in the railway landscape. British Rail, undergoing rationalisation, made the difficult decision to close Smithy Bridge Station in May 1960, a common fate for many smaller stations during this era. For 25 years, the tracks through Smithy Bridge lay silent, at least in terms of passenger services.

But the story didn't end there. Thanks to the foresight and financial backing of Greater Manchester PTE (Passenger Transport Executive), a new chapter began. On August 19th, 1985, a new Smithy Bridge Station, built on the very site of its predecessor, was officially opened. This revival underscored a renewed understanding of the importance of local rail connections and the role they play in sustainable transport and community development.

Echoes of the Past: The Signal Box

Just to the east of the current station, a level crossing marks a spot with a more recent historical footnote. Until 2014, a signal box stood proudly on the opposite side of the road to the station, diligently controlling the crossing. These iconic structures, once ubiquitous along railway lines, are now a rare sight, gradually being replaced by modern signalling systems. The Smithy Bridge signal box, a silent sentinel for many years, was ultimately taken out of use and subsequently demolished, another sign of the ever-evolving nature of the railway infrastructure.

A Snapshot in Time

The accompanying images, captured on a Nikon D3300 SLR camera on a crisp December day in 2019, offer a contemporary glimpse of Smithy Bridge Station. They show a station that, while unstaffed, is clearly well-used and continues to serve its community effectively. They are a visual reminder of the station's present-day function, a testament to its successful rebirth.

Smithy Bridge Railway Station is more than just a stop on the Caldervale Line. It's a living piece of railway history, a testament to the ebb and flow of rail travel, and a vital link for the people it serves. Its journey from Victorian origins to modern revival highlights the enduring value of accessible and well-connected public transport, a story that continues to unfold with every passing train.

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The following is taken from my YouTube channel.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Stocksmoor Station: A Quiet Stop on the Penistone Line

Stepping off the train at Stocksmoor Station, you immediately feel a sense of stepping back in time. As the fifth stop on the Penistone Line when heading from Huddersfield, it’s a place that truly embodies the term "rural stop." When I visited in May 2016, I was the sole soul on the platform, camera in hand, soaking in the stillness. It’s hard to imagine, given the quiet, that this station actually averages just under 400 passengers a week, based on 2017-18 figures.

A Station with a Story

Stocksmoor isn't just a quiet halt; it's a survivor. Opened way back on July 1st, 1850, this station has witnessed its fair share of railway history. It’s one of the last remaining stretches of double track on the line, serving as a vital passing loop for trains between here and Shepley. The entire line was converted to single track in 1989, but not before it fought off yet another closure attempt. And speaking of closures, Stocksmoor has been unmanned since 1966, when the first bid to shut down the line was successfully reversed.

Minimalist Charm

In terms of facilities, Stocksmoor is decidedly minimalist. You’ll find step-free access to both platforms, which is always a plus, but don't expect much else. There are no toilets or shops, and shelter from the elements is limited. On my visit, there was no ticket machine, electronic notification board, or even a passenger help point. I do understand, however, that a ticket machine has since been installed, which is a welcome addition.

Despite the lack of modern amenities, or perhaps because of it, Stocksmoor holds a unique charm. It’s a testament to the resilience of smaller railway lines and a reminder of a bygone era of train travel. If you’re ever exploring the Penistone Line, make sure to give Stocksmoor a moment of your time. You might just find yourself, like I did, as its only visitor, enjoying the peaceful solitude of a truly rural station.

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 Photo4Me and Clickasnap using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.