Copley Railway Viaduct: A Hidden Gem in the Calder Valley

Nestled discreetly between the Old Rishworthians Sports Ground and the picturesque North Dean Woods, the Copley Railway Viaduct (officially known as MVN2/160 or Copley Bottom Bridge) stands as a testament to the rich railway history of West Yorkshire. This impressive structure, carrying the railway over the River Calder, is a true hidden gem just east of Copley village.

A Glimpse into the Past

Opened way back in August 1840 by the Manchester and Leeds Railway, this bridge was once a vital artery for main railway traffic through the entire Calder Valley. Imagine the hustle and bustle of early trains rumbling across its arches! Its prominence shifted somewhat with the construction of nearby lines at Milner Royd and Greetland Junctions, which diverted rail traffic towards Halifax.

Despite its historical significance, the line over Copley Viaduct faced closure plans in the late 1970s, especially after the closure of Brighouse (1970) and Elland (1962) stations. However, it persevered! It continued to serve as a crucial diversionary route for passenger trains and remained active for freight-only traffic during this period.

The year 2000 marked a significant turning point with the reopening of Brighouse Station. This brought passenger trains regularly crossing the Copley Viaduct once more, reconnecting this historic bridge to modern-day rail travel.

Photography Hotspot and Safety First!

One of the fantastic aspects of the Copley Viaduct is the open nature of the North Dean side, offering superb opportunities for photography enthusiasts. If you're keen on capturing the majesty of passing trains, especially the often-seen steam trains, this is an excellent spot.

However, and this is a crucial point, always remember to prioritise safety when near railway tracks. If you're venturing out to photograph, make sure to keep a safe distance away from the tracks. Staying well within the tree line, is always a good idea. Your safety is paramount!

These images were captured on a crisp 25th February 2019 using a Nikon d3300 SLR, showcasing the bridge's enduring beauty against a bright sky.

So, next time you're looking for a little piece of local history, consider seeking out the Copley Railway Viaduct. It's a truly impressive structure with a fascinating past and a continuing role in the Calder Valley's railway network.

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

The Copley side of the viaduct

Taken on the North Dean side of the bridge, looking in the
direction of Copley.

The bridge again taken from the North Dean side.

Taken from the far end of Old Rishworthians sports ground.

The top of the bridge, the open nature of the track at the bottom of North
Dean Woods allows great access for taking pictures of trains passing.
Please be aware of a safety when near the lines, this is level with the tree
line which i consider a safe distance from the track. although when
trains are approaching I stand much further back than this.

The River Calder flows underneath the bridge,

The River Calder, taken looking towards Copley from underneath
the viaduct.

Again in the direction of Copley but from the other side of the bridge.

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Comic Book Style Artworks of Sowerby Bridge

         

My Sowerby Bridge in comic book style images was a set of pictures created by me, that are based on photographs I had taken earlier. I created the artworks as part of a YouTube video slideshow, mainly to try and show something different to my usual. All the images can be seen below the YouTube Video and each place is named although i'm sure if you are local to Sowerby Bridge you will know where they are.

The following images are all featured in the slideshow, clicking on any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The Canal Basin, the picture shows the Calder & Hebble side with the Moorings
bar visible. The boats moored are those of Shire Cruises.

Bolton Brow Wesleyan Chapel, the building is now apartments.

The canal basin, the Calder & Hebble side featured again.

Church Bank from Sunnybank Street, Christ Church Clock Tower is visible.

Church Bank, Orrell House to the left

Hollins Mill Tunnel, The Rochdale Canal passing through it's arch.

The Jubilee Refreshment Rooms, formerly Sowerby Bridge Railway Station
ticket office.

Lock Number 2 on the Rochdale Canal, Christ Church Clock Tower, Ladstone
and Houghton Towers can be seen on the skyline.

This mileage sign can be found on the Rochdale Canal to the west
of Hollins Mill Tunnel.

The mainline railway viaduct crossers over the River Ryburn, just
before the Ryburn joins with the River Calder.

The River Calder at Mearclough Bridge, (Milner Royd).

The River Ryburn near the Swimming Baths towards Station Road.

Lock 2 on the Rochdale Canal, the Roxy is the building on the left.

Looking over the town from Beech Road.

Sowerby Bridge Railway Station.

The River Calder Canoe Slalom from County Bridge.

The Town Hall Clock Tower, formerly Lloyds Bank, soon to be a restaurant,
never been a town hall from County Bridge.

The Rochdale Canal in to Tuel Lane Tunnel, this section was reopened
in the late 1990's, Christ Church is in the centre and the Roxy to the right.

Victoria Bridge over the River Ryburn.

Village Indian Restaurant, formerly the Wharf and Ash Tree pubs.

Willow Hall Dam, the waterfall is the overflow from the upper dam
in to the lower dam featured.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Church Bank: A Cobbled Journey Through Sowerby Bridge's Past

Nestled on the hillside of Sowerby Bridge, amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, lies Church Bank – a beautifully cobbled road that whispers tales of a bygone era. Once a vital artery connecting the upper reaches of the town with the bustling Wharf Street below, Church Bank today offers a tranquil, almost hidden, pedestrian and cyclist's escape.

These evocative images, captured on a bright April day in 2022 with a Nikon D3300 SLR, invite us to explore this fascinating thoroughfare and uncover its rich history.

A Route Reimagined

Looking at the images, particularly, you can clearly see the charming cobblestones that define this route. Once, these very cobbles would have echoed with the clip-clop of hooves and the rumble of carts, serving as one of the primary arteries linking the hillside to the industrial heart of Sowerby Bridge at Wharf Street.

However, Church Bank's status as a main vehicular access route came to an end in the 1950s. This period saw significant changes to the local landscape, most notably the extension of Tuel Lane and the infilling of sections of the Rochdale Canal. Around this time, local authority housing was constructed on the Church Bank hillside, leading to the road's closure to through traffic.

Today, while cars can still access a portion of Church Bank from Wharf Street, the connection to Church View - Sunnybank Street is now exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, as evident in the pictures, which shows the narrow, walled section leading to the upper street. This transformation has allowed Church Bank to retain its historic charm, offering a peaceful ascent or descent away from the main roads.

Orrell House: A Landmark on the Rise

As you make your way up Church Bank, approximately a quarter of the way, you encounter Orrell House, occupying a unique plot of land nestled between Church Bank and Grange Place. For many years, Orrell House served the community as a doctor's surgery, a place of healing and care. More recently, it has been transformed into a private residence, though its grand facade still speaks of its significant past.

Towards Christ Church: A Glimpse of Grandeur

The cobbled path continues, lined with mature trees, eventually opening up to reveal the magnificent tower of Christ Church. This view beautifully illustrates how Church Bank once directly led to the church, underscoring its historical importance as a direct link for parishioners and residents. The bare branches of the trees in this spring shot hint at the seasonal beauty that transforms this path throughout the year.

Church Bank, then, is more than just a cobbled path; it's a living piece of Sowerby Bridge's heritage. It's a reminder of how towns evolve, how old routes adapt, and how, even in the midst of change, pockets of historical charm can be preserved. Next time you're in Sowerby Bridge, take a moment to explore Church Bank – you'll be walking through history, one cobblestone at a time.

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

Taken from the bottom of Church Bank, with Wharf Street behind me, Orrell House
is largely hidden from view to the right of the picture.

Taken from the top of Church Bank, Sunnybank Street behind me and Church
View to my right. Christ Church can be seen in the centre of the image.

About half way up or down, Church View can be seen to the left.

Looking down with Wharf Street Visible, Orrell House is
hidden behind the wall to my left.

Again about half way up or down depending on your perspective,
it's hard to believe this was once a busy route in to town.

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Marsden Railway Station: Gateway to the Pennine Landscape

Marsden Railway Station, nestled in the picturesque village of Marsden, serves as a vital link on the Huddersfield - Manchester line, just east of the imposing Standedge Tunnels. This charming village stop, the last in West Yorkshire, offers a unique blend of historical railway architecture and stunning natural beauty, making it a popular spot for both commuters and leisure travellers exploring the nearby canal and tunnels.

The station, originally opened by the London & North Western Railway on August 1, 1849, has seen its share of changes. Once boasting four platforms, including an island platform 2, its layout was reduced to two lines and three platforms in the 1960s. Despite facing potential closure in the late 1960s, Marsden Station has persevered, continuing to serve trains heading towards Manchester and Leeds.

Access to the platforms varies. Platforms 1 and 2 are reached via steps descending from a nearby road bridge, while platform 3, located to the south of the station, offers a unique approach by crossing the tranquil Huddersfield Narrow Canal, which runs alongside it.

While the station is undoubtedly popular, especially for those venturing to the Standedge Tunnels and Huddersfield Narrow Canal, its facilities are somewhat limited. There is no visible disabled access, no public toilets, and only minimal shelter and seating on the platforms. Nevertheless, its appeal remains strong, with the station serving an impressive 175,000 passengers in the last full year before the pandemic, averaging approximately 3365 per week, ranking it as the 50th busiest in West Yorkshire.

This recent visit to Marsden Railway Station on July 25, 2020, was my second time exploring its character. My intention on this occasion was to embark on a walk along the scenic Huddersfield Narrow Canal towards Slaithwaite. For those interested, I have previously shared images from my last visit to the station. The photographs accompanying this post were captured using my Nikon D3300 SLR, aiming to showcase the station's charm and its beautiful surroundings.

Join me in these images as we take a closer look at Marsden Railway Station, a testament to railway heritage set against the stunning backdrop of the Pennine landscape.

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

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Lock 42 which sits adjacent to Marsden
Railway Station Platform 3.

Bench and sign on the station's platform 1.

Taken from Platform 2, which was once an island platform with a third
accessible platform to my right. Platform 1 is to the right and the station's
entrance steps can be seen coming down from the bridge.

Huddersfield bound train stopping at platform 1.

Taken from the end of platform 2 looking across from what once
would have been the third platform to what is the modern day platform 3.

The stations only platform 1 and 2 entrance, the steps down from the bridge.

Looking eastwards along platform 2 in the direction of
platform 1.

Platforms 2 and 3 pictured from Station Road Bridge.

Platform 2 pictured from the end of platform 1.

Platform 1 and 2.

Platforms 1, 2 and 3 pictured from Station Road Bridge.

The former island platform 3 pictured from the current platform 3.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.