Church Bank: A Cobbled Journey Through Sowerby Bridge's Past

Nestled on the hillside of Sowerby Bridge, amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, lies Church Bank – a beautifully cobbled road that whispers tales of a bygone era. Once a vital artery connecting the upper reaches of the town with the bustling Wharf Street below, Church Bank today offers a tranquil, almost hidden, pedestrian and cyclist's escape.

These evocative images, captured on a bright April day in 2022 with a Nikon D3300 SLR, invite us to explore this fascinating thoroughfare and uncover its rich history.

A Route Reimagined

Looking at the images, particularly, you can clearly see the charming cobblestones that define this route. Once, these very cobbles would have echoed with the clip-clop of hooves and the rumble of carts, serving as one of the primary arteries linking the hillside to the industrial heart of Sowerby Bridge at Wharf Street.

However, Church Bank's status as a main vehicular access route came to an end in the 1950s. This period saw significant changes to the local landscape, most notably the extension of Tuel Lane and the infilling of sections of the Rochdale Canal. Around this time, local authority housing was constructed on the Church Bank hillside, leading to the road's closure to through traffic.

Today, while cars can still access a portion of Church Bank from Wharf Street, the connection to Church View - Sunnybank Street is now exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, as evident in the pictures, which shows the narrow, walled section leading to the upper street. This transformation has allowed Church Bank to retain its historic charm, offering a peaceful ascent or descent away from the main roads.

Orrell House: A Landmark on the Rise

As you make your way up Church Bank, approximately a quarter of the way, you encounter Orrell House, occupying a unique plot of land nestled between Church Bank and Grange Place. For many years, Orrell House served the community as a doctor's surgery, a place of healing and care. More recently, it has been transformed into a private residence, though its grand facade still speaks of its significant past.

Towards Christ Church: A Glimpse of Grandeur

The cobbled path continues, lined with mature trees, eventually opening up to reveal the magnificent tower of Christ Church. This view beautifully illustrates how Church Bank once directly led to the church, underscoring its historical importance as a direct link for parishioners and residents. The bare branches of the trees in this spring shot hint at the seasonal beauty that transforms this path throughout the year.

Church Bank, then, is more than just a cobbled path; it's a living piece of Sowerby Bridge's heritage. It's a reminder of how towns evolve, how old routes adapt, and how, even in the midst of change, pockets of historical charm can be preserved. Next time you're in Sowerby Bridge, take a moment to explore Church Bank – you'll be walking through history, one cobblestone at a time.

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Taken from the bottom of Church Bank, with Wharf Street behind me, Orrell House
is largely hidden from view to the right of the picture.

Taken from the top of Church Bank, Sunnybank Street behind me and Church
View to my right. Christ Church can be seen in the centre of the image.

About half way up or down, Church View can be seen to the left.

Looking down with Wharf Street Visible, Orrell House is
hidden behind the wall to my left.

Again about half way up or down depending on your perspective,
it's hard to believe this was once a busy route in to town.

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A Stroll Through Ripponden: Cobbles, History, and St. Bartholomew's Church

Nestled in the heart of the Ryburn Valley, the charming village of Ripponden in West Yorkshire holds a wealth of history, architectural beauty, and intriguing local lore. Join us as we explore its cobbled lanes and delve into the story of its iconic parish church, St. Bartholomew's, through the lens of photographs taken on a spring day in 2017.

The Charm of Ripponden Cobbles: Priest Lane

Our journey begins on a short, historic road known as Priest Lane, often affectionately referred to as the "Ripponden cobbles." This picturesque thoroughfare descends from the bustling A58 Halifax Road, guiding you past the welcoming embrace of the Old Bridge Inn, before gracefully crossing the River Ryburn and culminating near the venerable St. Bartholomew's Church.

The accompanying image, captured just beyond the Old Bridge Inn and looking upwards towards the A58, perfectly encapsulates the timeless appeal of this cobbled ascent. The weathered stone walls, some adorned with railings, speak of centuries of foot traffic, while the sturdy stone buildings flanking the lane stand as silent sentinels to the village's enduring character. It's a pathway that evokes a sense of stepping back in time, where every stone tells a story.

St. Bartholomew's Church: A Sanctuary Reborn Through Centuries

A focal point of Ripponden's history and community is St. Bartholomew's Church. While it technically occupies a site within what was historically the township of Barkisland, it is now firmly considered an integral part of Ripponden, with Barkisland itself perched on the nearby hills overlooking the village.

The history of worship on this sacred ground is a testament to resilience. The very first place of worship here was a modest chapel, consecrated in 1465. This was followed by a much larger church built in 1610. However, fate intervened in 1722 when the River Ryburn, usually a gentle presence, unleashed a devastating flood. The waters rose by an astonishing 20 feet, inflicting severe damage on the 1610 church, sweeping away several graves, and tragically claiming the lives of 15 local residents.

Undeterred, a third church rose from the foundations in 1731. This structure served the community until 1867, when its roof fell into such disrepair that the building had to be closed and subsequently demolished. The current, magnificent St. Bartholomew's Church, designed and built by George Shaw of Saddleworth, finally opened its doors in June 1870.

The church has witnessed its share of drama even in its modern form. In 1876, repairs were needed for the belfry after sparks from a fire at the nearby Ripponden Mill reached the tower. Since then, the changes have been minor, with windows replaced and a new organ installed, preserving its historical integrity while ensuring its continued functionality.

One delightful piece of local folklore surrounds the church clock. Legend has it that the people of Barkisland once refused to contribute to the cleaning of the church clock. As a result, the clock face looking towards Barkisland remains perpetually uncleaned – a charming reminder of community dynamics and perhaps a touch of playful rivalry!

The photographs of St. Bartholomew's, taken from various vantage points, beautifully showcase its imposing spire, the intricate stonework, and its serene setting amidst the lush greenery and the gentle flow of the River Ryburn. One image, framed by the branches of nearby trees, perfectly captures the church's enduring presence within the natural landscape. Another, in a sepia tone, lends a timeless, almost nostalgic feel to the grand edifice, hinting at the many generations it has served.

These images, captured on April 29, 2017, with a Nikon D3300, offer a glimpse into the heart of Ripponden – a place where history resonates through its cobbled streets and where a beautiful church stands as a testament to centuries of faith and community spirit. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of charming villages, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Ripponden offers a captivating journey through time.

The church pictured from across the River Ryburn near to
the Old Bridge Inn. The river rose over 20 feet in 1722.

The church pictured from the B6113 Elland Road (Ripponden Bank).The dirty
Barkisland facing clock face can be seen on the right of the spire.

The church pictured from the abandoned Rishworth Branch Line

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A Driver's View: Exploring the Scenic A40 from Ross-on-Wye to Monmouth

I've just uploaded a new video to my YouTube channel, It's a drive from Ross-on-Wye to Monmouth, captured entirely from my DAF XF truck. If you're a fan of scenic drives, you're in for a treat.

This particular stretch of road is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful in Britain. The video covers approximately 12 miles, starting right from the end of the M50 motorway. We then cruise along the A449 and A40, finally completing the journey just after emerging from the Gibraltar Tunnel at Monmouth.

What makes this video a bit different is the perspective. Because I was in my truck, the dash cam footage gives you a higher vantage point than my usual videos. You really get to see the landscape unfold from a unique viewpoint.

It was a fantastic drive, and I hope the video conveys just how stunning the scenery is. Whether you're planning a trip to the area or just enjoy a good virtual road trip, I think you'll really appreciate this one.

The video was filmed on Wednesday January 29th 2020.

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A New Year's Day Revelation: Unmasking the Heart of Sowerby Bridge

New Year's Day usually means hangovers and quiet contemplation. For me, it was an irresistible opportunity to experience Sowerby Bridge like never before. This market town in West Yorkshire’s dramatic Calder Valley is often a pulsating artery of traffic, but on this crisp morning, its streets lay unusually serene, inviting a deeper look at a place whose story runs as deep as its historic waterways.

Sowerby Bridge’s very name hints at its origins: a blend of "Sowerby" (a nearby hill settlement) and the crucial bridge that allowed travellers to cross the River Calder on their epic journeys between Yorkshire and Lancashire. It was this strategic crossing, and the raw power of the Calder and Ryburn rivers, that ignited the town’s industrial boom. Mills sprang up, churning out textiles and engineering marvels, transforming a simple ford into a thriving industrial powerhouse.

But the wheels of industry eventually slowed, leaving Sowerby Bridge to reinvent itself. And what a reinvention it has been! Today, it's a testament to resilience, a vibrant tourism destination with a particular charm for canal boaters. Picture this: the confluence of two rivers, the Calder & Ryburn, meeting the incredible junction of the Calder & Hebble Navigation and the Rochdale Canal. This isn't just a picturesque scene; it's a triumph of restoration. Imagine the silence of the 1960s to 1990s, when this vital section of canal was blocked. Then, the monumental effort: the re-opening of Tuel Lane Tunnel and the construction of the deepest inland canal lock in the UK. This engineering feat didn't just reconnect waterways; it reconnected history, allowing boats to travel this route from Yorkshire to Manchester for the first time in years. It’s a truly inspiring story of community and perseverance.

Beyond the canals, Sowerby Bridge’s railway past is equally captivating. For over seven decades, it was a pivotal railway junction, with the Rishworth Branch Line curving away towards the Ryburn Valley. Though intended as a shortcut to Littleborough, it only ever reached Rishworth. This junction status meant a much larger station, a bustling hub that sadly met a fiery end in 1978, leaving behind only memories of its former grandeur.

Knowing Sowerby Bridge's usual hustle and bustle, I couldn't resist the chance to see its core laid bare, free from the constant flow of vehicles. My walk took me from Pye Nest on the eastern fringes, right through the heart of the main street, and into the West End, allowing me to capture some of the lesser-seen gems away from the primary thoroughfare. These images, aren't just snapshots of a town; they're glimpses into its soul, revealing the quiet beauty and rich narrative that lies beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered.

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

Garden area on Bolton Brow. This used to be covered by housing.

Wharf Street.

The former Sowerby Bridge Police Station, the building was featured in seasons 1 and 2 of Happy Valley.

Lock 2 on the Rochdale Canal from the top of Tuel lane Tunnel.

Tower Hill.

County Bridge towards the Town Hall building.

River Ryburn.

Donaldson's Vets at the end of Wakefield Road used to be a pub known as the Prospect Inn.

Locks 1 and 2 on the Rochdale Canal.

Main Road underneath Sowerby Bridge Viaduct.

River Calder from County Bridge.

The Jubilee Refreshment rooms are housed in the former ticket office for Sowerby Bridge Railway Station. The building is all that remains of the station building damaged by fire and demolished 1978-81.

Ryburn Buildings at West End.

Looking down Bolton Brow, Gratrix Lane to the right.

Train passing over Sowerby Bridge Viaduct, taken from County Bridge.

J.D. Wetherspoons Commercial Inn at the bottom of Tuel Lane. The canal originally exited a bridge near the traffic lights, this was infilled in the 1950's. Their was a tunnel built underneath this junction in 1996 to reopen the Rochdale Canal, which comes out behind the Commercial Inn.

Christ Church.

Wharf Street, the building with the to let sign was once a branch of the Halifax Bank.

Victoria Bridge and the River Ryburn.

The River Calder.

Sowerby Bridge Railway Station.

Warehouse 2 and the Salt Warehouse at Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin.

Carlton Mill.

River Calder.

Sowerby Bridge Viaduct.

River Calder.

It should be pointed out that the building often referred to as the town hall was never actually Sowerby Bridge Town Hall. It was built in the hope that Sowerby Bridge Council would purchase the hall from the developers but this never happened. The clock is owned by the people of Sowerby Bridge and the building until recently was a branch of Lloyds Bank.

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The Tyne Tunnel, North and South.

Ah, the Tyne Tunnel! It's more than just a way to zip under the river; it's a fascinating slice of engineering history and a vital artery connecting communities. Let's delve a little deeper, shall we?

That stretch of the A19, about seven miles west of the bustling heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, dips beneath the majestic River Tyne, offering a crucial link between the vibrant town of Jarrow on the south bank and the coastal charm of North Shields on the opposite side. But the road tunnel we know today is just one piece of a larger vision conceived to bridge the Tyne.

Back in 1967, the original tunnel emerged as a testament to ambitious engineering, providing a much-needed road crossing. However, the story doesn't end there. The project was actually a forward-thinking initiative that envisioned a trio of crossings, catering not just to vehicles but also to those on foot and bicycles. Imagine the foresight in planning for such diverse modes of transport!

Fast forward to 2011, and the landscape changed significantly. To the east of the original bore, a brand new, twin-lane tunnel was completed. This wasn't just about adding capacity; it was a strategic move that allowed for a much-needed refurbishment of the original tunnel. Now, the two tunnels work in tandem, with the newer one efficiently carrying southbound traffic, while the meticulously restored original handles the northbound flow. This clever configuration has undoubtedly eased congestion and improved travel times for countless commuters and travellers.

And then you, with your dashcam on the 29th of March, 2018, captured a moment in the life of these vital tunnels. The main video, showcasing the northbound journey, with the southbound perspective neatly overlaid – that's a really interesting way to visualize the parallel paths these tunnels take. Adding background music likely enhances the viewing experience, perhaps adding a sense of motion or atmosphere to the everyday commute.

It's quite something to think about the sheer volume of journeys these tunnels have facilitated since their inception. They're not just concrete tubes under a river; they're lifelines that connect people, businesses, and communities on both banks of the Tyne.

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Capturing the Tamar: A Dashcam Perspective & the Story Behind the Scenes

For me, photography and videography are two sides of the same coin, each extending and enriching the other. My YouTube videos, in a way, are small visual essays, little extensions of my photographic eye. Recently, I had the opportunity to capture something I've long desired to photograph: the iconic Tamar Bridges. While a full-fledged photoshoot is still on my to-do list, a recent drive provided a unique perspective, captured through my trusty dashcam.

The resulting video documents my journey across the Tamar Road Bridge, a vital artery connecting Cornwall and Devon. This bridge, a testament to engineering prowess, spans the majestic River Tamar. Its history is as fascinating as its structure. Opened in April 1962, it stands proudly alongside the equally impressive Royal Albert Bridge, a railway masterpiece. Interestingly, the Tamar Road Bridge operates as a partial toll bridge, with only eastbound traffic paying the fee.

However, the bridge's story isn't without its challenges. From 1999 to 2001, it underwent substantial refurbishment after it was discovered to be under-strength, a consequence of evolving European regulations for goods vehicle requirements. This project was a significant undertaking, ensuring the bridge's continued safety and functionality for years to come.

My dashcam footage continues beyond the bridge, leading me into the Saltash Tunnel in Cornwall. This 410-meter tunnel, built to endure for a century, carries the busy A38. Opened in 1988, it quickly faced unforeseen challenges. Within months, water seepage from the surrounding hills began to penetrate the tunnel lining, necessitating a major refurbishment project. This experience highlights the unpredictable nature of infrastructure projects and the importance of adapting to unforeseen circumstances.

While the dashcam video offers a raw, unfiltered view of these engineering marvels, it has only fuelled my desire to capture them through the lens of my camera. The bridges, with their distinct characters and historical significance, offer a wealth of photographic opportunities.

This experience underscores the power of capturing moments, even in unexpected ways. Whether through photography or videography, the ability to document and share these experiences provides a unique perspective on the world around us.

This was filmed on the 27th March 2018. The background music featured is Cavern by Hovatoff.

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The Forgotten Bridge of Sowerby Bridge: Gas Works Road Bridge

Sowerby Bridge, a charming town nestled in the Calder Valley of West Yorkshire, boasts a rich industrial heritage. Among its many historical remnants, the Gas Works Road Bridge stands as a silent testament to a bygone era. Crossing the River Calder, this unassuming structure holds a story within its weathered stones, a story that deserves to be told and, more importantly, a story that demands action.

Built in 1816, the original bridge is a fascinating piece of engineering, the brainchild of Samuel Aydon and William Elwell. While much of their original design is now obscured by the widening that took place around 1850, its essence remains, a whisper of the past. Initially constructed for carriages, the bridge later accommodated the burgeoning automobile traffic of the 20th century. Imagine the clip-clop of horses' hooves giving way to the rumble of early motor cars traversing this very crossing.

Today, however, the Gas Works Road Bridge stands silent, a pedestrian-only pathway. While still open to foot traffic, its vehicular days are long gone. Local lore suggests the bridge was closed to cars sometime in the early 1980s due to structural weaknesses, although concrete evidence of this closure and its exact cause remains elusive. If anyone has information about this, please do share it in the comments below!

Despite its historical significance, the bridge appears to be slowly succumbing to the ravages of time. Granted Grade II listed status on July 19th, 1988, one would assume this designation would ensure its preservation. Sadly, this doesn't seem to be the case. The bridge continues to deteriorate, a victim of neglect. The local authority appears to have no clear plan for its restoration or even its long-term maintenance.

This is a tragedy. The Gas Works Road Bridge is more than just a crossing; it's a tangible link to Sowerby Bridge's past. It's a piece of our industrial heritage, a reminder of the ingenuity and craftsmanship of our ancestors. To allow it to crumble further would be a disservice to the community and a loss for future generations.

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The first 2 pictures how the height of the river on Boxing Day 2015 when the River Calder flooded much of the Calder Valley.

The next 2 were taken at the bridge on the 30th July 2017 with a Nikon d3300SLR camera.

The next 6 were taken with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera on the 22nd November 2014.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.