History in the Hills: A Visit to Cragg Vale's St. John in the Wilderness

On a crisp winter's day, January 10th, 2015, I found myself in the heart of Cragg Vale, standing before a church with a story as rich and layered as the surrounding landscape. The Church of St. John in the Wilderness, also known as Cragg Church, is more than just a place of worship; it's a living piece of local history, its stone walls and ancient graveyard holding secrets and stories from centuries past.

The church's history on this site began with a foundation stone laid in March 1813, and an earlier church opening in 1817. However, the impressive stone structure we see today was opened in 1839. Funded by the "Million Pound Act" and costing £2130, this new building was a substantial upgrade, expanding the capacity from 250 to a massive 800 worshippers. The increase was needed, as the vicar held significant power, even having the authority to pull people from the nearby pubs to attend services!

The photos, taken with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, beautifully capture the church's solemn presence against the winter sky and bare trees. The graveyard is particularly striking, with its rows of weathered headstones and ornate monuments, including those belonging to the prominent local Hinchcliffe family, who became deeply involved with the church after it gained independence from the Parish of Halifax in 1844.

The church's connections extend beyond the local community. It is said that the Brontë family often visited, possibly due to Branwell Brontë's time as a clerk at the nearby Luddenden Foot Railway Station. The church also has a more recent and unsettling link to a controversial figure: Jimmy Savile, who was made an honorary church warden in 1967. This detail adds another complex layer to the church's long and varied history.

Standing in the shadow of this historic building, you can't help but feel the weight of its past—a place of faith, community, and some truly remarkable stories. It's a must-visit for anyone who wants to see beyond the surface and delve into the fascinating history of the Yorkshire countryside.

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Echoes in Stone: A Visit to Luddenden Dene Wesleyan Chapel

 Nestled in a quiet, rural corner of West Yorkshire, the remains of Luddenden Dene Wesleyan Chapel stand as a silent testament to a bygone era. On a recent visit, I was struck by the palpable sense of history, a history both of faith and of hardship, etched into the very stones of the cemetery.

Opened with great hope on Christmas Day, 1828, this small chapel served its community for 150 years. It was a place of gathering and solace, capable of holding a congregation of 200 during special celebrations, a testament to its popularity despite its remote location. Its final service in November 1978 marked the end of an era, a story of dwindling numbers until only eight faithful souls remained.

The pictures tell a story of resilience. The main chapel, tragically destroyed by a fire in 1954, exists now only as a stone foundation and a weathered plaque, adorned with wreaths. Yet, the spirit of the place endures in the surrounding graveyard. The headstones, some leaning and overgrown, stand as individual monuments to lives lived and lost in this rugged landscape.

Among the many graves, two in particular carry a sombre and poignant history. Calvert's Mill, at nearby Wainstalls, purchased two plots in this very cemetery for the burial of orphans who died in their employ. One grave, marked by a headstone (Grave 183), lists the names of children, some as young as 12, who perished from disease and malnutrition. It's a stark reminder of the brutal realities faced by child laborers of the industrial revolution. The other plot, an unmarked grave (184), serves as a memorial to those who remain nameless. It is a sobering thought to know that some of these young lives, often girls from Liverpool, were allegedly buried in secret on the moors, with over 140 having been identified to date.

The cemetery is a place of quiet contemplation, where the beauty of nature meets the solemnity of history. The green grass, the tall trees, and the stone walls all seem to hold the stories of those who worshipped and were laid to rest here. A walk through the grounds of Luddenden Dene Wesleyan Chapel is not just a visit to a historical site; it's a profound connection to the past, a moment to reflect on the lives of those who came before us, and a tribute to a community that endured.

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The picture below shows grave 183.

These pictures were taken on the 16th August 2022 using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera.

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A Winter Walk to Ponders End Lock

There's something uniquely beautiful about a London waterway in the middle of winter. On February 11th, 2015, I took a crisp, cold stroll along the River Lee Navigation and found myself at the tranquil and historic Ponders End Lock.

The photos from that day, taken on a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, capture the quiet, almost industrial charm of the place. The low winter sun casts long shadows, and the water, reflecting the grey sky, has a glassy stillness. The lock gates, with their weathered wood and sturdy mechanisms, stand as a testament to the river's long history as a working artery of London.

Ponders End Lock (No. 14 on the navigation) is a particularly interesting spot. It was fully mechanized and duplicated back in 1959 as part of a major improvement project for the river. This means there are two chambers, one for larger barges and the other for smaller pleasure craft, though the original remains manual. The lock's history goes back even further, with records of a lock here since at least 1770. It's a place where the past and present of the city's waterways meet.

The River Lee Navigation itself is a fascinating blend of the natural River Lea and man-made cuts, providing a crucial transport link for centuries. Walking the towpath, you can feel the layers of history—from the transport of grain to London in the Roman period to the factories that sprung up along its banks in the industrial age. While the factories have largely given way to warehousing and new housing, the sense of a working river remains.

The walk is part of the Lea Valley Walk, a wonderful green corridor that runs for miles, and it's a perfect way to escape the urban bustle. On a quiet winter's day, with the sun low in the sky, it's easy to appreciate the silent, enduring beauty of this corner of north London. A visit to Ponders End Lock is a chance to connect with the city's industrious past and enjoy a peaceful moment by the water.

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The Underground World of Ibiza: A Journey into the Caves of Can Marca

 Nestled high on a cliff face overlooking the stunning Port de San Miguel in northern Ibiza, lies a hidden world waiting to be explored. The Cova de Can Marca, once a secret hideout for smugglers, is now one of the island's most captivating natural attractions.

My visit on the 12th of July, 2014, was a journey back in time and deep into the earth. The adventure began with the breath taking descent. The entrance steps, carved into the side of the cliff, offer panoramic views of the Mediterranean's brilliant turquoise waters, an incredible welcome before stepping into the cool, dark embrace of the cave.

The cave itself is a masterpiece of nature, sculpted over millennia by water and time. As you venture deeper, the atmosphere shifts. Eerie, yet beautiful formations of stalactites and stalagmites stretch from the ceiling and floor, creating a surreal landscape. The air is cool, and the sounds of the outside world fade away, replaced by a sense of calm and wonder.

The tour, which takes about 40 minutes, is a truly immersive experience. Cleverly placed lighting illuminates the ancient formations in a spectrum of colours, highlighting the intricate details of the rock. The highlight of the tour is a spectacular light, sound, and water show. A natural waterfall, now re-created with a special effects display, cascades down the rock face, the water shimmering and changing colour with the lights. It's a magical moment that truly brings the cave to life.

The Caves of Can Marca are more than just a tourist attraction; they are a testament to the raw beauty and power of the natural world. From the stunning coastal views on the approach to the mesmerizing light and sound show within, it's an unforgettable experience. If you find yourself in Ibiza, be sure to take a detour from the beaches and clubs and delve into this magnificent underground world.

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Entrance steps to the cave

Exit stairs from the caves.

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Mytholmroyd Railway Station

Some places hold stories in their very foundations. Mytholmroyd Railway Station is one of those places. My trip here on a crisp day in October 2013 with my Samsung Galaxy Tablet wasn't just about taking pictures; it was about capturing a moment in the long and fascinating history of this station.

The Ghosts of Stations Past

The station you see today is a far cry from its original form. Opened in May 1847 by the Manchester & Leeds Railway, it began with temporary buildings and platforms. It was only in December 1871 that new, more permanent structures were built, with platforms that actually overhung the impressive Mytholmroyd Viaduct. This is how the station remained for over a century, a busy and vital hub for the village.

The photos show what remains of that grand history. The old station building, now boarded up and closed, is a Grade II listed structure that stands as a silent sentinel to a different time. Its brickwork and arched windows speak of an era when train travel was a new and transformative experience. You can almost hear the steam hissing and the whistles blowing from decades ago.

Modern Day Commute

In the 1980s, the station underwent significant changes. Some of the original buildings were removed, and the station became an unstaffed stop. New platforms were built further down the line, and the old ones over the viaduct were taken away.

Today, Mytholmroyd Station is a functional, no-frills stop for commuters. My pictures show the platforms with their simple bus shelters and electronic ticket machines. There are no refreshment or toilet facilities—just the essential services needed for a quick journey. It's a stark contrast to the grand station it once was.

In 2020/21, the station served over 45,000 passengers, a number that dropped significantly from pre-pandemic levels. However, it still serves as a vital link for the community, connecting them to the wider Calder Valley and beyond.

More Than Just a Stop

Walking the ramp and stairs that lead to the platform, you can feel the layers of history. This station isn't just a place to catch a train; it's a living piece of local heritage. It shows how places adapt and change while still holding onto their past. It’s a testament to the community it serves and the enduring power of the railway.

I hope these images inspire you to look at your local railway station not just as a place of transit, but as a window into the past.

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