Christ Church, Barkisland: A Winter's Tale

There's a special kind of quiet that settles over a churchyard in the winter, especially after a fresh snowfall. The air is crisp, the world is hushed, and the familiar landscape is transformed into something serene and timeless. I recently had the chance to visit Christ Church in Barkisland, a small village near Halifax, West Yorkshire, and found it to be the perfect subject for a winter photography session.

Built in 1852 on land donated by William Baxter of Barkisland Lower Hall, this Anglican church holds a tranquil history. A memorial inside the church honors Baxter, and the building itself is a testament to the work of the architects Mallinson and Healey, who were responsible for constructing about a dozen other churches in the area. Christ Church was granted Grade II listed status in 1984, recognizing its historical and architectural significance.

Wandering the grounds on a cold December day, I was struck by the contrast between the sharp angles of the Gothic Revival architecture and the soft blanket of snow covering the gravestones. The light caught the stone just right, highlighting its texture and creating a sense of warmth against the cold, winter sky. The snow-dusted tombstones stood like silent sentinels, each one telling a small part of the community's story.

The photos, taken on December 29, 2014, with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, capture this unique atmosphere. In both colour and black and white, the images show the church's charming details—the arched windows, the slate roof, and the simple yet elegant spire. This beautiful little church in Barkisland is a hidden gem, and seeing it cloaked in snow felt like capturing a piece of its history frozen in time.

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Step Back in Time in Saltburn-by-the-Sea

There's something magical about a town that feels suspended in time, and Saltburn-by-the-Sea is one of them. Nestled on the North Yorkshire coast, this Victorian-era gem offers a nostalgic escape from the modern world, inviting you to wander through its history. Looking at these images, you can almost feel the sea spray and hear the echoes of generations of visitors enjoying the coast.

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The Pier and Promenade

The heart of Saltburn's coastal charm is its magnificent pier. Stretching out into the North Sea, it's a testament to Victorian engineering and a perfect place for a leisurely stroll. The old photos show it as a lively hub, with people dressed in period clothing enjoying the fresh sea air. This sense of timeless enjoyment remains today. The long wooden walkway, with its sturdy iron railings, feels like a bridge connecting the past and the present. It’s a wonderful place to watch the waves crash or simply take in the vast horizon.

The promenade below the pier is just as captivating. In these photos, you can see people gathering, strolling, and enjoying the lively atmosphere with the pier buildings and cliffs as a dramatic backdrop. It's a reminder of a bygone era when seaside towns were the ultimate destination for leisure.

The Saltburn Tramway

One of the most unique features of Saltburn is its Cliff Tramway. This funicular railway, seen in several of the images, is a marvel in itself. It was built to transport visitors from the town's elegant clifftop gardens down to the promenade and pier below. The tramway's charming little cabins look like they belong in a fairy tale, and its steep descent down the cliff face offers incredible views of the coast. It’s not just a ride; it’s an experience that tells the story of the town’s development as a Victorian resort.

A Tale of Two Cliffs

The pictures also beautifully capture the stunning geology of the area. On one side, you have the dramatic, crumbling slopes that the tramway descends, with the grand Zetland Hotel perched at the top like a crown. On the other, the imposing Hunt Cliff stands tall, its sheer face a striking contrast to the gentle curves of the beach.

Below Hunt Cliff, you can see the cluster of buildings that make up the Ship Inn. With its long history as a smugglers' haunt, the inn and the surrounding cottages feel rugged and authentic, perfectly blending into the landscape of the bay.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea is more than just a place; it's a journey. From the bustling pier and the historic tramway to the dramatic cliffs and the quaint cottages, every corner has a story to tell. It’s a place to slow down, breathe in the salty air, and appreciate a slice of coastal history.

These artworks are based on very old postcards, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Luddenden Village in Art Images

Luddenden's story is inextricably linked to the Luddenden Brook, which flows through its very heart. First referenced in 1274 in connection with a humble corn mill, the village's identity began to shift over the following centuries. The rushing waters of the brook were harnessed to power a growing number of textile mills, transforming Luddenden from an agrarian settlement into a hub of industry. This history is etched into the very stones of the village, a constant reminder of its industrial past.

For centuries, Old Lane was the main artery connecting Luddenden to the wider world, a busy thoroughfare for travellers heading to and from Halifax. However, progress altered the village's trajectory. In the mid-18th century, a new turnpike road was built just half a mile to the south, diverting traffic and commerce. This new route led to the rise of Luddenden Foot, a separate village that grew up around the modern transportation link, leaving Luddenden to settle into a quieter, more residential existence.

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Echoes of the Past, Lingering Stories

Walking through Luddenden is like stepping back in time, with each landmark holding a piece of a larger narrative. The War Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the combined communities of Luddenden and Midgley, a poignant reminder of their shared sacrifices. The towering presence of St. Mary's Church has watched over the village for generations, a spiritual and architectural centrepiece.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing connections to a bygone era lies within the walls of the Lord Nelson Inn. This historic pub was a regular haunt of Bramwell Brontë, the talented, yet troubled, brother of the famed literary sisters. His time spent working on the nearby railway led him to find solace and company at the inn, a detail that adds a fascinating, human touch to the village's lore.

Tragically, like many small villages, Luddenden has seen changes that have diminished its commercial life. Since the 1980s, the small shops and businesses that once served as the village's communal hubs have closed, leaving behind a collection of houses. While the village remains a beautiful place to live, it is a living example of a community that has evolved from a bustling centre of industry and commerce into a quiet, residential enclave, its history preserved in its stone buildings and timeless landscapes.

The images below were originally photo's that I have added various photoshop filters to create artworks. Clicking anyone of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The pictures below feature in the video above.

Old Lane was once part of the main packhorse route towards
Halifax, the M62 motorway of it's day until replaced by the turnpike
in the mid 18th century.

St Mary's Church.

The Luddenden Brook, this once helped to power of a dozen mills
for the textiles and corn (Flour) industries.

In the basement of the former St Mary's School, there were 3 holding cells,
although one has long since been removed. The 2 remaining have the townships
of Midgley and Warley inscribed in the lintel. The nearby Luddenden Brook
was the boundary between the 2, the removed cell is said to have had
Luddenden inscribed above it, no evidence remains. The cells were built
along with the school in 1825 and are not thought to have held occupants
since the 19th century.

The steps disused since the late 80's early 90's once provided
access to the offices of a mill that once occupied the site. Much
of the mill was demolished and replaced by housing.

Luddenden Brook and High Street Bridge.

Luddenden & Midgley War Memorial, unviled 1923.

Lord Nelson Inn from the churchyard of St Mary's.

High Street, Luddenden, the building towards the bottom was
the offices for the steps pictured earlier.

Inside St Mary's Church.

Luddenden Brook.

A closed off stone doorway alongside Luddenden Brook.

A memorial wheel to represent the ones that the corn mill that
once occupied the valley would have used.

Former Water Horse Trough at the bottom of Stocks Lane.

This cobbled yard is actually a bridge over Luddenden Brook, providing
access from High Street to High Street Court.

Lord Nelson Inn.

St Mary's Church clock tower.

Luddenden brook flows over the weir viewed from the churchyard
of St Mary's.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Exploring Kirkby Lonsdale's Stanley Bridge

Just a short walk from the historic Devil's Bridge in Kirkby Lonsdale lies its more modern, yet equally impressive, successor: the Stanley Bridge. This elegant structure, built in the early 1930s, stands as a testament to both functional engineering and local history.

A Bridge of Progress

Constructed by the Westmorland County Council, Stanley Bridge was a key part of a major bypass project designed to carry the A65 road over the River Lune. Its creation was a significant undertaking, involving over 60 workers and a cost of more than £20,000—a substantial sum at the time, equivalent to approximately £1.5 million today. The bridge's main span stretches an impressive 109 feet 11 inches (33.5 meters) across the river, showcasing the ambition of its design. It was officially opened on December 3, 1932, by the then-Minister for Home Affairs, the Rt. Hon. Oliver Stanley, after whom the bridge is named.

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From Old to New

The construction of Stanley Bridge effectively replaced the need for Devil's Bridge to carry vehicle traffic, allowing that ancient, three-arched stone bridge to become the beautiful pedestrian crossing it is today. This transition highlights a common theme in infrastructure development: as society's needs evolve, new solutions are built to preserve the old while providing modern convenience. The two bridges now exist in a harmonious relationship, representing different eras of transport and engineering.

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A Photographer's Delight

Stanley Bridge, with its distinctive yellow and grey arches, is a favourite subject for photographers. Its reflection on the calm waters of the River Lune provides a captivating visual, especially on a bright day. The surrounding landscape, with its mossy banks and skeletal trees, adds to the serene, timeless quality of the scene. The variety of colours and textures makes it a perfect subject, capturing the interplay of light, water, and architecture.

I took these pictures with a Polaroid is2132 camera on the 4th April 2015. Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Devil's Bridge can be seen beyond the archway.

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Unearthing Birmingham's Industrial Past at Northwood Street

I recently came across a photograph I took in January 2014 that sparked my curiosity. It's a close-up of a plaque on a building at 125 Northwood Street, Birmingham, a site I was visiting to deal with an engineering company called AE Harris & Company. The plaques were fascinating, and they led me down a rabbit hole of local industrial history.

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The Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company

The top plaque, a large cast-iron oval, boldly declares "THE BIRMINGHAM RY CARRIAGE & WAGON Co LIMITED OWNERS & BUILDERS." This company, established in 1854, was a titan of industry. While their name suggests a focus on rail stock, they were incredibly versatile, producing a vast range of vehicles from buses and trolleybuses to airplanes and gliders. During World War II, they were a crucial part of the war effort, building military vehicles like the A10 Cruiser Tank, the Churchill Tank, the Challenger Tank, and the Valentine Tank. The number "30855" on the plaque likely refers to a specific piece of equipment or a building on the site, a serial number of sorts from a bygone era of manufacturing.

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A Tale of Transformation

The company's story took a turn in the 1960s. As the demand for new rail stock declined, the company restructured in 1963, transforming from a manufacturer into a real estate and finance company. This shift highlights the adaptability of businesses in the face of changing markets.

The bottom, smaller plaque provides more context, commemorating the opening of a factory for AE Harris & Company at the site in April 1978. As of June 2022, it seems AE Harris no longer occupies the site, and a quick look at Google Maps reveals that a large portion of the property has been cleared for redevelopment.

In an interesting twist of fate, the company's legacy was revived. In June 2014, The Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company reformed as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to rebuilding locomotives from the 1960s and earlier, breathing new life into a part of Britain's rail history. It's a testament to the enduring passion for industrial heritage.

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Old Lane Mill: A Haunting Reminder of Halifax's Industrial Past

Perched above the Ovenden Valley in Halifax, a remarkable ruin stands as a silent sentinel to a bygone era. Old Lane Mill, a towering stone structure with gaping windows and a prominent chimney, isn't just another abandoned building; it's a piece of living history. Built in 1825 by visionary textile manufacturer James Akroyd, this mill holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving multi-story, steam-powered, iron-framed textile mill in Halifax, and quite possibly, the entire United Kingdom.

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A Glimpse into the Past

Old Lane Mill was a marvel of its time, a testament to industrial innovation. Akroyd wasn't content with traditional building methods. He pioneered the use of a cutting-edge iron frame and durable stone floors to support the massive weight of his newly acquired Jacquard looms—the first to be used in Britain. These revolutionary looms allowed for the creation of intricate patterns and marked a pivotal moment in textile production.

Despite its sturdy construction, the mill wasn't entirely fireproof. A devastating fire in 1905 caused significant damage, but the mill was resilient and continued to operate, changing hands and adapting over the decades. It even became a part of the larger Dean Clough Mill complex for a time, a testament to its enduring legacy.

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The Present and the Future

Today, Old Lane Mill is a dramatic and poignant sight. Time and vandalism have taken their toll, leaving the building a hollow shell. Yet, even in its derelict state, the mill retains a powerful presence. The broken roof, empty window frames, and the massive engine house with its soaring chimney tell a story of a once-thriving industrial heart. Nature is slowly reclaiming the site, with trees and shrubs sprouting from the walls and a peaceful brook, the Ovenden Brook, flowing beneath the mill's remains, as if a life-giving force in the midst of decay.

The future of Old Lane Mill is uncertain, but there is hope. Its historical significance has made it a priority for preservation efforts. Whether it's ultimately restored or repurposed, it's clear that this mill deserves to be remembered and honoured. It stands as a profound reminder of Halifax's rich textile heritage and the ingenuity of those who built its industrial foundation.

I took these pictures on the 15th April 2015 with a Polaroid is2132 camera. Clicking anyone of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography Store on Zazzle.

The water outlet stands just to the south of Old Lane Mill, it carries
the Ovenden Brook underneath the mill and probably provided some 
of the power source for the mill historically.

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. Please don't take the approach of an estate agent who a few years ago was marketing the mill and decided to use my pictures without permission, suitable recompense and no credit. The not even bothering to credit me really was the most annoying bit.