The Ruined Church of St. Thomas à Becket, Heptonstall

There's something uniquely captivating about ancient ruins, especially when they stand sentinel amidst the everyday. Tucked away in the picturesque village of Heptonstall, nestled in the Upper Calder Valley, are the hauntingly beautiful remains of the original Heptonstall Parish Church, also known as the Church of St. Thomas à Becket, or at times, The Chapel of St Thomas the Martyr. I had the privilege of capturing these atmospheric scenes on a snowy day, November 19th, 2016, with my Nikon D3300.

The images transport you to a place where history whispers from every crumbling stone and frost-kissed archway. You can almost feel the chill wind that must have swept through its open spaces for centuries.

Originally constructed sometime in the late 12th to early 13th Century, this venerable church was a vital hub, serving the communities of Heptonstall, Erringden, Langfield, Stansfield, and Wadsworth. Its priests, appointed and funded by the Vicar of Halifax, ministered to the people living west of Halifax, a testament to its significant role in the spiritual life of the region.

The church's long history wasn't without its dramatic moments. Around the turn of the 16th Century, it was even closed for a period due to the murder of a priest, reportedly after he performed an illicit marriage ceremony – a tale that adds a layer of intriguing mystery to its past. Over the centuries, the church saw numerous renovations and additions, undergoing significant changes in the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. In 1810, a new clock was installed, a detail that now connects it to its successor.

However, fate had a different plan for this ancient structure. In 1847, a devastating storm swept through, tearing off the roof, damaging the tower, and causing considerable havoc in the churchyard. The "church rate," a tax intended to support the parish church, simply wasn't enough to cover the extensive repairs needed.

Rather than restoring the damaged church, the community rallied together through voluntary subscriptions and built a brand new church right in the same churchyard, which officially opened its doors in 1854. This new church stands proudly beside its older, ruined counterpart, a poignant reminder of continuity and change.

Today, the ruins of the Church of St. Thomas à Becket remain, a majestic and poignant landmark. Walking through its snow-dusted nave, beneath its skeletal arches, is a truly evocative experience. It’s remarkable to think that occasionally, outdoor services are still held within these ancient walls, bringing new life to a place steeped in so much history.

These photographs capture the raw beauty and quiet dignity of the ruins, particularly striking against the winter snow. The interplay of light and shadow, the starkness of the stone against the white landscape, and the enduring strength of the remaining structure all tell a story of centuries past.

If you ever find yourself in Heptonstall, I highly recommend a visit to these incredible ruins. They are a powerful testament to time, resilience, and the enduring spirit of community.

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Painting the Sky: A Kelso Sunrise to Remember

There's something truly magical about a sunrise, and some linger in your memory long after the last rays have faded. This photograph, captured near Kelso, Scotland, on October 24th, 2018, is one such moment.

The sky is ablaze with an incredible palette of vibrant purples, deep fuchsias, and soft blues, blending seamlessly into one another. It's as if nature itself decided to become an artist, using the vast canvas above to create a masterpiece of light and colour. The clouds, catching these dramatic hues, add texture and depth to the scene, making the display even more breath taking.

Below this fiery spectacle, the tranquil waters of a loch or pond reflect the colours of the sky, mirroring the beauty above and adding a serene counterpoint to the vibrant drama. The dark silhouettes of the surrounding landscape—the rolling hills, distant trees, and the gentle curve of the land—frame the vibrant sky perfectly, enhancing its impact. A fence in the foreground grounds the image, hinting at pastoral surroundings and the quiet beauty of the Scottish Borders.

This image reminds us of the profound beauty that nature offers, especially in places like the Scottish Borders, where the landscapes are already so evocative. A sunset like this isn't just a daily occurrence; it's a profound experience, a moment of stillness and awe that leaves you feeling connected to something larger than yourself.

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Discover History and More at Bankfield Museum, Halifax

Nestled within the scenic Akroyden Park in Halifax, you'll find Bankfield Museum, a fascinating gem that offers a journey through local history, art, and more. This beautiful building, a Grade II listed former house, has a rich past of its own, having once been the residence of Edward Akroyd MP.

In 1887, the Halifax Corporation acquired the property, transforming it into a public museum and library shortly thereafter. Its historical significance was further recognised in 1954 when it was granted its Grade II listing.

Today, Bankfield Museum continues to welcome visitors with a diverse range of displays. Explore exhibits on local history, textiles, art, toys, and jewellery, providing a glimpse into the vibrant heritage of the area. The museum also keeps things fresh with a constantly changing set of temporary displays throughout the year, meaning there's always something new to see.

For those interested in military history, Bankfield Museum is also home to the Duke of Wellington Regimental Museum, offering a dedicated space to explore the regiment's storied past.

The best part? Entry to Bankfield Museum is completely free! It's open from Tuesday to Saturday, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. With a convenient car park and the lovely Akroyden Park right on its doorstep (overlooked by the impressive All Souls Church), it's the perfect spot to spend a few hours exploring, learning, and enjoying the surroundings.

I took these pictures with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet in November 2014, clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

This painting can be seen covering the ceiling just inside the
main entrance.

Bankfield Museum from the car park.

Bankfield from Akroyden Park

Duke of Wellingtons Regiment uniform from the Crimean War

The fireplace in the library with textile displays in the cabinets. The 
marble busts are life size and from left to right are Edward Akroyd, his father
Jonathan and then his wife Elizabeth.

This was on display in the regimental museum and was given to coalition
forces during the 2003 invasion of Iraq to help identify the most wanted members
of the Iraqi government.

The library ceiling which features images of William Shakespeare, John Milton, Alfred
Tennyson and Geoffrey Chaucer all poets admired in the era the roof was painted. When I
visited, a fellow admirer told me that the local council once had a plan to
paint over the ceiling. What an act of vandalism that would have been had it come to pass.

Another view of the library.

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Discovering History at St Peter's Church, Langley Burrell, Wiltshire

Sometimes, the most unexpected detours lead to the most fascinating discoveries. That's exactly what happened on May 5th, 2018, while on a work trip to the Wavin site in Chippenham, Wiltshire. Driving along the B4069 from the M4, a discreet sign for "St Peter's Church" caught my eye. Knowing I was staying nearby, a seed of curiosity was planted, promising a potential evening exploration – a welcome diversion from the usual work routine.

With no dedicated camera gear, just the trusty lens of my LG mobile phone, I embarked on a spontaneous photographic journey. The church itself is a hidden gem, nestled in a secluded spot remarkably close to the road, yet easily missed without that serendipitous signpost. Its understated presence adds to its charm, making it feel like a personal discovery.

While the interior was closed during my visit, the grounds were thankfully accessible, offering ample opportunity to wander and capture its essence. Even without stepping inside, the church's rich history resonated through its ancient stones and peaceful surroundings.

A Glimpse into Centuries of Faith

St Peter's Church boasts an incredible lineage, with a history stretching all the way back to Saxon times, approximately the 9th century. Imagine the countless lives and stories that have unfolded within these hallowed grounds over more than a millennium! Remarkably, some of the lower structures around the porch and nave still bear the hallmarks of their Saxon origins, a tangible link to a distant past.

Over the centuries, St Peter's has been a living, evolving edifice, undergoing numerous renovations and extensions. It seems only the 16th century left the church untouched before further work continued its transformation. More recent history also marks its presence: since 1890, the church has seen significant restoration to its chancel, nave, and aisle. The sturdy tower received much-needed repairs in both 1890 and 1926, ensuring its continued sentinel watch over the village. Practical updates arrived in the 20th century, with electricity installed in the 1920s and heating in the 1960s, a testament to its ongoing use and adaptation to modern needs.

Today, St Peter's Church stands as an active Anglican place of worship, proudly serving its community within the Diocese of Bristol.

A Serene Stop on a Busy Day

My impromptu visit, captured through the lens of my mobile phone, yielded eleven pictures – a visual testament to the tranquil beauty and historical depth of this remarkable Wiltshire church. It was a stark reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are those that are unplanned, offering a moment of quiet reflection amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.

If you ever find yourself travelling through Wiltshire, keep an eye out for that sign on the B4069. St Peter's Church, Langley Burrell, is more than just a building; it's a silent guardian of history, waiting to share its stories with those who take the time to discover it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuel Lane Lock

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

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

Tuel Lane Tunnel looking down from the lock.

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

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

Lock 2 towards Tuel Lane Tunnel entrance.

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Golden Hues of a Yorkshire Winter's Eve

There's something uniquely beautiful about the transition of seasons, especially when you catch it just right. I was recently going through some pictures on my iPhone, and this particular shot, taken during a walk in Warley, near Halifax, West Yorkshire, immediately caught my eye.

The scene perfectly captures that fleeting moment when autumn is truly giving way to winter. The trees, stripped of their vibrant leaves, stand stark against the sky, their branches painted in the warm, golden light of the setting sun. This beautiful glow, contrasting with the bareness of the trees and the moss-covered stone wall, truly evokes the feeling of autumn ending and winter's quiet approach.

It's a single shot, unplanned, just a moment of everyday beauty captured on a walk. Yet, the colours and the mood it conveys made it one I felt was definitely worth sharing. There's a certain peacefulness in this time of year, a sense of stillness before the deeper chill of winter sets in.

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A Red Relic in Rural Heptonstall: More Than Just a Phone Box

 There's something undeniably iconic about the classic red British phone box. For many, they evoke a sense of nostalgia, a bygone era before the ubiquitous mobile phone made them largely obsolete. So, stumbling upon one in a rural setting feels like finding a delightful, unexpected treasure.

This past week, I was reminded of this charm when looking back at a couple of photos I took in Heptonstall on August 2nd, 2020. The subject? A perfectly preserved red phone box, nestled amidst the greenery of this charming village.

In an age where everyone carries a powerful communication device in their pocket, phone boxes have certainly become a bit of a novelty. You rarely see them gracing the landscape, especially in such picturesque, rural spots like Heptonstall. This particular one, however, seems to have found a new lease on life. I'm told it now serves as a tiny community library, a brilliant example of adapting heritage for modern use. While the phone apparatus itself still remains inside, I also heard that making calls from it is no longer an option – though I confess, I didn't try to verify this myself!

The first image captures the phone box in all its vibrant glory, standing out against the lush backdrop of trees and flowering bushes. It's a snapshot of a moment, taken simply with my iPhone.

The second picture is the same scene, but with a little artistic intervention. I brought it into Photoshop and gave it a selective colour treatment, desaturating the background to black and white while keeping the phone box itself a striking red. This really makes the phone box pop, emphasizing its classic form and almost making it feel like a vibrant anachronism against the more subdued surroundings.

It's a wonderful example of how even outdated technology can find a new purpose, continuing to serve its community in a different, yet equally valuable, way. And for photographers, they remain a fantastic subject, full of character and a testament to a rich past.

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Golden Hues and Icy Sparkle: A Winter Morning in Wing, Buckinghamshire

There's something truly magical about a winter sunrise, especially when it's accompanied by a crisp, frosty landscape. This stunning photograph, captured on the 6th of February, 2020, in the charming village of Wing, Buckinghamshire, perfectly encapsulates that breathtaking beauty.

As the sun gently peeks above the horizon, it casts a warm, golden glow across the frosty fields. The low angle of the sun highlights every individual blade of grass, now coated in a shimmering layer of ice, creating a dazzling, almost ethereal effect. You can almost feel the chill in the air, a refreshing contrast to the comforting warmth radiating from the rising sun.

The silhouettes of the bare winter trees stand proudly against the brightening sky, their branches forming intricate patterns that add depth and character to the scene. The subtle mist clinging to the ground in the distance further enhances the atmospheric quality of the shot, hinting at the lingering cold before the day truly awakens.

In the foreground, the dark picket fence provides a wonderful leading line, drawing our eyes into the heart of the landscape and grounding the image with a touch of human presence amidst the natural spectacle.

This picture isn't just a photograph; it's a moment frozen in time, a reminder of the quiet beauty that winter mornings can offer. It speaks of tranquillity, new beginnings, and the simple joy of witnessing nature's artistry. A truly captivating scene from Wing, Buckinghamshire.

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