The Subterranean Secret of Holmfield: A Glimpse into Queensbury Tunnel

Deep within the verdant landscape near Holmfield, a submerged secret lies hidden beneath a seemingly ordinary field. The Queensbury Tunnel, a monumental relic of Victorian engineering, is a testament to the ambition of the railway age and a captivating glimpse into a world now lost to time and water. These photographs, captured in July 2015, offer a rare and fascinating look at a section of this extraordinary structure, revealing both its forgotten surface features and its silent, waterlogged entrance.

The first image captures a curious concrete disc, a solitary manhole cover in the middle of a sun-drenched, grassy field. The long grass sways around it, creating a natural camouflage that would easily allow it to go unnoticed by the casual observer. This disc is no ordinary cover; it's a cap over one of the tunnel's ventilation shafts. These shafts were a vital part of the tunnel's design, providing much-needed air and allowing smoke from the steam locomotives to escape. In its quiet existence, this concrete cap is a powerful symbol of the colossal effort that went into building this tunnel. It speaks of a deep, unseen world, a world of iron and steam, that lies directly below. It’s a literal and figurative lid on history, hinting at a vast, dark space that has been sealed off from the world above for decades.

The other two images transport us to a different scene, one of profound stillness and mystery. Here, the tunnel's entrance is not a grand, arched portal but a tranquil, flooded chasm. The water, a striking shade of turquoise, reflects the sky and the surrounding foliage, creating a deceptive sense of serenity. Looking closer, we see the remnants of the tunnel's mouth. Two rusty pipes, possibly part of a former drainage system, emerge from the brickwork, their corroded ends facing the glassy water. The brick lining, discoloured and weathered by time, forms the backdrop to this aquatic scene. The water level is high, completely obscuring the track bed and swallowing the entrance in a liquid embrace.

These two photographs, seemingly identical but for the subtle shifts in light and reflection, capture a moment of perfect stasis. The tunnel is no longer a path for roaring trains but a calm, silent pool, a final resting place for its industrial past. The small trees and shrubs that have taken root around the entrance are a powerful symbol of nature's relentless reclamation. They are weaving themselves into the man-made structure, blurring the line between the natural world and the engineering marvel that once existed here. The reflection in the water adds a ghostly dimension, mirroring the overgrown surroundings and creating an ethereal portrait of a place in transition.

Together, these images paint a compelling picture of the Queensbury Tunnel at Holmfield. The concrete disc in the field and the flooded entrance at the hillside's edge are two sides of the same coin—one represents the hidden infrastructure on the surface, while the other reveals the silent, submerged reality of the tunnel itself. They are not merely pictures of a forgotten place but an invitation to contemplate the passage of time, the power of nature, and the fascinating stories that lie just beneath our feet. The Queensbury Tunnel, in its quiet, waterlogged state, continues to hold its secrets, inspiring a sense of wonder and curiosity about a remarkable chapter in our industrial heritage.

I took these pictures with a Polaroid is2132 camera on the 5th July 2015, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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The Summit Tunnel Eastern Portal

 Today, I found myself at a place where history and engineering meet nature's wild beauty: the eastern portal of the Summit Tunnel, nestled just outside of Walsden. It’s a spot that, at first glance, is simply a picturesque railway cutting framed by lush greenery and the dramatic Pennine hills. But looking closer, and listening to the low rumble of a passing train, you can feel the weight of its incredible history.

The series of photos I captured tells a small story of this location. From the first glimpse of the tunnel's mouth hidden amongst the trees to the powerful sight of a train emerging from its darkness, and even a peek at the intricate brickwork of the portal itself. The images show a train heading towards the tunnel, and then moments later, another view captures a different train heading away from it. This constant movement is a testament to the tunnel's enduring legacy as a vital artery of the UK's railway network.

The Summit Tunnel is not just any old railway passage; it's a colossal piece of Victorian engineering. When it was opened in 1841, it was the longest railway tunnel in the world, stretching an incredible 2,885 yards (about 2.6 kilometers) beneath the Pennine hills. It was a groundbreaking achievement of its time, a key part of the Manchester and Leeds Railway that connected these two great industrial cities.

The construction itself was a monumental effort. Digging through solid rock and battling difficult geological conditions, the engineers and navvies of the era faced immense challenges. The tunnel was built with a series of vertical shafts to aid in the excavation, and the sheer scale of the work is hard to comprehend today.

Looking at the photo of the tunnel's brickwork, you can see the craftsmanship that has stood the test of time. The arches and the meticulously laid bricks are a silent monument to the people who built it. The railway lines themselves, shining in the daylight, lead the eye into the deep, dark mouth of the tunnel, a gateway to a different world.

Even today, as I stood on the bridge overlooking the tracks, the sight of a train disappearing into the tunnel or bursting out from it feels special. It’s a connection to the past, a link between the bustling cities and the serene countryside. This tunnel has seen the age of steam, the transition to diesel, and now modern trains continue to use it, carrying passengers and goods through the heart of the Pennines.

It's a reminder that beneath our feet and under our landscapes lie incredible feats of engineering that have shaped our country. The Summit Tunnel is more than just a route; it’s a living piece of history, a testament to human ingenuity, and a stunning landmark hidden in plain sight.

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The Rochdale Canal from Lock 2 to Bridge 1A

On Sunday, April 10, 2022, I took a walk along a fascinating section of the Rochdale Canal in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire. This stretch, running from Lock 2 to Bridge 1A, is a remarkable example of industrial heritage and engineering. It's an interesting walk, full of history and some unique features that really tell the story of this once-vital waterway.

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The Start of the Journey: Lock 2 and Christ Church

I began my walk at Lock 2. From here, you can look back along the canal, with the old warehouse buildings casting a long shadow on the still water. . This spot gives you a real sense of the canal's scale and its importance to the local industry. Looking the other way, the canal gently curves towards Sowerby Bridge, and in the distance, you can see the distinctive clock tower of Christ Church, Sowerby Bridge. . The church stands as a prominent landmark, watching over the canal.

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Tuel Lane Lock and the Tunnel

The most dramatic part of this walk is undoubtedly the approach to and passage through Tuel Lane Lock and Tuel Lane Tunnel. The lock itself is an impressive sight, a huge, deep chamber that is actually the deepest canal lock in the UK, at 20 feet (6.1 meters). . This immense depth was achieved by combining two old locks into a single one during restoration. The sheer scale of it is astonishing, and you can see the sturdy wooden gates and the intricate brickwork up close. .

The canal then disappears into the darkness of the Tuel Lane Tunnel. . Unlike most canal tunnels, which are long and go through hills, this one is quite short. It was built to bypass a road and a busy junction when the canal was reopened. It's a surreal experience to see the water simply vanish into the hillside, only to re-emerge a short distance away.

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The Final Stretch

As you walk alongside the lock and beyond the tunnel, the path continues towards Bridge 1A. This area is quite tranquil, a peaceful waterside path with the old buildings and greenery of Sowerby Bridge visible on either side. You can still see the last remaining bits of old infrastructure from the canal's working days, and it’s a great way to appreciate the town’s rich past.

This short but sweet section of the Rochdale Canal is a must-see for anyone interested in industrial history or a pleasant canal side walk. The combination of historic buildings, clever engineering, and serene scenery makes for a perfect Sunday stroll.

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The original Wharf Street bridge can just be seen inside the tunnel.

The former Jolly Sailor Pub (closed 1939). The Building was once the caretakers residence
for Lock Hill Mills. The part of the mill that stood alongside was demolished
in the late 1990's, the red brick part of Lock Hill Mills still stands on the southern bank
of the River Calder. The Jolly Sailor is now a set of apartments.

The canal pictured from Wharf Street in the direction of Lock 2. The building to the left
is the Roxy a local nightspot thats started life as the Electric Cinema around the time
of World War 1. The cinema closed in 1963 and became a bingo and cafe, before eventually
becoming a nightclub - bar.

A view of Tuel Lane Lock and Christ Church Tower. I was just trying to get a different angle
of the lock and down in to the tunnel, taken from the LIDL supermarket car park.

Tuel Lane Tunnel entrance in to the lock.

Tuel Lane Lock, which is lock 3/4 on the Rochdale Canal replaced 2 locks on this
section of canal, lock 4 would have been just behind where I am stood, lock 3 was on the bend inside
the tunnel just in front of the church tower. These were infilled along with this section of canal after
closure in 1952. This was a car park with a disused theatre to my right when I was growing up 

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Tuel Lane Lock and Tunnel: A Deep Dive into Rochdale Canal's History

Nestled near the starting point of the Rochdale Canal in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, lies an impressive feat of engineering: Tuel Lane Lock and Tunnel. Opened in May 1996, this lock isn't just a vital part of the canal's navigation; it's also the deepest lock in the entire United Kingdom, boasting an astounding fall of 19 feet 8 inches!

But the story of Tuel Lane goes much deeper than its modern marvel. Originally, the canal flowed beneath a charming canal bridge, still visible just inside the mouth of the present-day Tuel Lane Tunnel. From there, it continued openly to Lock 3, situated alongside Christ Church and the local pub where Tuel Lane Road and the car park entrance now meet. Lock 4 was then located between this original lock and Bridge 1a at Tower Hill.

Sadly, these earlier sections of the canal and its locks were lost sometime in the 1940s or 50s. Tuel Lane was diverted and widened to its current configuration, and the canal and its locks were infilled to create the car park we see today.

Thankfully, the dream of a fully restored Rochdale Canal never truly faded. The formation of the Rochdale Canal Society in 1974 brought the canal's future into sharper focus. A pivotal 1991 report highlighting the benefits of restoration eventually led to a significant grant of £2.5 million from derelict land grants, paving the way for the reopening of Tuel Lane Lock and Tunnel.

For those eager to delve further into the history of this remarkable section of the canal, I highly recommend checking out my previous blog post from November 19, 2017. That post features a fascinating collection of pictures of the lock, canal, and tunnel from before their closure and prior to their reopening. These images, though not my own and credited where possible to the copyright holder, offer an incredible glimpse into the canal's past.

The pictures accompanying this post, however, are my own, captured in June 2014 using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. They showcase the section of the Rochdale Canal between Bridge 1a Tower Hill and Lock 2, passing by the impressive Tuel Lane Tunnel and Lock. I hope they inspire you to explore this historically rich and visually stunning part of our local waterways!

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Rochdale Canal towards Tuel Lane Lock and Tunnel, pictured from
under Bridge 1a Tower Hill.

The Rochdale Canal close to where Lock 4 was
originally sighted.

Tuel Lane Lock

Rochdale Canal away from Tuel Lane Lock towards Bridge 1a
Tower Hill. Lock 4 was sighted somewhere along this stretch.

Tuel Lane Lock, the lock keepers office is sighted to the right
of the picture.

Tuel Lane Tunnel looking down from the lock.

The lock gates give an idea of the depth of the lock.

Tuel Lane Tunnel from the other side, the original bridge that 
carried Wharf Street is just inside the tunnel mouth and the 
same shape and style as it's modern entrance.

Lock 2 towards Tuel Lane Tunnel entrance.

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Sowerby Bridge: A Photographer's Early Journey Through a Historic Town

 My photographic journey truly began in 2013, sparked by a holiday to Lanzarote. Upon my return, I started exploring my local area with fresh eyes, and naturally, my hometown of Sowerby Bridge became my primary subject.

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A Glimpse into Sowerby Bridge's Past

Sowerby Bridge is a bustling market town nestled in Calderdale, West Yorkshire. Its origins are deeply rooted in the confluence of the Rivers Calder and Ryburn, where a ford once stood, eventually replaced by the bridge that gave the town its name. The Industrial Revolution marked a period of significant growth for Sowerby Bridge. The rivers, along with numerous streams and inlets, provided the power for the textile and engineering mills that sprang up along their banks. The town became an urban district in 1894 and later merged into the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale in 1974.

The town's waterways are particularly notable. Sowerby Bridge is the junction point of the Calder and Hebble Navigation Canal, opened in 1770, and the Rochdale Canal, which opened in 1804. While the Calder and Hebble has remained open since its completion, the Rochdale Canal faced closure in 1952, with its last full journey from Sowerby Bridge occurring in 1937. A section of the canal was even infilled and converted into a road (Tuel Lane) and a car park before being gloriously reopened in 1996.

The railway also played a crucial role in Sowerby Bridge's development, arriving in 1840 with the opening of its first station. This station, located near the current Tesco, was replaced in 1876 by the present-day station, strategically moved in anticipation of the new Rishworth Branch Line.

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Overcoming Challenges and Looking to the Future

Following the departure of textile and engineering companies, Sowerby Bridge experienced a period of decline. The town's hilly terrain and lack of flat land proved unsuitable for modern industrial development. By the late 1970s, many businesses had left, leading to various regeneration efforts. These included the establishment of a canoe club on the River Calder, the vital restoration of the Rochdale Canal and its wharf area, and the large-scale conversion of former mills into apartments and smaller, more suitable industrial units.

While significantly improved since the 1980s, Sowerby Bridge still grapples with challenges, including persistent traffic congestion and a scarcity of shops to attract visitors. Despite these hurdles, the canals remain a central feature of the town, and the annual Rushbearing festival brings much-needed tourism, though its popularity has waned in recent years.

The pictures I captured around Sowerby Bridge in 2013, all taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, formed the basis of an early YouTube video, marking the true beginning of my photographic exploration.

Sowerby Bridge Station

The Canal Basin

Scar Head Tunnel Portal, on the closed Rishworth Branch Line.

Jubilee Refreshment Rooms, formerly Sowerby Bridge Station ticket office

The Subway at Sowerby Bridge Station. The bricked up portal used to run under long since removed lines and into the former station building which was damaged by fire and demolished around 1980.

Willow Hall Dam, this was taken on Boxing Day 2013, the bench is no longer their.

Winton Mill

The former Coal Drops

Willow Hall Dam

The Navigation Inn

The Rochdale Canal from Co-Op Bridge

The tunnel to the east of Sowerby Bridge is known by a few different names, the most popular being Dixy, Cemetery or Sowerby Tunnel. 

County Bridge, the bridge that gives the town it's name. A much older bridge can be seen underneath, which has been largely covered due to road widening.

Sowerby Bridge Cemetery

Carlton Mill Chimney

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