Walking the Calder and Hebble Navigation: Sowerby to Salterhebble

The Calder and Hebble Navigation isn't just a waterway; it's a testament to the ingenuity of the Industrial Revolution and a living thread in the history of West Yorkshire. As you walk the towpath between Sowerby Bridge and Salterhebble, you're treading the same ground once bustled with horse-drawn barges and the clamour of industry. This specific stretch, captured so beautifully in these photos from February 2020, reveals the canal's rich story, from its vital role in commerce to its peaceful modern-day purpose.

The Broad Canal's Genesis

Opened in 1770, the Calder and Hebble Navigation was a groundbreaking feat of engineering. Unlike many of its contemporaries, it’s a broad canal, designed to accommodate wider boats and larger cargoes, a clear sign of its ambition to be a major commercial artery. It was a fusion of man-made cuts and cleverly "navigated" sections of the existing River Calder and River Hebble. This design was both a blessing and a challenge, harnessing the power of nature while requiring meticulous control to manage water levels and prevent flooding. Our journey begins at the Sowerby Bridge Basin, a historic nexus where the Calder and Hebble Navigation meets the Rochdale Canal. This connection, completed in 1804, transformed Sowerby Bridge into a critical trans-Pennine hub, linking the ports of Hull and Liverpool. The basin itself is a beautiful blend of industrial architecture and modern leisure, where former warehouses have been converted into cafes and bars, and canal boats now serve as peaceful homes and holiday cruisers.

Copley: A Glimpse of Industrial Life

As you follow the path from Sowerby Bridge, you'll reach the picturesque section around Copley. Here, the canal flows alongside the Calder, and you can see tangible reminders of its industrial past. The pictures show old sluices and delivery chutes, once used to load and unload goods directly from the mills that lined the waterway. These structures are more than just ruins; they are silent witnesses to the daily grind of workers and the flow of raw materials that fuelled the textile industry. The tranquil water and green banks today stand in stark contrast to the smoke-filled, noisy reality of two centuries ago.

The Salterhebble Locks: A Stepping Stone to Halifax

Continuing east, the canal eventually reaches the Salterhebble Locks. This is a particularly fascinating point, as it marks the former junction with the Halifax Branch Canal. The branch, opened in 1828, was a crucial link for mills in Halifax town center, rising an impressive 110 feet through 14 locks. Although the branch was abandoned in the 1940s, the remnants can still be seen, including the locks and the charming lock keeper's cottage. The lock complex at Salterhebble itself is a piece of living history, with some of the original handspike-operated paddle gear still in use, a rare sight on Britain's waterways.

Today, the Calder and Hebble Navigation is a vibrant leisure route, used by boaters, walkers, and cyclists. Its transformation from a workhorse of industry to a peaceful recreational haven is a powerful story of renewal. It reminds us that even after their original purpose has faded, our industrial waterways continue to provide a valuable resource, connecting people with nature and our shared past.

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 pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

An Autumnal Walk: All Saints Church, Salterhebble

The crisp air, the rustle of fallen leaves underfoot, and the warm, low light of an autumn day create the perfect atmosphere for a journey back in time. On October 24, 2014, I found myself drawn to the timeless beauty of All Saints Church in Salterhebble, Halifax. Armed with my Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, I set out to capture the essence of this historic place, and the resulting images tell a story of faith, community, and the passage of time.

As you approach the church, the first thing that strikes you is the sheer presence of the building. The tall, elegant spire reaches towards the sky, a beacon of faith built from the local stone. It’s no wonder that a significant part of its construction was a community effort, with Samuel Rhodes generously providing over 400 cartloads of stone from his own quarry. This collaborative spirit is etched into the very fabric of the church.

Designed by the prolific architects James Mallinson and Thomas Healey, whose work can be seen in several other churches in the area, All Saints Church is a testament to the Victorian Gothic Revival style. The pointed arches, intricate stonework, and stained-glass windows are all hallmarks of this architectural movement, designed to evoke a sense of awe and reverence. The foundation stone was laid on August 26, 1857, and the church was consecrated and opened for worship the following year, in 1858. It has been a continuous place of worship ever since, its walls having witnessed generations of baptisms, weddings, and funerals.

Walking through the churchyard is a contemplative experience. It’s an overgrown, verdant space, where ancient headstones, some leaning and weathered with time, are partially reclaimed by nature. The sepia tones of the photographs capture this sense of history and quiet decay, highlighting the ornate crosses and memorials that stand as silent sentinels. A path, strewn with fallen leaves, winds its way between the graves, inviting you to wander and reflect.

One of the most remarkable sights in the churchyard is a large, ornate memorial, a striking contrast to the more traditional headstones. This is a mausoleum, a grand statement of remembrance and a captivating piece of architecture in its own right. With its intricate arches and detailed carvings, it stands as a testament to a significant person or family from the parish's past.

Another discovery was a hidden gateway, a small archway in a stone wall, half-covered in thick foliage. It felt like a portal to another world, a secret entrance to a part of the church grounds less travelled. The vibrant greens of the leaves, still holding onto their colour in the autumn light, create a beautiful frame for the simple stone steps that lead you through.

The images taken that day, some in rich colour and others in a timeless black and white, capture the dual nature of All Saints Church. It is both a functioning place of worship and a living, breathing piece of history. The autumn colours highlight the beauty of the surrounding nature, while the monochrome images emphasize the architectural details and the solemnity of the graveyard.

As I left All Saints Church that day, I felt a deep appreciation for its enduring presence. It’s more than just a building; it’s a repository of stories, a link to the past, and a quiet haven in the bustling world. It stands as a powerful reminder of the community that built it and the history that continues to unfold within its walls.

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.

Unexpected Waterfalls and Canal Charms: Woodside Mill Lock's Hidden Display

Sometimes, the most captivating sights are found in the everyday, along well-trodden paths. On a recent stroll along the tranquil canal towpath connecting Elland to Salterhebble, I encountered a delightful, albeit temporary, spectacle at Woodside Mill Lock. This particular lock, a familiar landmark on my regular walks, usually presents its characteristic trickle of water cascading over the lower gate – a gentle reminder of the canal's ever-flowing nature.

However, this time, the scene was dramatically different. The lock, evidently recently used, was in the process of refilling. This resulted in the upper gate becoming a miniature waterfall, a torrent of water rushing over its lip and into the lock chamber. The sheer volume of water, combined with the rhythmic rush, transformed the familiar lock into a captivating display of hydraulic power.

It's a reminder of the intricate engineering that keeps our canals functioning, and how even routine processes can create moments of unexpected beauty. The contrast between the typically serene canal and the forceful flow of water was striking. I paused to capture this fleeting moment, grabbing my Samsung Tablet to record a short video.

The video, which you can view below, showcases the unexpected waterfall in all its glory. The sight and sound of the water, coupled with the peaceful backdrop of the canal, made for a truly memorable experience.

Woodside Mill Lock, like many along our canals, holds a rich history. Once a vital part of the region's industrial backbone, these locks facilitated the transport of goods and raw materials. Today, they serve as a reminder of our industrial heritage and offer a peaceful escape for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts.

This unexpected encounter with Woodside Mill Lock's 'waterfall' serves as a gentle reminder to appreciate the small moments of beauty that surround us. Whether it's the gentle ripple of the canal or the temporary cascade of water over a lock gate, there's always something new to discover along our waterways.

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media.

All the pictures and video remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Echoes in the Rock: Uncovering the History of Bank House Tunnel, Copley

Nestled into the verdant slopes of Salterhebble Hill, near Halifax, lies a silent sentinel of Victorian engineering: Bank House Tunnel, also known as Copley Tunnel. This short, curved railway passage, carved through solid rock, stands as a testament to the ambition and ingenuity that fuelled the expansion of Britain's railway network. While its precise construction date remains elusive, its proximity to the iconic Copley Viaduct, opened in 1852, strongly suggests a contemporaneous origin.

This tunnel, a vital link connecting Sowerby Bridge with Halifax, plays a crucial role in the region's railway infrastructure. A few hundred yards beyond its northern portal, the line converges with the original branch line stretching from Greetland to Halifax, marking a point of historical and operational significance.

On a crisp autumn day, October 25th, 2014, I ventured to capture the essence of this historical site with my trusty Polaroid iS2132 bridge camera. The resulting images, offer a glimpse into the tunnel's rugged beauty and the surrounding landscape.

A Journey Through Time and Stone

The tunnel's curved design, necessitated by the terrain, adds a unique character to its structure. Imagine the steam locomotives of yesteryear, their rhythmic chugging echoing against the rock walls as they navigated the bend. The very stone that forms the tunnel's walls bears witness to the countless journeys undertaken, the freight carried, and the passengers transported.

The relationship with the Copley Viaduct is crucial to understanding the tunnel's history. The viaduct itself is a marvel of Victorian engineering, spanning the Calder Valley with its elegant arches. It’s highly probable that the tunnel, being a crucial part of the same line, was constructed during the same period to facilitate a continuous and efficient railway connection.

The convergence of lines near the tunnel's northern exit highlights the strategic importance of this location. The Greetland branch line, another historical artery, further emphasizes the region's role as a vital hub for industrial and commercial activity.

A Visual Exploration

The photographs captured on that October day reveal the tunnel's raw, unadorned beauty. The interplay of light and shadow, the texture of the rock face, and the subtle curve of the tunnel’s interior all contribute to a sense of timelessness. The surrounding landscape, with its rolling hills and verdant foliage, provides a serene backdrop to this industrial relic.

Important Note:

It is crucial to emphasize that all photographs were taken from publicly accessible areas. At no point did I enter any restricted railway property. Railway lines are inherently dangerous environments, and unauthorized access is strictly prohibited. I strongly discourage anyone from attempting to enter such areas.

Unanswered Questions and Lingering Mysteries

Despite the information gathered, some questions remain. The exact date of the tunnel's construction, the specific methods used in its creation, and the stories of the workers who built it are just a few of the lingering mysteries. Further research, perhaps through historical archives and local records, could shed more light on these aspects.

The Enduring Legacy

Bank House Tunnel, or Copley Tunnel, stands as a silent testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the Victorian railway builders. Its rugged beauty and historical significance make it a fascinating subject for exploration. As the trains continue to traverse its curved passage, the echoes of the past resonate within its stone walls, reminding us of the enduring legacy of Britain's railway heritage.

This blog post is intended to offer a deeper appreciation for the historical and architectural significance of Bank House Tunnel. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our industrial heritage and respecting the boundaries of safety.

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

The northern portal, Salterhebble side of the tunnel. This was quite difficult
 to reach having to climb down an embankment and through dense
overgrowth to get somewhere near to take the picture. 

The southern portal Copley side of the tunnel.

Looking down towards the tunnels northern portal. The embankment
I climbed down was the opposite side beyond the fence. I would not
encourage anyone to do this.

Halifax bound train entering the tunnel.

Sowerby Bridge bound train exciting the tunnel.

The following picture was taken of the tunnel and surrounding valley from the top of Siddal, using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera on the 9 April 2017.

The picture shows the tunnel to the centre. All Saints church, Salterhebble can be seen on the hillside to the right with North Dean Woods in the distance beyond the tunnel.

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

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The Halifax Branch of the Calder & Hebble Canal: A Lost Waterway

Just a whisper of its former self, the Halifax Branch of the Calder & Hebble Canal now stretches a mere half-mile from Salterhebble Junction and its locks to the Watermill Bar at Salterhebble Wharf. This truncated remnant is all that remains of a once vital artery that pulsed with industrial life.

Opened in 1828, the canal climbed a formidable 14 locks to its original terminus at Bailey Hall, a location now occupied by the bustling train station and the interactive Eureka! museum. Imagine the scene: barges laden with goods, lock keepers busy at their work, and the constant hum of industry. But the rise of the iron horse and the advent of tarmac roads spelled the canal's decline. By 1942, the upper section, from Salterhebble Wharf to Bailey Hall, was abandoned, its waters drained and its towpaths reclaimed. Today, the Hebble Trail, a popular cycle and pedestrian route, winds its way along the canal's former path, offering little hint of the waterway that once flowed there.

While whispers of reopening this lost stretch occasionally surface, fueled by hopes of boosting Halifax's tourism, such dreams face a stark reality. A more visionary local council might seize the opportunity to resurrect this historic waterway, but with tight budgets and a perceived lack of ambition, the chances of seeing barges once again navigating through the heart of Halifax seem, sadly, remote.

The pictures were taken on April 9, 2017, using a Nikon D3300 camera. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The start of the Halifax Branch, Salterhebble Locks are just to the
left of the picture out of sight. The bridge in the distance carries the
Halifax - Brighouse stretch of railway and crossers the canal which is
heading in the direction of Sowerby Bridge.

Wakefield Road Bridge. The canal brakes off to the left just beyond the bridge
through Salterhebble Locks in the direction of Brighouse.

The abutment to the right used to support a bridge that crossed the
canal here. The bridge has long since been removed.

Salterhebble Moorings can be seen in the distance. Tihs
is where the canal now ends.

To the right of the Watermill Bar is Salterhebble Tunnel. The canal continued through
 there and immediately entered lock 1 of the 14 on exiting the tunnel. The stone lock
walls can still be seen.

The modern day end of the Halifax Branch Canal. The Watermill Bar and
 Restaurant occupies what was the site of Salterhebble Mills. There is
also a Premier Inn hotel on the site,

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

 

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.