The Salvage Archive: The Gothic Grandeur of Arundel Castle

 There is something inherently romantic about a 35mm slide. The way the light catches the emulsion, the slight grain that softens the edges of reality, and that distinct, warm colour palette that modern digital sensors struggle to replicate perfectly. These three images of Arundel Castle are more than just photographs; they are windows into a specific era of British heritage preservation.

Based on the saturation of the greens, the specific "warmth" of the interior lighting, and the film grain visible in these scans, these slides likely date back to the late 1970s or early 1980s. This was a golden era for heritage photography, where the goal was to capture the "stately home" in its most pristine, regal state.

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The Seat of the Dukes of Norfolk: A History in Stone

Perched high on a hill in West Sussex, overlooking the River Arun, Arundel Castle is a masterclass in architectural evolution. It has been the family seat of the Dukes of Norfolk (and their ancestors, the Earls of Arundel) for over 850 years.

1. The Medieval Roots and the Motte

In the aerial photograph provided, the most striking feature is the Motte—the great artificial mound topped by the circular stone Keep. Established by Roger de Montgomery on Christmas Day, 1067, the castle was designed to defend the south coast against potential invaders.

The castle has survived sieges, most notably during the English Civil War (1642–1651), which left much of the medieval structure in ruins. However, the resilient spirit of the Howard family ensured that Arundel would not remain a ruin for long.

2. The Victorian Gothic Revival

While the foundations are ancient, much of what we see in these photographs is the result of a massive restoration project in the late 19th century. The 15th Duke of Norfolk (1847–1917) undertook a magnificent rebuilding program, completed in 1900, which turned the castle into one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in the world.

The interiors—the Barons’ Hall and the Dining Room—are triumphs of this era, blending medieval aesthetics with the comfort and engineering of the late Victorian period.

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Exploring the Interiors: A Photographer’s Perspective

The Barons' Hall: A Cathedral of Timber

The first slide captures the breathtaking Barons’ Hall. This room is designed to evoke the scale and power of the medieval nobility.

• The Roof: Notice the magnificent hammerbeam roof, carved from English oak. From a photography standpoint, the way the light filters down from the high windows highlights the complex geometry of the timber.

• The Details: The walls are adorned with portraits of the Howard family and vast tapestries. In the slide, the light is concentrated on the lower half of the room, creating a dramatic contrast with the dark, soaring rafters above.

• The Composition: The photographer chose a low angle, emphasizing the polished expanse of the wooden floor, which reflects the light like a golden lake.

The Dining Room: Gothic Elegance

The second slide takes us into the Dining Room, formerly the family chapel. The architectural transition is evident in the pointed arches and the delicate, clustered columns.

• The Fireplace: The massive stone fireplace is a focal point of the room. In this 35mm shot, the "cool" stone of the fireplace contrasts beautifully with the "warm" gold of the table settings.

• Lighting: The use of candles on the table (even if staged) adds a layer of authenticity. For film photographers, capturing these low-light interiors without a flash required a steady hand and a wide aperture, resulting in the soft, atmospheric glow seen here.

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Capturing History from Above: The Aerial View

The third slide provides a rare aerial perspective of the entire estate.

• The Layout: You can clearly see the "double-court" layout. The Motte and Keep sit in the centre, flanked by the sprawling domestic wings.

• Landscape Photography: The lush greenery surrounding the castle is characteristic of the Sussex Downs. The deep shadows in the trees suggest this was taken during the "Golden Hour"—either early morning or late afternoon—giving the stone walls a soft, honeyed hue.

• The 35mm Aesthetic: The slight vignetting (darkening of the corners) and the organic texture of the film grain give this image a nostalgic feel that makes the castle look like it’s part of a storybook illustration.

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Photography Tips for Visiting Arundel Castle

If you are planning to visit Arundel to capture your own images, keep these tips in mind to honour the aesthetic of these vintage slides:

1. Look for Symmetries: The Gothic Revival style is deeply symmetrical. Use the arches in the Dining Room or the long perspective of the Barons’ Hall to create balanced, "wes-anderson-esque" compositions.

2. Embrace Natural Light: Tripods are often restricted inside historic homes. To get that vintage look, use a high ISO (or fast film) and rely on the natural light pouring through the stained glass.

3. The View from the Keep: For an aerial feel without a drone, climb the 131 steps to the top of the Keep. You’ll get a stunning view of the Arundel Cathedral and the surrounding countryside.

4. Capture the Textures: Don't just shoot wide. Zoom in on the carved oak, the cold stone of the fireplace, and the weave of the tapestries.

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The Enduring Legacy of Arundel

Arundel Castle remains a lived-in home, which is perhaps why it feels so "alive" in these photographs. Unlike many ruins that feel like museums of a dead past, Arundel feels like a continuous thread of English history.

These 35mm slides preserve a moment in time—a bridge between the 19th-century restoration and the 21st-century tourism of today. They remind us that while the Dukes of Norfolk may change, the stone, the oak, and the Sussex light remain eternal.

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The Gateway to the Calder Valley: Exploring Halifax Railway Station

 Stepping onto the platform at Halifax Railway Station is more than just a transition between trains; it is an immersion into the industrial heartbeat of West Yorkshire. The station, a blend of mid-Victorian grandeur and rugged Pennine utility, serves as a striking threshold to a town that built its fortune on wool, flour, and engineering. For any traveller or photographer, the views from these platforms offer a vertical slice of history, where 19th-century brickwork meets the ambitious infrastructure projects of the modern era.

A Legacy in Stone: The Station’s Origins

The story of Halifax’s rail connection is one of perseverance against the landscape. While the main Manchester and Leeds line originally bypassed the town due to its steep valleys, a branch line finally reached Halifax in 1844. The station we see today, largely defined by the designs of Thomas Butterworth and opened in 1855, replaced the original terminus.

One of the most evocative sights from Platform 1 is the 1855 building itself. This Grade II listed structure, with its ashlar stone and classical portico, no longer serves as the main passenger entrance—it now houses the nursery for the nearby Eureka! The National Children’s Museum. However, its presence remains a powerful reminder of the "Railway Mania" era, when stations were built as "temples of travel."

The Industrial Skyline: The Halifax Flour Society

Looking out from the station toward the east, your eye is immediately drawn to the massive, five-storey brick edifice that dominates the horizon. This is the Halifax Flour Society building, a monument to Victorian cooperation. Built in 1879, it was once one of the largest grain mills in the country.

The Flour Society was born out of necessity in 1847 to provide affordable, unadulterated bread to the working class during a time of extreme economic hardship. Today, the building stands as part of the Nestlé site, yet the faded lettering of "HALIFAX FLOUR SOCIETY" still whispers from its walls, overlooking the tracks that once brought in the coal and grain required to feed the town.

Into the Hill: The Beacon Hill Tunnel

If you look south from the platforms, the tracks disappear into the darkness of the Beacon Hill Tunnel. This tunnel represents a significant engineering feat, boring through the gritstone and coal measures of Beacon Hill. The hill itself is a landmark of local legend, having hosted everything from Armada warning beacons to the grisly display of the Cragg Vale Coiners in the 18th century.

Watching a train emerge from the tunnel is a favourite moment for rail enthusiasts. It marks the final hurdle of the trans-Pennine journey before the line opens up into the station, framed by the steep, green slopes that give Halifax its dramatic, enclosed character.

The Modern Arrival: The Entrance Bridge

The current entrance to the station is via a high-level pedestrian bridge that spans the tracks, connecting the town centre at Horton Street to the station platforms. This bridge provides a perfect vantage point for photographers. From here, you can see the "layering" of the station: the active platforms below, the Victorian signal box, and the sprawling complex of Eureka! and the Piece Hall just beyond.

While the bridge is a functional piece of 20th-century infrastructure, it is currently at the heart of exciting redevelopment plans. Calderdale Council has proposed a transformational project that includes:

• A new two-storey station building: Replacing the current modular facilities with a modern, glazed concourse.

• A new "Town Footbridge": An iconic structure to improve cycle and pedestrian connectivity to the town’s cultural gateway.

• Reopening historic underpasses: Making the station a "through-route" rather than a dead-end, linking the Hebble Trail to the town centre.

A Photographer's Perspective

For those visiting with a camera, Halifax Railway Station offers a wealth of textures and angles. The contrast between the weathered gritstone of the viaducts and the sharp lines of modern rolling stock creates a compelling narrative.

• The "Beacon Hill Shot": Capturing the station with the looming green hill and the replica beacon in the background.

• The Detail Work: Focusing on the ironwork of the platform canopies or the intricate stone carvings on the 1855 building.

• The Industrial Echo: Using the Flour Society mill as a backdrop for departing trains to emphasize the town’s manufacturing heritage.

Conclusion

Halifax Railway Station is a place where time seems to fold in on itself. You can stand on a modern platform, look at a 19th-century mill, and walk through an entrance bridge destined for 21st-century renewal. It is a gateway that honours its past while leaning into a future as a world-class transport hub. Whether you are a local commuter or a visitor arriving to explore the Piece Hall, take a moment to look beyond the tracks—there is a whole world of history waiting to be seen.

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The Untamed Beauty of Carter Bar: Where England Meets Scotland

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Cheviots, high in the wild expanse of Northumberland National Park, lies a place steeped in history, breathtaking views, and an undeniable sense of raw, untamed beauty: Carter Bar.

More than just a point on a map, Carter Bar is a symbolic gateway, marking the exact spot where England bids farewell and Scotland extends a welcoming embrace (or vice-versa, depending on your direction of travel!). For centuries, this strategic mountain pass has witnessed countless tales – from fierce border reivers and warring clans to the peaceful passage of travellers seeking new adventures.

A Panoramic Welcome to Scotland

Driving north on the A68, the ascent to Carter Bar is a journey in itself. As you climb, the landscape gradually transforms, opening up to ever-more spectacular vistas. Then, you arrive.

On one side, the Saltire of Scotland proudly flutters, while on the other, the St. George's Cross of England stands sentinel. Between them, a stone cairn marks the precise border. But it's the view that truly captures the soul. Looking out across the vast, undulating moorland, often swathed in a vibrant purple haze of heather during late summer, you feel an incredible sense of scale and wilderness.

Echoes of a Turbulent Past

Today, Carter Bar is a peaceful, popular stopping point for tourists. However, its history is anything but tranquil. For centuries, the Anglo-Scottish border was a lawless land, a battleground where the "Border Reivers" – notorious raiders from both sides – wreaked havoc, stealing cattle and clashing in bloody skirmishes. The very landscape seems to whisper tales of these turbulent times. You can almost imagine the clang of steel and the thundering hooves of horses echoing across these very hills.

While the conflicts are long past, the distinct identities of both nations remain strong, making the border crossing a tangible experience.

More Than Just a View: What to Do at Carter Bar

Even if you're just passing through, a stop at Carter Bar is highly recommended.

• Soak in the Views: Take your time to absorb the magnificent panoramic scenery. On a clear day, you can see for miles across both English and Scottish terrain.

• Photo Opportunities: Naturally, the border marker with the flags provides an iconic backdrop for photographs. Get a picture with one foot in England and one in Scotland!

• Visitor Information: There's usually a small mobile shop or visitor information point where you can grab a warm drink, a snack, and perhaps a souvenir to commemorate your visit.

• Continue Your Journey: From here, you can choose to delve deeper into the Scottish Borders or continue your exploration of Northumberland.

Planning Your Visit

• Location: Carter Bar is located on the A68 road, approximately 8 miles north of Byrness, England, and 12 miles south of Jedburgh, Scotland.

• Accessibility: There's a free car park right at the viewpoint.

• Weather: Be prepared for all types of weather, even in summer. It's an exposed location, so wind and rain are not uncommon. Layers are always a good idea!

Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply passing through on a road trip, Carter Bar offers a memorable experience. It's a place where the grandeur of the landscape meets the echoes of history, and where two proud nations meet in a stunning embrace. So next time you're traversing the Anglo-Scottish border, make sure to pull over, take a breath, and truly appreciate the untamed beauty of Carter Bar.

I took the pictures below with a Polaroid is2132 camera on the 21st February 2014, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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The Salvage Archive: An Archival Look at Shrewsbury's English Bridge

 There’s a certain thrill in acquiring a random box of old 35mm slides—you never know what little piece of forgotten history you might uncover. Recently, this striking image of the English Bridge in Shrewsbury caught my eye. It's a beautifully composed shot, capturing the bridge's classic stonework and the distinctive spires of the town rising beyond the River Severn.

Let's dive into the history of this iconic landmark and see if we can use the photograph itself to determine when this particular moment was frozen in time.

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The History of the English Bridge

The English Bridge is a major gateway into the historic loop of Shrewsbury town centre, and its history is a long and winding one, mirroring the River Severn it crosses:

• A Crossing Since Medieval Times: A bridge has stood on this spot since at least the 12th century, likely wooden initially, before being replaced by a more substantial stone structure known as the Stone Bridge or Great Bridge.

• The Second Incarnation (1774): The current structure's direct predecessor was built between 1769 and 1774 by renowned architect John Gwynne. It was considered a magnificent example of Georgian engineering, featuring elegant stone balustrades.

• The Modern Bridge (1926): The bridge we see today is a widening and rebuilding of Gwynne's 18th-century structure. Due to increased traffic and narrowness, it was demolished and reconstructed between 1924 and 1926 by engineer Sir Thomas Peirson Frank and the Shrewsbury Borough Surveyor, A. W. Ward. The new design retained the look of the Georgian original but was significantly wider and structurally reinforced. It was formally opened by Queen Mary on October 20, 1926, and is the Grade II listed structure we admire today.

The spires visible in the background are another clue to the town’s rich past: the tall, Gothic-style spire to the left is likely St Mary's Church, while the one near the centre belongs to St Alkmund's Church.

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Dating the Slide: Clues from the Film and Foliage

While the bridge's architecture confirms it was taken after its 1926 reconstruction, we can narrow the date down significantly by looking at the photograph's characteristics:

1. The Colour Palette: The rich, slightly muted reds and browns in the foliage, the deep green of the grass, and the distinct blue of the sky suggest a colour slide film from the 1970s or early 1980s. The colour saturation and overall "look" are typical of slide film from that era, such as Kodachrome or Ektachrome.

2. The Foliage: Crucially, the trees on the far bank show sparse leaves and definite autumnal tones, while the grass in the foreground is still lush and green. This points clearly to a photograph taken in late autumn (October or November).

3. Modern Clutter: The lack of heavy, modern signage or overt 21st-century street furniture also reinforces an earlier date.

Conclusion on Date: Based on the film's distinct colour rendering and the seasonal state of the trees, this beautiful vista of Shrewsbury’s English Bridge was most likely captured during a clear, crisp day in Autumn between 1975 and 1985.

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The Salvage Archive: Stonehenge, July 1977, A Look Back Through the Lens

Stonehenge. The name conjures up mystery, ancient rites, and the sheer scale of human ambition. But beyond the geology and archaeology, a photograph of the site often captures something else: a particular moment in time.

I recently rediscovered this black-and-white image—a 35mm slide taken in July 1977—and it instantly transported me back to a pivotal era for this iconic monument.

The Monumental and the Mundane

What immediately strikes me about this photograph is the contrast. The Neolithic sarsens and bluestones dominate the frame, dark and imposing against the bright sky, emphasizing their enormous presence. It’s a shot that speaks to the sheer mass and mystery of the structure.

But look closer, and you see the details that anchor it firmly in the late 1970s:

• Proximity to the Stones: Notice the two figures nestled right between the towering uprights. Today, visitors view the stones from behind a rope barrier, kept at a respectful distance to prevent damage. This photograph is a fantastic reminder of a time when people could walk directly among the stones, touching the cold, ancient surfaces.

• A Snapshot of Visitors: The figures—perhaps a family or a couple—are dressed in the casual attire of the era. Their small scale relative to the trilithons highlights the truly monumental nature of the site. They are just a fleeting moment in the thousands of years of history that the stones have witnessed.

• The Black-and-White Aesthetic: The photograph’s monochrome nature, typical of many 35mm slides processed into prints, adds a dramatic, almost brooding atmosphere. It accentuates the texture of the stone and strips away the distractions of colour, focusing the viewer purely on form, shadow, and scale.

Stonehenge in 1977: A Changing Landscape

The late 1970s marked a transition for Stonehenge. While it was still relatively accessible, the number of visitors was rapidly increasing, leading to necessary changes in management and conservation that would be implemented over the coming decades.

This image captures the end of an era—a time just before the site became fully roped off, a time when the stones felt a little more personal, a little more accessible, and perhaps a little more susceptible to being touched and experienced up close.

Holding this slide, I'm reminded that Stonehenge isn't just an ancient ruin; it's a living, breathing landmark that constantly changes how we interact with it.

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