Heptonstall and the Old Grammar School

On a grey, autumnal day in November 2013, a Samsung Galaxy tablet captured a series of images that perfectly encapsulate the enduring charm and rich history of Heptonstall, a village perched on the hills above Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire. The subject of these photos, the Heptonstall Museum, is more than just a building; it's a Grade II-listed testament to centuries of change, a cornerstone of a community steeped in history.

The building that now houses the museum has had a fascinating journey through time. Its origins trace back to around 1600, when it was constructed not as a place of learning, but as a warehouse. This was a time when the woollen trade was the lifeblood of the Pennines, and Heptonstall was a bustling centre for handloom weaving. You can still see hints of this industrial past in the large first-floor windows of many local cottages, designed to maximise the light for the weavers working within.

In 1771, the building was given a new purpose when it was converted into the Heptonstall Grammar School. The photos from 2013 show the solid stone structure and classic architecture, elements that have witnessed generations of students passing through its doors. The school served the community until its closure in 1889. While the modern world moved on, the building's story didn't end there. For a time, it housed the Yorkshire Penny Bank, before finally reopening its doors in August 1972 as the Heptonstall Museum.

The museum today is a treasure trove of local history, offering a window into the past. It tells the story of the village's prehistoric beginnings and its role in significant events, including the Battle of Heptonstall during the English Civil War in 1643. One of the most captivating exhibits delves into the notorious Cragg Vale Coiners, a gang of counterfeiters who plagued the area in the 18th century. Their leader, "King" David Hartley, is buried in the nearby churchyard—one of the many historical figures whose stories are woven into the fabric of Heptonstall.

Speaking of the churchyard, it is perhaps one of the most unique in the country. It is home to not one, but two churches. The ruins of the Church of St Thomas a Becket, founded in the 13th century and severely damaged in a storm in 1847, stand as a hauntingly beautiful shell. Just yards away, the newer St Thomas the Apostle church, built in the 1850s, stands proudly, a symbol of resilience. This dual churchyard is also the final resting place of American poet Sylvia Plath, a poignant connection to the wider literary world.

The Heptonstall Museum, housed in its old grammar school building, serves as a perfect starting point for exploring this remarkable village. It's a place where the past isn't just displayed, it's alive in the very stones of the building and the stories they tell.

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

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An October Morning in Venice: A Golden Hour Tour of St. Mark's

 There's a magic to Venice that's best found in the stillness of dawn. On an early October morning in 2018, as the first rays of sunlight pierced the horizon, the legendary city transformed. The canals lay glassy and still, reflecting a sky streaked with the softest pastels, and the air was thick with a quiet anticipation. This is the Venice that few travellers get to experience—the one before the crowds arrive.

The Grand Entrance to a Grand Square

Wandering towards the heart of the city, the journey's destination was clear. The light was liquid gold, and it seemed to coat every building in a warm, ethereal glow. The Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark's Square, is the only true "piazza" in Venice. For centuries, it has been the city's political and religious hub, and Napoleon himself famously called it the "drawing room of Europe." In the tranquillity of the morning, you can truly appreciate its scale and grandeur.

The two towering columns, the Colonna di San Todaro and the Colonna di San Marco, stood sentinel at the edge of the water. The first holds a statue of St. Theodore atop a crocodile, Venice’s original patron saint, while the second is crowned by the city’s iconic winged lion, the symbol of its current protector, St. Mark. They mark the grand gateway from the lagoon, and seeing them at sunrise feels like stepping through a portal to another time.

The Dazzling Basilica and the Tower of the Master

Dominating the square is the breath taking Saint Mark's Basilica, a spectacular masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. With its intricate marble carvings and five great domes, it's a testament to the city's immense wealth and power as a trading hub. Known as the "Basilica d'Oro" or the Golden Basilica, its facade sparkles with mosaics that hint at the gold leaf covering its interior. Legend has it that the church was built to house the relics of St. Mark, smuggled out of Alexandria by Venetian merchants in the 9th century.

Standing guard next to the basilica is the imposing St. Mark's Campanile, Venetians' beloved "master of the house." This brick bell tower, at nearly 100 meters tall, has a fascinating history. It's not the original tower; the first one collapsed in 1902 and was rebuilt exactly "as it was, where it was" (com'era, dov'era). From its top, you can get a spectacular panoramic view of the city, its bell regulating the pulse of Venetian life for centuries.

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Off to the side of the main square, tucked beside the Basilica, lies a quieter space: the Piazzetta dei Leoncini, or the "little square of the lions." Named for the two squatting red marble lions that stand guard, this area offers a more intimate experience. While the main square buzzes with energy, this corner provides a tranquil space to pause and take in the magnificent architecture of the Basilica from a different perspective.

As the morning light grew brighter and the first cafe tables were set out, the magic of the golden hour began to fade, replaced by the vibrant energy of a new day. But for a brief, beautiful moment, Venice belonged to the sunrise.

I took these pictures on the 31st October 2018 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

Piazzetta dei Leoncini.

Colonna di San Todaro and the Colonna di San Marco.

St Mark's Campanile.

San Giorgio Maggiore Church.

Doge's Palace.

St Mark's Square.

St Mark's Basilica.

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A Walk Through Time: Elwy Bridge, The Enduring Heart of St Asaph

As the River Elwy meanders its way through the historic city of St Asaph, it is gracefully spanned by a beautiful and unpretentious monument of Welsh history: the Elwy Bridge. The photographs you see capture its timeless charm—the gentle flow of the river, the sturdy stone arches, and the tranquil reflections on the water. But beyond its picturesque appearance, this bridge holds a story of resilience, craftsmanship, and a community's enduring spirit.

A History Built on Stone and Overcome by Water

The present Elwy Bridge, a magnificent five-arched stone structure, was completed in 1770. Its construction was a direct response to the persistent problem of flooding that plagued the area and regularly destroyed earlier crossings. Records show a previous bridge—likely a timber structure located further downstream—was severely damaged by floods in 1767, prompting the need for a more robust and permanent solution.

The design of the new bridge is attributed to Joseph Turner of Hawarden, a name also associated with the historic Ruthin Gaol. Turner's design was both practical and elegant. He incorporated triangular buttresses on the upstream side, known as cutwaters, to break the force of the river's flow during high water, a feature that has served the bridge well for over 250 years. The choice of materials and the symmetrical, yet varied, spans of the arches give the bridge a unique architectural character that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

More Than a Crossing: Interesting Facts and Features

• A Scheduled Ancient Monument: Elwy Bridge isn't just a functional part of the city's infrastructure; it is a protected heritage site. Its status as a Scheduled Ancient Monument recognizes its national importance and its contribution to the understanding of post-medieval construction techniques.

• Decorative Details: Look closely at the bridge's masonry and you'll find subtle decorative touches. The Fleur-de-Lys motif on the tie bar plates adds a flourish to its otherwise utilitarian design, a small detail that speaks to the pride of its builders.

• A Symbol of Resilience: While the 1770 bridge was a major step in flood defence, the city of St Asaph continues to face the challenges of its location in the Vale of Clwyd. The River Elwy has a history of bursting its banks, with devastating floods recorded in the past. The tragic floods of November 2012 were a stark reminder of this threat. Since then, the city has implemented major flood defence schemes, including raising and strengthening embankments. The bridge, however, has stood firm, a testament to its original design and a landmark around which these modern defences have been built.

• The Bridge to Nowhere: Not far from the main bridge lies another fascinating historical curiosity—Pont Dafydd, a medieval bridge that once crossed a different course of the River Clwyd. With the river rerouted in 1969 for the construction of the A55 expressway, the bridge now stands alone in a field, a solitary road to nowhere that serves as a quiet footpath.

So, the next time you find yourself in the serene setting of St Asaph, take a moment to appreciate the Elwy Bridge. It is more than just a way to cross the river; it is a gateway to the past, a symbol of a community’s struggle with nature, and a beautiful piece of history that continues to stand strong.

I took the pictures below with a Nikon d3300 on the 27th July 2024, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The next 2 images are the result of some creative editing  and can be purchased in various formats from Photo4Me.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Redcar's Coastal Gem: The Regent Cinema

There's something truly special about a day at the beach, and even more so when it's capped off with a film. In the charming seaside town of Redcar, this experience is elevated by the presence of The Regent Cinema. It's a modern architectural gem that stands proudly on the seafront, a beacon of culture and entertainment against the backdrop of the North Sea.

Unlike a typical inland cinema, The Regent offers a unique blend of cinematic pleasure and coastal views. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the upper levels provide a breath taking panorama of the vast, sandy beach and the rolling waves. Imagine settling in for a movie with the gentle sound of the sea just outside.

Beyond its striking glass and steel facade, The Regent is a testament to Redcar's spirit. It’s not just a building; it's a hub for the community, a place where locals and visitors alike can come together to share in the magic of film. Standing on the wide, sandy expanse at low tide, with the cinema rising from the shoreline, you get a real sense of its connection to the coast.

Whether you're visiting on a bright, sunny day or a moody, overcast afternoon, The Regent's presence is a constant. It's a perfect spot to escape a sudden downpour, or to simply enjoy a film after a long walk along the beach. With its inviting entrance and vibrant signage, it's a landmark that perfectly marries modern design with the timeless appeal of the British seaside. The next time you're in Redcar, a visit to The Regent is an absolute must—it’s more than just a cinema, it’s an experience.

I took these pictures on the 7th September 2025 with a Canon Camera. Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

The Redcar Beacon can be seen just beyond the Cinema.

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The skies in these photos below have been creatively retouched to bring out their unique beauty. Explore the collection and purchase them in various formats on Photo4Me.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.