The Church that Defied the Dam: St. Bartholomew's of Dean Head

Perched on the edge of a dramatic landscape, St. Bartholomew's Church in Dean Head is more than just a place of worship—it's a survivor. For over a century and a half, this church has watched the world change around it, enduring floods, motorways, and the disappearance of its village.

Opened in 1865, St. Bartholomew's is the third church to stand on this same spot since 1615. It was built to serve the small, tight-knit community of Dean Head. But in the 1960s, a monumental engineering project began: the construction of the M62 motorway and the creation of Scammonden Reservoir. The village of Dean Head was lost, submerged under water to make way for the new dam. Many assumed that St. Bartholomew's and the remaining buildings would soon follow suit, their foundations compromised by the rising water.

However, against all expectations, the church and its neighboring structures—including the former Dean Head School and a couple of dwellings—have stood firm. They form a small, lonely cluster, a poignant reminder of the community that once existed. The church itself, with its striking architecture and peaceful graveyard, continues to defy the expectations of those who thought it would be demolished by the 1970s or 80s. A testament to its resilience, the church's roof was even replaced in 2002.

Today, St. Bartholomew's looks out over a landscape that is both beautiful and dramatically altered. To the east, the M62 carves a path through the valley, a river of modern traffic. Below, the serene waters of Scammonden Reservoir fill the valley where a village once stood. The church remains a silent witness to these changes, a stoic sentinel of the past in a landscape defined by progress. These photos, taken in March 2015, perfectly capture its sombre beauty, a mix of ancient stone and stark, leafless trees against a vast, open sky. They serve as a tribute to a little church that refused to be forgotten.

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The Charm of Castleton Moor Railway Station

In an age of bustling, modern transport hubs, there's a unique and quiet beauty to a place like Castleton Moor Railway Station. Tucked away on the scenic Esk Valley Line, this stop in North Yorkshire feels like a step back in time. It’s a place where the journey is as much about the destination as the space in between.

Castleton Moor, which connects Middlesbrough with the coastal town of Whitby, has a history that stretches back over 160 years. Opened on April 1, 1861, as simply "Castleton," the station was once a much busier place. Originally, it was a two-platform station with a passing loop, complete with a signal box and a goods warehouse. But like many small stations across the UK, its facilities were streamlined over the years, with these features being removed in the early 1980s. The station was renamed Castleton Moor in March 1965, a subtle change that reflects its quiet, moorland surroundings.

Today, the station retains a charming simplicity. Its main building, a handsome stone structure with classic Victorian railway architecture, is no longer a ticket office or waiting room. It has been beautifully converted into a private residence, watched over by a row of traditional chimney pots. This transformation adds to the station's unique character, creating a sense of a living, breathing history.

For the traveler, the station offers a peaceful waiting experience. A basic shelter, information boards, and a ticket machine are all that's needed here. This low-key functionality is a far cry from the crowded stations of major cities and is a key part of its appeal.

The numbers tell a story of a station serving its local community. With 4,732 passengers in the last full year of recorded stats, the station sees an average of around 91 people a week. It's a modest but vital link for the village, with 11 trains per day—five heading towards the dramatic coast at Whitby and six making the journey towards Middlesbrough.

These photos, taken on a sunny day in August 2022, capture the station's tranquillity perfectly. The bright blue sky, the meticulously maintained buildings, and the lush greenery and wildflowers growing along the tracks all contribute to its picturesque charm. Castleton Moor Railway Station is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the most interesting stories are found not in grand, sweeping gestures, but in the quiet, enduring places that connect us to the past.

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A Concrete River Through the Pennines: M62 at Scammonden

From the vantage point of Scammonden Bridge, the M62 motorway doesn't just look like a road—it looks like a river of light flowing through the Pennine hills. On an evening in August 2018, this concrete river was captured in a moment of twilight, heading east toward the heart of Yorkshire. The long exposure of the camera transforms the headlights and taillights of passing vehicles into streaks of colour, a stark contrast to the dark, ancient landscape that surrounds it.

The image shows more than just a motorway; it captures a unique moment where man-made infrastructure meets raw nature. The M62 cuts through the rolling, moor-covered hills, a testament to modern engineering. Below the bridge lies Scammonden Water, a reservoir nestled in the valley, its still surface reflecting the evening sky. High on the hills, the graceful, silent blades of wind turbines remind us of a different kind of progress.

This photograph isn't just about a road; it's about movement and stillness, light and shadow. It's a reminder of the millions of journeys that take place along this vital artery, a silent tribute to the endless flow of people and goods that connect the east and west of England, all under the vast, unchanging sky.

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A Farewell to the Ghostly Gates: Remembering the Second Halifax Bus Station

For decades, the Halifax Bus Station stood as a familiar landmark, a bustling hub connecting the town with the wider region. But as is often the case in a town with a history of renewal, this iconic structure has now been consigned to the past, making way for a modern replacement. Join me as we take a final look back at the station that was more than just a place to catch a bus—it was a part of Halifax's story, complete with a few ghostly tales of its own.

From Humble Beginnings to a Modern Hub

Halifax's first bus station at Ward's End, dating back to the 1940s, was a rudimentary affair. It was the growth of bus travel that necessitated a proper facility, leading to the opening of a new station in 1954 at Cross Fields, built on land cleared from a former slum.

But as the town grew, so too did the demand for a more efficient transport hub. By the 1980s, the Cross Fields site was no longer fit for purpose. A new vision took shape, culminating in the opening of a state-of-the-art bus station in October 1989. Costing £2 million, this station was more than just a transport interchange—it was a thoughtful blend of the old and new. The design brilliantly incorporated the historic frontages of the Sion Sunday School, the Sion Congregational Church, and the Jubilee Hall into its layout, preserving a piece of Halifax's architectural heritage.

The Final Curtain

For over 30 years, this bus station served the people of Halifax. But just as its predecessors had, it eventually gave way to progress. The station was recently demolished to make way for a brand-new, £17.7 million facility, set to open in 2023.

The demolition revealed more than just foundations. Recent redevelopment work uncovered human bones on the site, a mysterious and poignant reminder of the area's past.

And then there are the stories that add a touch of the supernatural to its history. One of the most intriguing tales comes from a passenger waiting for a bus. As he watched two women laden with shopping bags approach his bus, he looked away for a brief moment. When he looked back, they had vanished completely—not just from the bus, but from the station itself. A chilling, unexplainable moment that has become part of the station's lore.

These images, taken in May 2018, capture the quiet calm of the station just a few years before its closure. They show not only the transport sheds but also the beautiful stone facades that were integrated into its design. While the new bus station will bring modern convenience, these photos serve as a perfect tribute to the bus station that once was—a place where journeys began, history was preserved, and a few ghostly figures might have even waited for their ride home.

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The frontage and remains of the Sion Congregational Church, Jubilee Memorial Hall. The hall was opened in 1866 and offers an impressive eastern entrance top the bus station.

The former Sion Congregational Church Building, it is part of the bus station and used to have a burial ground nearby. The church was closed in 1959.

Sion Sunday School opened in 1846, the frontage was moved and incorporated in to the bus station when it was developed in 1989.

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Copley's Hidden Arches: A Tale of Three Viaducts

 South of Halifax, the small village of Copley is a place where history is carved into the landscape. While many know of the two prominent railway viaducts that dramatically span the valley to the west, few realize there's a third, equally important viaduct tucked away to the east. This one silently crosses the River Calder, completing a trio of Victorian engineering marvels that shaped the region. Together, these viaducts tell a story of a time when the railroad was king, and its iron bridges were the lifelines of industry.

Copley's most famous landmark is the spectacular Copley Viaduct. Completed in 1852, its 23 arches stretch across the landscape, a testament to Victorian engineering that finally created a direct rail link between Sowerby Bridge and Halifax. This viaduct was a game-changer, eliminating the need for trains to perform a cumbersome reversal at Greetland Station. As it soars over the valley, it offers a dramatic perspective on the region, passing over or near the River Calder, the scenic Calder & Hebble Navigation Canal, the bustling A6026 Wakefield Road, and the quaint Copley Cricket Ground.

Standing at a viewpoint from Norland, one can witness a striking scene of two railway viaducts carving their way across the valley near the village of Copley. The older, three-arched viaduct, a testament to early rail engineering, was built by none other than George Stephenson, the "Father of Railways." Opened in 1840 as part of the Manchester and Leeds Railway, it was the first line to traverse the Calder Valley.

For decades, this viaduct was a vital artery of commerce and travel. However, its fate became uncertain when passenger services ceased in 1970. The line faced repeated threats of closure throughout the 1970s and 80s, becoming a "ghost railway" used almost exclusively for freight and the occasional diverted train. Yet, its story wasn't over. In a remarkable twist of fortune, the reopening of Brighouse station in 2000 breathed new life into the line, allowing passenger trains to rumble across Stephenson's historic arches once more, linking the past with the present.

Copley's third and often-overlooked railway viaduct stands as a testament to early Victorian engineering. Opened in 1840 by the Manchester and Leeds Railway, this stone giant gracefully crosses the River Calder. It's nestled discreetly to the east of Copley village, near the Old Rishworthians' sports ground, and its arches disappear into the landscape at the foot of North Dean Woods. This viaduct is not just a bridge; it's a silent sentinel from a time when steam and steel forged the new paths of progress.

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Halifax's Enduring Icons: The Square Chapel and Spire

In the heart of Halifax are two remarkable buildings with intertwined histories: the Square Chapel and the Square Church Spire. Despite a series of threats, these structures have defied the odds and now stand as a testament to the town's rich heritage.

From Chapel to Arts Centre

Built in 1772, the Square Independent Chapel was a marvel of its time. Costing a hefty £2,000, it was the largest independent place of worship in the country. The iconic red brick, said to be mixed with bull's blood to enhance its colour, made it a distinctive landmark from the start.

The chapel served the community for decades, eventually becoming a Sunday school for the new Square Congregational Church next door. Its story took a dramatic turn during World War II when the British Army commandeered it. After the war, the chapel faced an uncertain future, as the local council twice planned to demolish it. Fortunately, preservation groups like the Victorian Society fought to protect it.

In 1989, the Square Chapel Building Trust purchased the dilapidated building for just £25. What followed was a remarkable transformation, with over £3 million spent on restoration. The chapel was reborn as the Square Chapel Arts Centre in 1992, becoming a vibrant cultural hub for the community.

The Spire That Refused to Fall

Next door to the chapel stands the breathtaking Square Church Spire. When the church opened in 1857, its spire was the second tallest in Yorkshire, reaching a height of 235 feet. Local lore claims that a nearby church's spire was built just one foot taller, a deliberate act by a rival of the Crossley family, who had helped fund the Square Church.

After the church closed in 1970, it was hit by a series of devastating fires and storms. By 1976, the main body of the church was demolished, but the spire remained. It stood alone for years, a solitary sentinel in a rest-garden area. The spire itself faced new threats, including structural issues and calls for demolition. During this time, workers inspecting the structure even claimed to have photographed a ghost in an inaccessible part of the spire!

However, the people of Halifax decided the spire was too important to lose. It was incorporated into a new public library, which opened in 2017. The spire and its magnificent rose window are now a central feature of the library, creating a stunning new eastern entrance to the town's historic Piece Hall.

These photos, taken in October 2019, perfectly capture the enduring beauty of these two historic buildings. They stand as a powerful reminder of how history can be preserved and repurposed to enrich our modern lives.

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The Rose Window seen to the left of the spire is based on the east window at Selby Abbey.

The new Halifax Library Building can be seen built around the spire.

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The Rochdale Canal from Lock 2 to Bridge 1A

On Sunday, April 10, 2022, I took a walk along a fascinating section of the Rochdale Canal in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire. This stretch, running from Lock 2 to Bridge 1A, is a remarkable example of industrial heritage and engineering. It's an interesting walk, full of history and some unique features that really tell the story of this once-vital waterway.

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The Start of the Journey: Lock 2 and Christ Church

I began my walk at Lock 2. From here, you can look back along the canal, with the old warehouse buildings casting a long shadow on the still water. . This spot gives you a real sense of the canal's scale and its importance to the local industry. Looking the other way, the canal gently curves towards Sowerby Bridge, and in the distance, you can see the distinctive clock tower of Christ Church, Sowerby Bridge. . The church stands as a prominent landmark, watching over the canal.

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Tuel Lane Lock and the Tunnel

The most dramatic part of this walk is undoubtedly the approach to and passage through Tuel Lane Lock and Tuel Lane Tunnel. The lock itself is an impressive sight, a huge, deep chamber that is actually the deepest canal lock in the UK, at 20 feet (6.1 meters). . This immense depth was achieved by combining two old locks into a single one during restoration. The sheer scale of it is astonishing, and you can see the sturdy wooden gates and the intricate brickwork up close. .

The canal then disappears into the darkness of the Tuel Lane Tunnel. . Unlike most canal tunnels, which are long and go through hills, this one is quite short. It was built to bypass a road and a busy junction when the canal was reopened. It's a surreal experience to see the water simply vanish into the hillside, only to re-emerge a short distance away.

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The Final Stretch

As you walk alongside the lock and beyond the tunnel, the path continues towards Bridge 1A. This area is quite tranquil, a peaceful waterside path with the old buildings and greenery of Sowerby Bridge visible on either side. You can still see the last remaining bits of old infrastructure from the canal's working days, and it’s a great way to appreciate the town’s rich past.

This short but sweet section of the Rochdale Canal is a must-see for anyone interested in industrial history or a pleasant canal side walk. The combination of historic buildings, clever engineering, and serene scenery makes for a perfect Sunday stroll.

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The original Wharf Street bridge can just be seen inside the tunnel.

The former Jolly Sailor Pub (closed 1939). The Building was once the caretakers residence
for Lock Hill Mills. The part of the mill that stood alongside was demolished
in the late 1990's, the red brick part of Lock Hill Mills still stands on the southern bank
of the River Calder. The Jolly Sailor is now a set of apartments.

The canal pictured from Wharf Street in the direction of Lock 2. The building to the left
is the Roxy a local nightspot thats started life as the Electric Cinema around the time
of World War 1. The cinema closed in 1963 and became a bingo and cafe, before eventually
becoming a nightclub - bar.

A view of Tuel Lane Lock and Christ Church Tower. I was just trying to get a different angle
of the lock and down in to the tunnel, taken from the LIDL supermarket car park.

Tuel Lane Tunnel entrance in to the lock.

Tuel Lane Lock, which is lock 3/4 on the Rochdale Canal replaced 2 locks on this
section of canal, lock 4 would have been just behind where I am stood, lock 3 was on the bend inside
the tunnel just in front of the church tower. These were infilled along with this section of canal after
closure in 1952. This was a car park with a disused theatre to my right when I was growing up 

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