A Glimpse into Maritime History: Admiralty Pier, Dover Postcard

There's something uniquely captivating about old postcards. They're not just pieces of paper; they're tiny time capsules, offering a snapshot of a moment long past, a glimpse into landscapes, architecture, and daily life that may have changed dramatically. Today, I want to share a particular treasure from my collection: a vintage postcard depicting the iconic Admiralty Pier in Dover.

Looking at this sepia-toned image, I'm immediately transported to a bustling scene on the English Channel. The perspective from the pier itself stretches out into the vastness of the water, with the sturdy railings leading the eye towards the distant horizon. The details are what truly bring this image to life:

• The imposing structure of the Admiralty Pier: Built to withstand the relentless power of the sea, the pier itself is a testament to Victorian engineering ambition. Its robust construction speaks volumes about its purpose – to provide shelter and facilitate the vital maritime traffic of Dover.
• The lighthouse at the end: A beacon of safety for countless mariners, the lighthouse stands as a silent sentinel, guiding ships through the busy waters.
• Vessels in the background: Although somewhat indistinct, we can make out what appears to be a ship further out, perhaps a cross-channel ferry or a cargo vessel, highlighting Dover's role as a major port. The smaller structures in the water hint at the complex infrastructure needed to support such a busy maritime gateway.
• The vastness of the Channel: The sea itself, with its gentle swells, evokes the constant movement and energy of this critical waterway.

Why is the Admiralty Pier so significant?

The Admiralty Pier in Dover is more than just a pier; it's a monument to Britain's maritime heritage and its strategic importance. Its construction began in 1847, driven by the need for a deep-water harbour to accommodate the growing naval fleet and to serve as a vital link for cross-channel communication and trade. For decades, it was a hub of activity, witnessing the departure and arrival of countless ships, soldiers, royalty, and ordinary travellers.

Think of the stories this pier could tell! It would have seen:

• Victorian grandeur: The departure of well-dressed passengers on their grand tours of Europe.
• Wartime readiness: The comings and goings of naval vessels during various conflicts, especially the World Wars, given Dover's critical role in defending the realm.
• The evolution of travel: From paddle steamers to more modern vessels, the pier adapted to the changing face of maritime transport.

Dating the Postcard

While there's no precise date on the postcard itself, the style of the photograph, the sepia tone, and the general appearance of the vessels and pier suggest it likely dates from the early 20th century, perhaps between 1900 and 1930. This was a golden age for postcards, which served as both mementos and a primary means of quick communication. The "208/105" in the bottom right corner is a publisher's reference number, common on postcards of that era.

A Piece of My Collection, A Piece of History

For me, this postcard is more than just an image; it's a tangible link to a pivotal location in British history. It sparks curiosity about the people who walked that pier, the ships that docked there, and the events that unfolded against its backdrop. It serves as a reminder of Dover's enduring role as the "Gateway to England" and the sheer ambition and engineering prowess of generations past.

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A Glimpse into London's Past: Unpacking a Postcard of Hyde Park Corner

There's something uniquely captivating about old postcards. More than just a simple message carrier, they offer a tangible link to the past, a snapshot of a moment in time, and often, a surprising amount of historical detail if you know where to look. Today, I want to share a recent discovery from my own collection: a postcard depicting Hyde Park Corner and Constitution Arch, with some fascinating insights printed on its reverse.

The front of the postcard features a painting titled "Hyde Park Corner & Constitution Arch, c. 1829–34, by James Holland." Even at first glance, the scene is bustling with activity. We see a wide, unpaved thoroughfare, suggesting a time before modern road surfacing. People mill about, and there's a sense of movement and daily life unfolding. The architecture is grand and imposing, particularly the prominent archway, which we learn is Constitution Arch. To the right, another substantial building stands, identified on the back as St. George's Hospital.

What makes this postcard particularly compelling are the details provided on the reverse. It tells us that the painting captures the view "facing the entrance screen to Hyde Park, before it was moved to the top of Constitution Hill in 1883." This immediately sparks curiosity. The idea that such a substantial structure as Constitution Arch was moved is quite remarkable! A quick bit of research reveals that the arch, originally designed by Decimus Burton, was indeed relocated to accommodate road widening schemes. It's a testament to the engineering feats of the time and the ever-evolving nature of urban landscapes.

The postcard also highlights the "rough nature of the road surface," which is indeed very evident in the painting. This detail grounds the image in its historical context, reminding us of a time before asphalt and smooth pavements were commonplace. Imagine the dust, the mud, the rumble of horse-drawn carriages – it paints a vivid picture of London in the early 19th century.

Furthermore, the inscription mentions St. George's Hospital, "built in 1828–9," as being to the right. This gives us a precise timeframe for the painting and reinforces its historical accuracy. It's a reminder that these landmarks were not just static structures but active parts of the city's fabric, serving the community.

The postcard itself is a piece of history, too. It bears the mark of the London Museum and a copyright date of 1971, printed in England by Staples Printers Ltd., Kettering, Northants. This tells us that even in the early 1970s, this historical image was being disseminated, likely to educate and inform visitors about London's heritage.

This postcard is more than just a pretty picture; it's a miniature time capsule. It invites us to delve into the history of London, to learn about its architectural transformations, and to appreciate the everyday realities of life almost two centuries ago. It serves as a fantastic starting point for exploring the fascinating story of Hyde Park Corner, Constitution Arch, and the changing face of one of the world's great cities.

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Vintage Rochdale Canal Images.

The pictures below were taken on the Rochdale Canal between Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd in November 2013. I've edited them to give the impression of a vintage photograph with vignette and noise added to increase the effect.

They were taken using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on November 2nd 2013, they can also be seen on Clickasnap un-watermarked and higher resolution.

Lock 7 Broad Bottom can be found on the canal near the point where Burnley Road crossers over the canal, a short distance from what was once the site of Walkley Clogs. The lock is Grade II listed having been given this status on the 21st June 1984.

Mayroyd Moorings, Hebden Bridge pictured from Station Road Bridge.

Broad Bottom Lane Bridge pictured from Broad Bottom Lock 7, Mytholmroyd.

Bridge 12, Westfield Terrace Bridge, the canal had been drained for a stretch here, I can not remember why and for how far it stretched.

Mayroyd Bridge near the moorings at Hebden Bridge.

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Wye Valley, Providence Chapel and Belvoir Castle 35mm Vintage Images

The pictures below are some recent 35mm slides I have restored taken from my collection. They can be seen below or on Clickasnap unwatermarked.

Wye Valley

The picture above was taken sometime in the 1970's exact date and location unknown. It shows the River Wye flowing through a valley cutting. The Wye Valley is an area of outstanding natural beauty that straddles the borders of England and Wales and covers areas of the counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire.

Belvoir Castle

Belvoir Castle is an historic stately home that can be found in the county of Leicestershire, England, it is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Rutland. This picture was taken in the 1970's the original slide was tinted red and discoloured so I have restored the colour when editing.

Providence Chapel

The Providence Chapel at the Black Country Living Museum was removed from nearby Netherton in November 1975 and rebuilt within the grounds of the museum over a 2 year period starting in June 1977. The slide was taken in the early 1990's.

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3 More Vintage 35mm Slides from the 1980's

 I am currently digitising, re-editing and restoring my collection of 35mm slides for sharing on Clickasnap and the pictures below are 3 that I recently uploaded. I have included the original picture below each to show the difference between that and the re-edited version displayed on Clickasnap. I am not sure of the locations of any of the pictures shown below, the only information i have is they were taken in the 1980's.

The re-edited version shows a village somewhere in South Asia, the picture can also be seen on Clickasnap.

The next picture shows a winter scene on the edge of a woodland. 

The final picture shows a weir in a woodland setting, it could possibly be Ogden Water, Near Halifax but I'm not too sure.

Clicking any of the restored, re-edited versions should open a link in another window to the version on Clickasnap. Clicking any of the original scanned 35mm slides should open a link top my vintage images album on Clickasnap.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Temple of Jupiter, Beirut - Vintage 1970's 35mm Slide

 The picture below is part of my 35mm slide collection, this one showing the ruins of the Temple of Jupiter, Lebanon. The original picture was taken in the 1970's and can be seen below the restored image.

The picture above was restored using a number of features on photoshop, it can also be seen un-watermarked on my Clickasnap account, click the image and a link should open in another window. The original picture can be seen below.

Clicking on the original picture should open a link in another window to my vintage images album on Clickasnap, all the pictures are dated pre 2000.

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The pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey - Restored Vintage 35mm 1970's Slide

 The slide below is part of my 35mm slide collection I am currently digitising and restoring - giving new life to, the slide features a picture of Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey, North Wales taken in the 1970's or 80s.

The original picture which can be seen below was restored with a new sky added, the picture was turned in to a black and white image before re-colouring to give the image shown above which can also be seen on Clickasnap. Click the image and a link should open in another window to the version there.

Clicking the image above should open a link in another window to my vintage images album on Clickasnap, featuring pictures before the year 2000.

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The pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Vintage 35mm Slides

 Below is a set of 35mm slides I recently restored, they were taken in the 1960's, 70's and 80's. During the restoration i replaced the sky with something a bit more dramatic as the original sky featured in each picture was washed out and had no life.

Taken in the early 1980's the picture shows the Arc de Triumph in Paris, France. 

Aros Castle ruins on the Isle of Mull, the castle is also known as Dounarwyse Castle. The picture was taken in 1969.

Shrewsbury Abbey, Shropshire picture sometime in the 1970's.

Taken in the 1960's this picture which I restored to colour shows a Welsh coracle boat.

Taken sometime in the late 1960's this shows the Wye Valley, Herefordshire, sadly the exact location is not known despite attempts to find it.

Clicking any image should open a link in another window to the un-watermarked, higher resolution version on Clickasnap.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Vintage Images from the 70's and 80's.

 The following post features a random set of 4 images I recently digitised from my collection. The were taken in the 70's or 80's mainly in the United Kingdom.

River Thames and St Helen's Church Spire from Abingdon Bridge, Oxfordshire. The picture was taken in July 1986.

This picture taken at a date unknown in the 1980's and shows a English village scene, again i'm not sure which village is featured.

The picture shows Sugarloaf and Abergavenny Castle, Wales, taken in the 1970's I have also recoloured this picture as my original image was black and white.

Taken in a foreign land in the 70's or 80's, again i'm not sure of the actual date or location and will probably never know being a beach front sunset.

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Clicking any image should open a link in another window to the un-watermarked, higher resolution version on Clickasnap.

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Watermill at Ixworth

 The watermill at Ixworth is an original digital artwork created by me based on an early 20th century black and white postcard. It shows a typical English rural scene of of a water powered flour mill with horses awaiting loads outside and a mill pond before the bridge.

The mill is thought to ave been built in the early 18th century and still stands today although no longer used as a flour mill. The building is 3 storeys and timber framed.

The picture can also be seen full size, resolution and un-watermarked on Clickasnap.

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Old Images of Scarborough

Scarborough is a seaside resort in Yorkshire, Northern England. It is the largest town resort town in North Yorkshire and grew around the industries of fishing and tourism. The following video shows a number of postcards that feature various images of the town with some highlights including images of,

Scarborough South Bay Bathing Pool

The construction of the south bay bathing pool was the brainchild of Harry W. Smith the former borough engineer for Scarborough. Whilst on a visit to Guernsey he became inspired by an outdoor pool they already had for bathers. Upon his return he proposed a pool that would feature different depths, diving boards, water chutes, changing rooms and showers, these would have been a first for Britain not just Scarborough. Construction started before World War One and the pool officially opened in 1915. The pool was built to help combat coastal erosion and was filled by fresh sea water daily due to the tides. The pool was a popular attraction until its closure in the 1980's when the site fell in to disrepair.

Scarborough North Bay Pier

Opened on the 1st May 1869, the North Bay Pier was constructed by Josiah Foster Fairbank as a steamer and promenade pier. Upon completion the pier reached a length of 1000ft (305m) out to sea, but was dogged by incidents from the start, frequently being hit by steamers at the head and never making much money, the pier changed owners several times and January 7 1905 a storm wrecked a large section of the pier leaving only the head and entrance standing. The pier closed after this and shortly after the head was demolished, with the entrance pavilion itself being demolished in 1914.

Peasholm Park

The video also features a number of images of Peasholm Park, opened in 1912 the park attractions include Peasholm Glen, putting green, boating lake where mock naval battles are staged 3 times a week during the high season and many types of plant life to walk around and enjoy. The park declined from the 1970's on and was closed for a time when fire destroyed some of the buildings in 1999. Due to heritage lottery funding the park has since been restored and is now a popular attraction again.

Other scenes of interest include the Turkish Baths, Floral Hall, Railway Station and Open Air Theatre. There are a total of 25 pictures to view taken from postcards.

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A Glimpse into Scottish History: 1933 "Famous Scots" Cigarette Card Collection

 I recently embarked on a little journey through Scottish history, right from my own home. I've been in possession of a fascinating set of 50 cigarette trading cards from 1933, titled "Famous Scots." As I was preparing to list these unique pieces of ephemera for sale, I realised what a treasure trove of historical figures they represented.

Rather than just selling them off, I decided to take the time to scan each card and create something special for you all. I've put together two videos, each featuring 25 of these incredible images, and uploaded them to YouTube.

These cards showcase a diverse array of famous Scottish individuals, ranging from beloved poets and influential playwrights to ground breaking inventors, powerful politicians, revered royalty, and so much more. It's a truly captivating cross-section of Scottish talent and influence throughout history.

You can view both videos right here in this post, and of course, on YouTube. I'd be absolutely thrilled if you could take a moment to subscribe to my channel while you're there – it really helps me to create more content like this!

A little bit of background on the cards themselves: they were originally released in packs of Mitchells Cigarettes. Mitchells was a Scottish tobacco company with its roots in Linlithgow. Interestingly, while the company had merged with Imperial Tobacco by 1901, these cards were still released under the Mitchells branding, adding another layer to their historical significance.

It's been a real pleasure delving into these cards and sharing a piece of Scottish heritage with you all. I hope you enjoy the videos as much as I enjoyed creating them!

and part 2,

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Pictures from the Past: Eads Bridge Disaster and Outdoor Games at the Organ Festival.

Like many of you, I've been spending more time at home due to the current lockdown restrictions here in the UK. With my own camera unable to venture out as much as I'd like, I've been diving into a different kind of photographic adventure: my collection of vintage pictures and postcards. It's a slow process, but I'm gradually working my way through them and sharing some of the fascinating glimpses into the past that I uncover.

Today, I wanted to share two recent finds from my collection:

The Eads Bridge Disaster

The first picture I pulled out was tucked away in a sleeve with a stark note: "St Louis and Illinois Bridge disaster. Eads Bridge."

This immediately piqued my interest. The Eads Bridge is an iconic landmark, a marvel of 19th-century engineering that spans the Mississippi River. While the note offers a dramatic hint, I'm still researching the specifics of this "disaster." It's a powerful reminder of the challenges and dangers inherent in the early days of such monumental construction projects.

Outdoor Games at the Organ Festival in Sweden (1920s)

The second gem I discovered today transports us to a completely different scene, titled "Outdoor Games at the Organ Festival" and dating back to the 1920s in Sweden.

This image offers a charming peek into leisure activities from nearly a century ago. One can almost hear the laughter and feel the festive atmosphere. It's fascinating to imagine what kind of "outdoor games" were popular at such an event back then.

Sadly, beyond the notes on their sleeves, I don't have much more information to share about these particular pieces. That's often the nature of collecting these historical artifacts – sometimes their stories remain a mystery.

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A Glimpse Through Time: Exploring Northern England's Past, Brotton, Skipton and Walsden

 Ever wonder what life was like in your local village decades or even centuries ago? There's something truly captivating about seeing old photographs and postcards that transport you back in time. I've been diving into my collection of images, both personally taken and carefully gathered, to create a series of video slideshows that offer a unique look at three distinct Northern English locations.

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Brotton: From Domesday to Decline

First up, we travel to Brotton, a village nestled in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland. With a history stretching back before the 1086 Domesday Book – its name literally meaning "Brook Farm" – Brotton holds centuries of stories within its ancient boundaries.

Today, Brotton has a population of around 5,400, a significant decrease from its peak. This decline directly correlates with the fading of its once-thriving ironstone mining industry. The early 20th century saw a downturn, and by 1954, the last mine had closed its doors. The images in this slideshow are a fascinating mix of collected postcards and public domain treasures, offering a visual narrative of Brotton's past.

Skipton: A Market Town's Enduring Charm

Next, we journey to Skipton, a bustling market town in North Yorkshire. Home to approximately 14,600 residents, Skipton is a hub of activity, intersected by the River Aire, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and the Airedale Railway Line.

My slideshow of Skipton is another collection built from vintage postcards I've gathered over time. These images capture the essence of a vibrant market town, showcasing its enduring charm and how its key transportation routes have shaped its development.

Walsden: A West Yorkshire Village with Lancashire Roots

Finally, we head to Walsden, a village in the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale, West Yorkshire. With a population of roughly 5,200, Walsden is characterized by the flow of Walsden Water (which feeds into the River Calder), the Rochdale Canal, and the A6033 Rochdale Road. It even boasts its own railway station on the Caldervale Line.

What's particularly interesting about Walsden is its historical identity. While it's now firmly part of West Yorkshire, it was once historically part of Lancashire and administered by Rochdale Corporation. Unlike the other two slideshows, all the pictures in the Walsden video were taken by me in August 2017, offering a more contemporary, yet still reflective, look at the village.

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A set of British Postcards, Blackpool, Chorley and Compstall.

 I have recently been going through some of my postcard collection with the intention of selling a few off, and whilst in the process of sorting and listing I thought it might be of interest to feature some of the postcards on here. Todays selection is 2 from Lancashire and 1 from Cheshire, all counties in the north of England.

Blackpool.

The card although unwritten and undated was probably from the 1950's and was published by Sandman Brothers of Blackpool. The images features are of Blackpool Tower, a gondola, Starlight Parade and Gynn Gardens.

Chorley.

The Chorley Postcard was posted in 1986 and is a typical example of a 1980's quite boring postcard. The card features images of St Marys Church and Chorley Town Hall.

Compstall.

Compstall is a suburb of Stockport in Cheshire and although it has been written on, it appears to have never been posted. The images are names as the Watermeetings, and the Aquaduct and Viaduct.

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