Where Industry Meets the Wild: A Journey to Blackstone Edge Reservoir

 The Pennines have long been the rugged backbone of England, a place where the elements command respect and the landscape tells a story of both natural endurance and human ambition. On a moody, overcast day on June 16th, 2015, I found myself standing on the banks of Blackstone Edge Reservoir, a high-altitude water body that perfectly captures the desolate beauty of the West Yorkshire moors.

The Haunting Beauty of the High Moors

Located near Littleborough and straddling the boundary between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, Blackstone Edge is perhaps most famous for its dramatic gritstone escarpment and the ancient "Roman Road" that carves through the peat. However, the reservoir itself offers a different kind of aesthetic—one that balances the organic textures of the moorland with the stark, skeletal lines of industrial infrastructure.

On this particular June day, the sky was a heavy tapestry of grey and white clouds, casting a soft, diffused light over the water. There is a specific kind of silence you find at this elevation. It is rarely a true silence; instead, it is a symphony of wind whistling through the grass, the distant cry of a curlew, and the faint hum of the power lines that march across the horizon.

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The Intersection of Nature and Infrastructure

One cannot ignore the striking presence of the electricity pylons that dominate the skyline around Blackstone Edge. To some, these are scars on the landscape, but through a lens, they provide a fascinating geometric contrast to the rolling hills.

The Industrial Sentinels

The pylons stand like giant iron sentinels, their cables cutting sharp, horizontal lines across the soft curves of the moorland. In the photographs from this trip, you can see how the vast scale of the Pennines dwarfs even these massive structures. There is a certain "industrial sublime" at work here—a reminder of how we have harnessed these wild spaces to power the world below.

Water and Stone

The reservoir's edge is a rugged mix of mossy banks and weathered stone. In the shallower reaches, scattered rocks break the surface of the dark, peat-stained water. These stones, worn by decades of waves and wind, provide a resting place for the local waterfowl. On this visit, a small flock of Canada geese could be seen drifting across the ripples, seemingly indifferent to the looming steel towers behind them.

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Architectural Details: The Spillway and Masonry

Moving away from the open water, the engineering of the reservoir becomes more apparent. The Pennine reservoirs are masterpieces of Victorian and early 20th-century water management, and Blackstone Edge is no exception.

The Stone Spillways

One of the most captivating features to photograph was the stone-lined spillway and the drainage channels. Built from local gritstone, these structures have weathered into a dark, atmospheric hue. I chose to process some of these images in high-contrast monochrome to emphasize the textures:

• The Masonry: The precision of the hand-cut stones in the arched outlets.

• The Flow: The way the water channels create leading lines that draw the eye toward the dam wall.

• The Valve Gear: Rusting iron wheels and mechanical components that look like relics of a steam-punk era, still standing guard over the water levels.

The black-and-white treatment brings out the "grit" of the North. It highlights the moss growing in the cracks of the stone and the silver sheen of the water as it trickles down the paved channels.

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Flora and Fauna of the 16th June

Mid-June in the Pennines is a brief window of vibrancy before the harshness of late summer or the deep damp of autumn sets in.

• Cotton Grass: The bogs surrounding the reservoir were dotted with the white, fluffy heads of cotton grass, swaying violently in the upland breeze.

• The Moorland Grasses: The slopes are covered in a mix of purple moor grass and heather, which, while not yet in full purple bloom in mid-June, provides a rich palette of ochre, olive, and deep green.

• Birdlife: Aside from the geese, the area is a haven for ground-nesting birds. The "bubble" call of the curlew is the definitive soundtrack to a walk at Blackstone Edge.

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Why Visit Blackstone Edge Reservoir?

If you are a photographer, a hiker, or someone who simply finds peace in "the middle of nowhere," this spot is a hidden gem. While many hikers head straight for the trig point at the top of the "Edge," the reservoir circuit offers a more level, reflective experience.

Photography Tips for Moody Days

Don't be discouraged by a flat, grey sky. As seen in the 2015 gallery, an overcast day is perfect for:

1. Capturing Texture: Without harsh shadows, the details in the moss, rocks, and grass pop.

2. Long Exposures: The wind at this height creates beautiful movement in the water, which can be smoothed out with an ND filter for a minimalist look.

3. Industrial Portraits: The pylons look more imposing and "monumental" against a backdrop of brooding clouds than they do against a bright blue sky.

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The Long Road Home

Walking back toward the road, with the wind at your back and the sight of the A6033 winding through the valley, you feel a sense of perspective. Blackstone Edge Reservoir is a place where the modern world and the ancient earth sit uncomfortably close to one another. It is a landscape of utility, but also one of profound, lonely beauty.

As I looked back at the water one last time on that June afternoon, the pylons seemed less like intrusions and more like a part of the local ecology—the modern trees of the Yorkshire moors.

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Trip Details

• Location: Blackstone Edge Reservoir, Near Littleborough/Ripponden.

• Date: 16th June 2015.

• Weather: Overcast, 14°C, moderate winds.

• Terrain: Peat moorland, rocky paths, and gravel tracks.

I took these pictures on the16th June 2015 with a Polaroid is2132. 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.

A Journey Through Halifax’s Architectural Rebirth

 The skyline of Halifax, West Yorkshire, is a striking dialogue between the industrial grit of the 18th century and the bold, glass-fronted ambition of the 21st. To walk through the town centre is to witness a masterclass in urban regeneration—where hollowed-out ruins have been transformed into cultural powerhouses.

On a crisp, clear day in late September 2018, the low autumn sun hit the Pennine stone just right, illuminating a story of resilience. From the defiant spire of a lost church to the grandest courtyard in Europe, here is a photographic exploration of Halifax’s most iconic landmarks.

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The Sentinel: Square Church Spire

Our journey begins looking skyward. The Square Church Spire stands as a magnificent, solitary finger of stone pointing toward the Yorkshire heavens. For many visitors, it is the first thing they see when arriving by train, a lighthouse of Gothic Revival architecture.

Completed in 1857, the Square Congregational Church was once a sprawling masterpiece designed by Joseph James. However, after two devastating fires in the 1970s, the main body of the church was lost. Most towns might have cleared the rubble and moved on, but Halifax chose a different path. They kept the spire—a Grade II* listed structure—and integrated it into the very fabric of the town's future.

Standing at the base of the tower, you can see the intricate stonework and the looming clock face. The contrast between the weathered, honey-coloured sandstone and the deep cerulean sky of a September afternoon is breathtaking. It serves as a reminder that even when the foundations of our past crumble, the peaks can still reach for the future.

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Where History Meets Literacy: The New Halifax Central Library

If the spire represents the past preserved, the Rose Window inside the new Halifax Central Library and Archives represents the past repurposed.

The library, which opened in late 2017, is a stunning example of "old meets new." It was built directly onto the remains of the Square Church. Walking through the sleek, modern entrance, you are suddenly confronted by the massive, skeletal beauty of the church’s original Rose Window.

A View Through the Glass

• The Contrast: The window is framed by modern glass balustrades and clean, minimalist bookshelves.

• The Light: As seen in the photography from September 26th, the afternoon sun streams through the tracery, casting geometric shadows across the library floor.

• The Purpose: It’s no longer a religious icon; it’s a literary one. It provides a quiet, contemplative space for readers to sit with a book, surrounded by centuries of craftsmanship.

Seeing the Rose Window from the interior mezzanine is a visceral experience. It bridges the gap between the industrial Halifax of the Victorian era and the digital, knowledge-driven Halifax of today.

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The Gateway to Grandeur: Piece Hall Eastern Entrance

Leaving the library, brings you to the Eastern Entrance of The Piece Hall. This specific entrance is a fascinating junction of materials. To your left, the modern brickwork and glass of the library extension; to your right, the rugged red brick of the Calderdale Industrial Museum; and straight ahead, the stone arches that lead into another world.

The metal signage above the gate—THE PIECE HALL—is understated, allowing the architecture to do the talking. This entrance acts as a "compression point." You move from the narrow, busy streets of the town into a sudden, sprawling expanse of history.

Note for Travelers: If you visit the Eastern Entrance, don't miss the Calderdale Industrial Museum right next door. It houses the working machinery that once made this town the "Town of a Hundred Trades."

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The Piazza of the North: Inside The Piece Hall

Finally, we step into the heart of Halifax: The Piece Hall.

Originally opened on January 1, 1779, this Grade I listed building is the only remaining 18th-century cloth hall in the world. It was built for "pieces" of hand-loomed woollen cloth to be sold, but today, following a multi-million-pound restoration, it feels more like a Mediterranean piazza dropped into the middle of West Yorkshire.

The Grand Scale

The courtyard is vast—66,000 square feet of open space. On a quiet Wednesday in September, the scale is even more apparent. The symmetry of the Rustic, Tuscan, and Arcade levels creates a rhythmic backdrop of columns and arches that seems to go on forever.

The 2017 renovation added the sweeping stone steps and the level floor you see today, making it a premier venue for concerts (hosting the likes of Nile Rodgers and Blondie) and community gatherings. In the photo taken on the 26th, you can see the play of light across the York stone paving, emphasizing the sheer cleanliness and revitalized energy of the space.

What to do in The Piece Hall:

1. Shop Independent: From traditional sweets at Joseph Chance to contemporary art at The Creative Co-op.

2. Dine Al Fresco: Grab a coffee or a local ale and sit in the courtyard to soak in the architecture.

3. The Heritage Centre: Located near the North Gate, it tells the story of the cloth trade that built this town.

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Why Halifax Matters Now

For decades, Halifax was seen as a town whose best days were behind it. The chimneys had stopped smoking, and the mills were quiet. However, the synergy between the Square Church Spire, the Central Library, and The Piece Hall proves that architectural heritage is not a burden—it’s an asset.

When you stand in the centre of The Piece Hall and look back at the Square Church Spire peeking over the roofline, you aren't just looking at old buildings. You are looking at a town that has successfully reinvented itself without losing its soul.

Halifax is no longer just a stop on the way to Leeds or Manchester; it is a destination in its own right, a place where stone, steel, and sunlight tell a story of triumph.

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Plan Your Visit

• Best Time to Visit: Late September offers beautiful "Golden Hour" light for photographers.

• Getting There: Halifax is easily accessible by train from Leeds (20 mins) and Manchester (45 mins).

• Photography Tip: Use a wide-angle lens for The Piece Hall courtyard, but don't forget a zoom for the intricate details on the Square Church Spire.

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.

A Timeless Towpath Trek: Walking the Rochdale Canal from Luddendenfoot to Fairlea

 There is a specific kind of magic found in the post-industrial landscapes of West Yorkshire. It is a place where the grit of the 19th-century textile boom has been slowly, gracefully reclaimed by the persistent emerald reach of nature. On the 8th of July 2023, I set out to capture this atmospheric intersection on a walk along the Rochdale Canal, specifically the stretch starting at Station Road Bridge (Bridge 6) in Luddendenfoot and ending at Cooper House Bridge (Bridge 5) in Fairlea.

The Rochdale Canal is not just a waterway; it’s a living museum. Once a vital artery for the transport of coal, wool, and cotton across the Pennines, it now serves as a serene corridor for walkers, cyclists, and those seeking a momentary escape from the digital hum of modern life.

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Starting the Journey: Station Road Bridge (Bridge 6)

The walk begins in the heart of Luddendenfoot. Standing at Station Road Bridge, you are immediately struck by the characteristic gritstone architecture that defines the Calder Valley. The bridge itself—a sturdy, stone-arched sentinel—perfectly frames the canal as it disappears into a tunnel of overhanging trees.

To one side, the houses of Luddendenfoot sit right against the water’s edge. These aren't the sterile canal-side developments of modern cities; these are homes with history, some featuring small gardens and jetties that reflect a long-standing relationship with the water. The reflection of the stone masonry in the still canal water on a calm July morning creates a symmetrical beauty that is a photographer's dream.

The Echoes of Industry: Denholme Mills

As you leave the village centre and head east toward Fairlea, the path takes on a more brooding, industrial tone. You soon encounter the imposing facade of Denholme Mills. Even in a state of quietude, the sheer scale of the mill building is a testament to the area's heritage.

Seeing these massive brick and stone structures directly adjacent to the towpath reminds you of the canal's original purpose. The water wasn't for leisure; it was for power and logistics. In my photos, particularly the monochrome and high-contrast shots, the mill takes on a ghostly quality. The rows of windows, many now silent, watch over the water like eyes from another era. There is a profound stillness here—a "liminal space" where the busy past and the quiet present coexist.

Nature Reclaims the Towpath

Moving past the mills, the landscape shifts. The "urban" feel of Luddendenfoot gives way to a lush, green canopy. The Rochdale Canal is famous for its "green tunnels," where the trees on either bank lean inward, almost meeting in the middle.

On this July day, the vegetation was at its peak. The ferns were a vibrant, deep green, and the towpath was lined with wildflowers. The scent of damp earth and river water is a constant companion. This section of the walk offers:

• Reflective Waters: On a windless day, the canal acts as a perfect mirror for the sky and the dense foliage.

• Peaceful Solitude: Unlike the busier stretches near Hebden Bridge or Sowerby Bridge, the Luddendenfoot to Fairlea path offers long moments of absolute quiet.

• Wildlife Sightings: Keep an eye out for kingfishers—a flash of blue against the brown water—and the ever-present mallards and moorhens nesting in the reeds.

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The Final Stretch: Cooper House Bridge (Bridge 5)

Approaching Fairlea, the path opens up slightly before reaching Cooper House Bridge. This bridge feels more secluded than Station Road. It’s a classic Pennine canal bridge, narrow and weathered, with a steep set of stone steps leading up to the road above.

The stone walls here are thick with moss and ivy, and a heavy iron pipe runs alongside the bridge arch, adding a touch of rugged utility to the picturesque scene. This spot marks the transition from the Luddenden valley influences into the broader stretches toward Sowerby Bridge. Standing on the bridge and looking back the way you came, the canal looks like a silver thread woven into a tapestry of deep Yorkshire green.

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Photography Tips for the Rochdale Canal

Capturing the essence of this walk requires more than just pointing and clicking. Here are a few ways to elevate your canal photography:

1. Embrace the Mood: Don't be afraid of overcast days. The soft, diffused light brings out the textures in the gritstone and the richness of the greens.

2. Play with Post-Processing: As seen in my gallery, Sepia and Monochrome tones work wonders for the industrial sections. It strips away modern distractions and emphasizes the shapes and history of the mills.

3. Low Angles: Getting low to the water level can create a more immersive "on-the-water" feel, emphasizing the reflections and the length of the canal.

4. Framing: Use the bridges as natural frames for your subject, whether it’s a distant narrowboat or the vanishing point of the towpath.

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Why Visit Luddendenfoot?

While many tourists flock to the nearby "Lord Nelson Inn" or the bustling streets of Hebden Bridge, Luddendenfoot remains a hidden gem for those who prefer a more authentic, less-manicured experience. It’s a place where you can feel the weight of history without the crowds.

The walk from Bridge 6 to Bridge 5 is relatively short—roughly a mile—making it an accessible stroll for families or a perfect leg of a longer hike through the Calder Valley. It’s a reminder that beauty isn't always found in the grand and new; often, it’s found in the quiet, weathered corners of our industrial past.

Practical Information

• Start Point: Station Road, Luddendenfoot (Parking available nearby).

• End Point: Cooper House Bridge, Fairlea.

• Terrain: Flat, gravel/dirt towpath. Can be muddy after rain.

• Accessibility: Generally good for strollers, though some sections near the bridges have narrow points.

• Nearby: Check out the local pubs in Luddendenfoot for a post-walk refreshment.

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.

A Sanctuary of Brick and Spirit: Exploring St Peter’s Church, Balsall Common

 Nestled on the corner of Holly Lane and Balsall Street East, St Peter’s Church stands as a warm, red-brick sentinel of the Balsall Common community. To the casual passerby, it is a charming example of Victorian architecture, but to the local residents, it is a living timeline of the village's growth from a scattered hamlet to a bustling hub.

Visiting on a crisp January day—much like the one captured in these images from January 18, 2017—reveals a site that balances historical weight with modern accessibility. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a moment of quiet reflection, St Peter's offers a unique glimpse into the heart of the West Midlands.

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The Humble Beginnings: A "Chapel of Ease"

The story of St Peter’s begins not with grandeur, but with necessity. In the mid-19th century, the spiritual needs of the local area were served by St Mary’s in Temple Balsall. However, for those living in the burgeoning settlement of Balsall Street, the trek to Temple Balsall was a significant journey, often made difficult by the muddy, unpaved tracks of the era.

In 1871, the "Balsall Street Chapel" was licensed for worship. Built for the modest sum of roughly £900, it was designed as a "chapel of ease"—a secondary place of worship built for the convenience of parishioners who lived far from the main parish church.

"It was an unpretentious structure of brick, a simple nave without aisles, mirroring the simplicity of the faith it housed."

From Chapel to Parish Church

The transition from a small local chapel to a fully-fledged parish church took nearly a century. Key milestones in its evolution include:

• 1911: During a visit by Bishop Charles Gore, the chapel was officially dedicated as St Peter’s Church.

• 1959: St Peter’s finally achieved independence, becoming a parish church in its own right.

• 1989: A significant modern extension was dedicated, allowing the church to better serve its growing congregation with enhanced facilities.

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Architectural Highlights

When you look at the images from 2017, several architectural features stand out that define the character of St Peter's:

1. The Red Brick Vernacular

Unlike the grand sandstone edifices of many nearby medieval churches, St Peter’s embraces the red brick aesthetic typical of the Victorian era. The bricks have mellowed over time, giving the building a grounded, earthy feel that blends seamlessly with the surrounding greenery.

2. The Gothic Influence

Despite its "unpretentious" description, the church features beautiful Gothic Revival elements. The tall, pointed-arch windows (visible in the first image) are framed by delicate tracery. The east window is a particular highlight, serving as a focal point for the interior liturgy and a beacon of light for those approaching from the street.

3. The Bell Cote and Steeple

The western gable is topped with a distinctive shingled bell cote and a slender spire. This feature, capped with a traditional weathercock, gives the building its classic "village church" silhouette. It is a reminder of the days when the ringing of the bell was the primary way to call the community to prayer or announce local news.

4. The Modern Synthesis

The second and third images highlight how the church has adapted. The lower, wrap-around brick extension serves as a vital community space. This integration of the 19th-century "nave" with late 20th-century functionality demonstrates the church's commitment to being a "living" building rather than a static monument.

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A Walk Through the Grounds

The photographs taken in January 2017 capture the quiet dignity of the church grounds during the winter months.

• The Lychgate and Cross: Standing near the church wall is a simple, poignant wooden cross, a common sight in English churchyards that offers a space for individual remembrance.

• The Memorial Bench: Positioned looking toward the great east window, the bench suggests a place of rest for weary walkers or those visiting the graves of loved ones.

• The Evergreen Borders: Even in the depths of winter, the lush green of the yew and laurel bushes provides a vibrant contrast to the red brick and grey January sky.

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St Peter’s Today: More Than Just a Building

While the architecture is fascinating, the true value of St Peter’s lies in its role within Balsall Common. It remains a "friendly, inclusive, and welcoming" space. On any given week, the church hosts:

1. Traditional Services: From Holy Communion to Choral Evensong.

2. Community Hub: Hosting "Teeny Tinies" for toddlers and "Warm Welcome Cafes" for the elderly.

3. Educational Roots: The church was the site of the village's first formal school in 1875, a legacy that continues through its close ties with the local primary school.

Why Visit?

If you find yourself in the Solihull area, a detour to St Peter’s is well worth your time. It isn't a museum; it’s a heartbeat. Standing in the churchyard, you can almost hear the echoes of the 19th-century villagers who first gathered here, grateful for a place of worship they could finally call their own.

Whether you're visiting to admire the tracery of the windows or to find a moment of peace on a wooden bench, St Peter’s Church remains a steadfast symbol of community spirit in the West Midlands.

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.

Hidden Histories: Walking the 1850s Victorian Snicket of Sowerby Bridge

There is a specific kind of magic found in the narrow, stone-walled passages of West Yorkshire. Locally known as "snickets"—or "ginnels" and "alleys" depending on which side of the hill you stand—these pedestrian arteries are more than just shortcuts. They are the connective tissue of industrial history.

On a quiet afternoon on 14 July 2024, I set out to document one of Sowerby Bridge’s most atmospheric examples: the ancient snicket that climbs the steep terrain between Wharf Street and Beech Road.

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A Portal to the 1850s

While much of the modern world has been paved over with asphalt and concrete, this particular snicket remains a stubborn holdout of the Victorian era. If you consult the Ordnance Survey maps from the 1850s, you will find this exact path etched into the landscape.

In the mid-19th century, Sowerby Bridge was a burgeoning hub of the Industrial Revolution. While the wealthy mill owners built their grand villas higher up the valley sides to escape the smog, the workers navigated these steep stone chutes to reach the canal basins and textile mills below. Walking here today, you aren't just taking a stroll; you are retracing the footsteps of generations of weavers, canal men, and Victorian families.

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The Anatomy of a Yorkshire Snicket

What makes the Sowerby Bridge Snicket so visually arresting is its construction. As seen in the photographs, the path is defined by two primary elements: Dry stone walling and setts.

The Walls: Sentinels of Gritstone

The walls lining the path are masterpieces of functional masonry. On one side, you have the classic gritstone blocks, weathered by nearly two centuries of Pennine rain. These stones have turned a deep, soot-stained grey, a permanent reminder of the town’s coal-burning past. On the other side, moss and ivy have begun to reclaim the stone, turning the narrow corridor into a "living" tunnel of green.

The Ground Beneath Your Feet

The path is paved with traditional stone setts (often misidentified as cobblestones). These were essential for providing grip on the steep incline. Even on a damp July day, the uneven texture of the setts offers a tactile connection to the past. You can see where the stones have shifted slightly over the decades, creating a rhythmic, undulating floor that forces you to slow down and mind your step.

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Exploring the Path: From Beech Road to Wharf Street

Starting at the top near Beech Road, the snicket feels secluded and almost suburban. Large garden fences and overhanging trees create a lush canopy. As you descend, the atmosphere shifts. The walls seem to grow taller, and the space becomes more intimate.

The Steep Descent

One of the most striking features of this route is the sudden transition into stone steps. In this photograph the path plunges downward. This engineering was a necessity for the "vertical" towns of the Calder Valley. The transition from a flat-ish walkway to a steep staircase highlights the rugged geography that defined the lives of those living here in the 1850s.

Summer Growth and Hidden Colours

Though we often think of the industrial North as grey and bleak, the images captured on July 14th tell a different story. The height of summer has brought a riot of vegetation to the snicket:

• Ivy (Hedera helix): Creating a thick carpet over the old stones.

• Ferns: Tucked into the damp crevices where the mortar has crumbled.

• Wildflowers: Splashes of purple Buddleia and yellow Crepis peeking over the walls.

This greenery softens the hard edges of the stone, turning an industrial relic into a scenic urban nature trail.

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Why These Spaces Matter Today

In an age of high-speed transit and digital maps, why should we care about a 170-year-old alleyway?

1. Pedestrian Heritage: These paths represent a time when the human scale was the only scale. They encourage "slow travel" and offer a car-free sanctuary through the heart of the town.

2. Architectural Integrity: The snicket provides a raw look at Victorian civil engineering that hasn't been "sanitized" for tourism. It is authentic, gritty, and beautiful.

3. Local Identity: For the people of Sowerby Bridge, these snickets are part of the town’s DNA. They are the "secret" routes known to locals, offering a sense of place that a main road never could.

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Photography Tips for Snickets and Alleys

Capturing the beauty of a narrow stone passage like the Sowerby Bridge Snicket requires a few specific techniques, as demonstrated in this set:

• Leading Lines: Use the walls to draw the viewer’s eye toward the centre of the frame. This creates a sense of depth and pulls the audience into the "journey" of the path.

• Manage Your Light: Snickets are notoriously shadowy. Shooting on a bright but overcast day (like this July day) helps prevent harsh highlights while ensuring the greens of the foliage remain vibrant.

• Focus on Texture: Don’t be afraid to get close to the walls. The contrast between the rough gritstone and the soft moss makes for incredible detail shots.

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Conclusion

The snicket running from Beech Road to Wharf Street is a small but significant thread in the tapestry of West Yorkshire. It has survived the arrival of the railway, the decline of the mills, and the rise of the automobile. As we look at these images from 2024, we are looking at a view that a Victorian resident from 1854 would still largely recognize.

Next time you find yourself in Sowerby Bridge, skip the main road for a moment. Step into the shadows of the stone walls, feel the setts beneath your boots, and take a short walk through history.

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.