Stone, Steeple, and Stories: The Enduring Heart of Huddersfield, St Peter's Parish Church

The sunlit stone and towering steeple of St Peter's Parish Church, or Huddersfield Parish Church, are an unmissable landmark in the heart of the town. These pictures, taken on a beautiful clear day, showcase the Grade II* listed building in all its Gothic Revival glory, a monumental presence at the junction of Kirkgate and Byram Street. But this is more than just a magnificent building; it is a repository of history and some truly fascinating tales.

Roots in the 11th Century

The church you see today, with its impressive 135-foot clock tower dominating the skyline, is actually the third church to stand on this venerable site. Its origins date all the way back to the 11th century, shortly after the Domesday Book.

Legend has it that the very first church was established around 1090-1100 by Walter de Lacy, a Norman nobleman, who vowed to build a church after surviving a terrifying fall from his horse into a swampy marsh between Huddersfield and Halifax. A dramatic promise for a dramatic building site!

The Victorian Rebuild and a Cost-Saving Secret

The current, grand structure was built between 1834 and 1836 by the renowned York architect James Pigott Pritchett. The previous 16th-century church had simply become too small for Huddersfield's rapidly expanding population during the Industrial Revolution, and it was also structurally unstable.

In an interesting, and perhaps cautionary, piece of history, Pritchett was tasked with keeping costs down. To do this, he reused bricks from the dismantled 16th-century church in the new construction. While admirable for the effort to recycle, the quality of the old materials was poor, which unfortunately led to the church needing regular, extensive maintenance work almost from the start!

Architectural Highlights and Unique Features

The church is an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture, characterised by its pointed arches, ornate tracery, and crenellated (battlemented) parapets. But its interior holds some of the most compelling stories and facts:

• The Highest Clock: The prominent west tower, with clocks on all four sides, was deliberately built to an unusual height of 135 feet to ensure the time could be seen from all parts of the burgeoning industrial town.

• The War Memorial Masterpiece: The sanctuary is dominated by a gilded timber Baldachino (a ceremonial canopy over the altar) and the East Window, which together form the parish's First World War Memorial. They were installed in 1923 and designed by the famous early 20th-century architect, Sir Ninian Comper.

• Underground Dining: The church's large crypt now hosts "The Keys" café/restaurant, providing a wonderfully quirky and atmospheric venue for visitors and locals alike, continuing the church's role as a true community hub.

From a dramatic rescue in the 11th century to a cost-cutting compromise in the 19th, and from architectural mastery to a hidden mouse, St Peter's Parish Church is a place that truly weaves the spiritual, social, and industrial history of Huddersfield into its very stone. Next time you're in the town centre, take a moment to step inside and appreciate the stories held within this magnificent building.

I took these pictures with a Nikon d3300 on the 27th May 2023, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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A Night at the Gas Works Bridge: Sowerby Bridge's Industrial Past

Sowerby Bridge, a town steeped in industrial history, offers a unique blend of rugged Pennine landscape and a rich heritage shaped by its canals and rivers. As the sun sets and the streetlights cast a warm, golden glow, places like the Gas Works Bridge come to life, telling a story of a bygone era.

Standing on this unassuming pedestrian bridge over the River Calder, you're not just looking at a waterway; you're looking at the lifeblood of an industrial revolution. The River Calder, flowing beneath the bridge, was a key artery for trade, powering the textile mills and feeding the Calder and Hebble Navigation and the Rochdale Canal, which meet just a stone's throw away. This confluence of waterways made Sowerby Bridge a vital trans-shipment hub, connecting the industrial heartland of Yorkshire to the ports of Hull and Liverpool.

But the Gas Works Bridge has its own fascinating history, one that's closely tied to the very name it bears. Built in 1816, this bridge is a significant piece of engineering. Made of cast iron by Aydon and Elwell of Shelf Ironworks in Bradford, it's one of the earliest surviving cast-iron bridges in the Calderdale area. Originally a road bridge, it was widened in the mid-19th century with a steel overlay, and today it serves as a footpath, a quiet walkway for those looking to connect with the town's past.

The bridge's name, however, isn't just a label—it's a historical marker. It was built for Thomas Fearnside & Son of Mearclough Bottom Mill, but it’s the nearby gas works that gave it its enduring name. The former gas works site, located near the bridge, was a crucial part of the town's infrastructure, supplying power for streetlights, factories, and homes. In fact, a gas-making plant was installed in Sowerby Bridge as early as 1805, a remarkably early example of commercial gas production. Though the gas works closed in 1954, the bridge remains as a testament to this important part of Sowerby Bridge's industrial legacy.

As you stand on the bridge at night, the lights of the town and the distant beacon of Wainhouse Tower on the hill create a striking contrast against the dark sky and the reflective surface of the river. The photos capture this atmosphere perfectly—the warmth of the lamplight, the cool blue of the distant town, and the haunting silhouette of bare winter trees. It's a scene that bridges the past and present, a quiet moment of reflection in a place that once thrummed with the energy of industry and innovation. The Gas Works Bridge is more than just a crossing; it's a silent guardian of Sowerby Bridge's history, a place where you can feel the echoes of its industrious past in the calm of the night.

I took these pictures on the 29th December 2018 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Autumn along the Calder and Hebble Navigation

 Inspired by pictures taken in October 2017, this blog post captures the essence of an autumn stroll along the Calder and Hebble Navigation canal, exploring the stretch from Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin to Copley. As the late October sun casts long shadows and a crispness fills the air, the canal reveals its layered history and serene beauty.

Our journey begins at the Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin, a vibrant hub where the Calder and Hebble Navigation meets the Rochdale Canal. This basin is a testament to the area's rich heritage, with its historical buildings and a long tradition of boat building and repair. A short walk from the basin lies the formidable Tuel Lane Lock, one of the deepest locks in Britain. While it's on the Rochdale Canal, its presence here highlights the engineering marvels that connected these two vital waterways.

As we leave the bustle of the basin behind, the towpath towards Copley becomes a tranquil tunnel of autumnal colours. The trees that line the canal banks are a spectacle of gold, red, and orange, their leaves fluttering down to carpet the path and the water’s surface. This is a stretch of the canal that feels particularly remote and peaceful, a stark contrast to its bustling past.

This man-made section of the canal, part of a longer cut from Brighouse to Sowerby Bridge, was an artery of the Industrial Revolution. Its construction, starting in the mid-18th century and completed to Sowerby Bridge in 1770, was a significant undertaking, led by engineers John Smeaton and James Brindley. The canal was the M62 of its day, a crucial link that allowed for the transport of raw materials and finished goods, particularly for the textile industry that once boomed here.

As the towpath winds its way towards Copley, you'll pass the remains of old mills, silent sentinels to a bygone era. The canal, now primarily used for leisure, is a peaceful route for walkers, boaters, and cyclists, a place where you can feel the pulse of history beneath your feet while soaking in the beauty of the Yorkshire landscape in all its autumnal glory.

I took these pictures in October 2017 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

The entrance to the canal basin.

Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin, Wainhouse tower visible in the distance.

Shire cruisers boats moored up waiting for their next passengers.

Kirkham Turn, the junction of the Calder and Hebble Navigation with the Rochdale Canal.

Chain Bridge.

Chain Bridge and the Navigation Inn. The bridge is so called because in days gone by they used to put a chain across to prevent boats accessing the wharf on Sunday's.

Walker Lane Bridge.

Mearclough Bridge.

The previous 3 pictures were all surrounded by a large mill until it's destruction by fire in the late 1970's - early 80's.

When the picture was taken the houses to the right were in the process of being built on the former Sterne Mills site, these are now complete.

Sterne Bridge.

The previous 2 pictures show Copley Footbridge.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Discovering the Tranquil Beauty of Mixenden Reservoir

 Nestled in the rolling hills of West Yorkshire, just a stone's throw from the bustling town of Halifax, lies a hidden gem of industrial heritage and natural beauty: Mixenden Reservoir. Beyond its shimmering waters and tranquil walking paths, this seemingly quiet spot holds a fascinating history that speaks to the ingenuity of a bygone era and the enduring spirit of the local community.

Inspired by my visit and the captivating scenery captured in these images, we've delved into the story of Mixenden Reservoir to uncover some of its most intriguing facts. It's more than just a place for a Sunday stroll; it's a living monument to the past.

The Man Behind the Water: J.F. Bateman's Legacy

The story of Mixenden Reservoir begins not with a shovel in the ground, but with the vision of one of the 19th century's most celebrated civil engineers, John Frederick Bateman. As the Industrial Revolution boomed, so did the population of Halifax, creating an urgent need for a reliable water supply. The town turned to Bateman, a man whose reputation stretched far beyond the Yorkshire moors—he had already designed major waterworks for cities like Glasgow, Dublin, and Belfast.

Bateman's grand scheme was to harness the moorland water above the town, using gravity to supply water to the growing population. On May 1st, 1867, the Mayor of Halifax, Thomas Shaw, ceremonially cut the first sod, marking the beginning of construction. The reservoir was built to hold a staggering 106 million gallons of water, covering 22 acres of land. Six years later, in 1873, the project was complete, and Mixenden Reservoir officially opened, becoming a vital part of the Halifax water supply system and a testament to Bateman's engineering genius.

Interestingly, Bateman's work was influenced by his travels abroad, particularly to Egypt. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society and even represented them at the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869—a fact that adds a touch of international flair to this very local landmark.

A Landscape Rich in History

The reservoir itself is a relatively modern addition to an ancient landscape. The name 'Mixenden' itself has a rich past, derived from the Old English 'gemot-denu,' meaning "valley where meetings are held." This suggests the area has been a place of gathering for centuries.

Walking the paths around the water, you're treading on ground that has witnessed countless historical moments. In 1963, a local archaeological group made a remarkable discovery on the nearby Ogden Moor: a section of an ancient Roman road that once ran from Manchester to Ilkley. This road actually crosses the northern end of the reservoir, a fascinating link to a time long before Halifax's mills and factories. The area's history runs even deeper; a large Bronze Age urn containing cremation remains was found here in 1877, a powerful reminder of early human settlement.

The local council and community have embraced this history, creating an interactive "Mixenden History Hike." The trail features a series of wooden posts, each with a QR code that, when scanned, plays audio clips detailing snippets of local history. It's a brilliant way to bring the past to life and a perfect activity for families exploring the area.

A Modern Retreat for All

Today, Mixenden Reservoir is no longer just a functional piece of water infrastructure. It has been transformed into a cherished recreational space for the local community and visitors alike. As the photographs show, the views are breath taking, with the still water reflecting the open skies and the surrounding hills. It’s an ideal spot for a moment of quiet reflection, a vigorous walk, or a bit of birdwatching—the reservoir is known to attract various species, including cormorants, gulls, and goldeneye.

Recent community-led projects, in partnership with Yorkshire Water, have focused on revitalizing the area. Volunteers have cleared overgrown paths and installed new footbridges, making the routes more accessible. A parallel initiative, the "Wild Walk," is a 1km circular route with 12 posts dedicated to local wildlife, encouraging younger explorers to listen for the drumming of a green woodpecker or the call of a tawny owl.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Mixenden Reservoir offers something for everyone. It's a place where the grandeur of Victorian engineering meets the quiet beauty of the Pennine landscape, a testament to a local history that continues to evolve. So next time you're in the Halifax area, lace up your boots and take a walk around Mixenden—you'll be walking through a rich and inspiring past.

The pictures below were taken with a Polaroid is3132 camera on the 7th June 2015, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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 images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Sowerby Bridge: A Canal-side Journey Back in Time

On a grey and atmospheric day back on January 25th, 2014, I took a stroll with my Samsung Galaxy tablet along the Sowerby Bridge Canal Wharf. The weather, with its dramatic clouds and muted light, created the perfect backdrop for capturing the historic and slightly melancholic beauty of this industrial landscape in black and white.

The images I captured that day don't just show a collection of narrowboats and old buildings; they tell the story of a place where two significant waterways, the Rochdale Canal and the Calder and Hebble Navigation, converge. This junction is not just a geographical meeting point but a key part of Britain's industrial heritage.

A Hub of Industrial Life

Sowerby Bridge's canal basin was a hive of activity during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Calder and Hebble Navigation, completed in 1770, connected Halifax with Wakefield, providing a vital link to the Aire and Calder Navigation and, from there, to the North Sea. Just a few decades later, the Rochdale Canal opened in 1804, creating the first trans-Pennine waterway and a direct route between Manchester and Sowerby Bridge.

The two canals meet at Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin, and the basin became a crucial transhipment point. Goods arriving from Manchester could be transferred to boats heading for Wakefield and beyond, and vice-versa. The old warehouses that line the wharf, many of which are now offices, pubs, and restaurants, were once buzzing with the sound of workers loading and unloading coal, wool, and other goods.

Echoes of the Past

As I walked along the towpath, the past felt very much present. The stone-built warehouses, with their large arched entrances and multiple windows, stand as silent witnesses to the area's former glory. Their sturdy construction speaks of an era when British manufacturing was at its peak.

The narrowboats moored along the bank, while now used for leisure or as homes, are the modern-day descendants of the working boats that once plied these waters. Their reflections shimmer on the dark water, mirroring the stark lines of the buildings and the bare branches of the winter trees. The scene is both peaceful and full of history, a quiet testament to the ingenuity of the engineers who carved these waterways into the landscape.

A Living History

Today, the Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin is far from abandoned. It's a vibrant space where history and contemporary life coexist. The old warehouses have been repurposed, breathing new life into the area, and the towpaths are a popular spot for walks and cycling. The constant flow of narrowboats, from long-term moorings to holidaymakers, keeps the spirit of the canal alive.

Revisiting these photos from 2014 reminds me that places like Sowerby Bridge are more than just landmarks. They are living museums, each brick and ripple telling a story of a time when the canals were the lifeblood of the nation. It was a privilege to capture a small part of that story on a memorable winter's day.

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

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 images remain the copyright of Colin Green.