Tunnel to Lock: A Walk along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal

 Date of Adventure: July 25, 2020 Camera: Nikon D3300

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal is a true gem of the North, a testament to the grit and engineering prowess of the Industrial Revolution, and a stunning place for a walk. This particular summer's day took me along a picturesque stretch from the Standedge Tunnel entrance near Marsden to Lock 42 close to Marsden Railway Station. The weather was classic Yorkshire—a bit cloudy, but the lush greenery made everything pop.

The Standedge Tunnel Experience

Our walk started at the eastern portal of the incredible Standedge Tunnel. At over three miles long, it's the longest canal tunnel in Britain! The sheer scale of the operation is evident at the Standedge Tunnel Visitor Centre . The imposing stone building, with its distinctive red doors, sits right on the water's edge, offering a fascinating glimpse into the canal's history. Tour boats moored here add to the scene, ready to take visitors a short distance into the tunnel's mouth.

Looking directly down the canal, the tunnel entrance is a dark, mysterious arch carved into the hillside . Flanking the canal are traditional stone buildings, including the waterside café —a perfect spot for a pre-walk brew and a moment to reflect on the incredible journey narrowboats make through the Pennines.

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Following the Towpath South

From the tunnel, we set off along the towpath. The canal here is a ribbon of deep, dark water, beautifully framed by dense trees, ferns, and the steep slopes of the Pennine hills. The path itself is a mix of gravel and mud, especially after a typical summer shower, adding to the rustic, immersive feel .

The walk is incredibly scenic, with stone bridges like Bridge 62 crossing the water . These historic structures, along with the surrounding well-kept cottages, are a reminder that the canal runs right through the heart of the community. Along this section near Marsden, you see the juxtaposition of nature and industry, with a brightly painted narrowboat moored quietly against a background of green ferns .

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The Descent through Marsden Locks

As we continued, the canal started its descent through the flight of locks leading toward the centre of Marsden. The section features several locks, including Lock 43 and Lock 42 . These are classic examples of narrow canal architecture, with their heavy, black-painted gates, sluice mechanisms, and stone-lined chambers.

It's always a pleasure to stop and watch the lock mechanisms in action, though today it was more about appreciating the structures themselves. Lock 42, our final destination for this section, stands close to modern road and rail bridges, highlighting how this historic waterway coexists with modern infrastructure.

This particular stretch of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal offers a beautiful blend of engineering history, peaceful nature, and local charm. It's a fantastic route for an afternoon's walk, whether you're a canal enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape into the Yorkshire countryside. Highly recommended!

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Where Beer Met Education: Unpacking the History and Transformation of The Maltings, Halifax

Standing proudly on the outskirts of Halifax, amidst a landscape defined by Yorkshire's industrial past and rolling green hills, is a striking stone building that tells a fascinating story of change: The Maltings.

Your photographs perfectly capture the imposing scale and rugged beauty of this structure, revealing its deep roots in the region's brewing tradition while hinting at its modern, revitalised purpose. Far from being a relic, The Maltings is a living example of how Halifax breathes new life into its magnificent heritage architecture.

From Grain to Greatness: A Century of Brewing

To appreciate The Maltings today, we must journey back to its origins. This magnificent building was erected around 1900 as the maltings facility for the nearby Fountainhead Brewery, home to the famous Samuel Webster & Sons.

Maltings buildings were crucial components of any large brewery. This is where the barley, the heart of the beer, was prepared through the complex process of malting—steeping, germinating, and drying the grain to produce the sugars necessary for brewing. The sheer size and distinct, multi-level architecture of The Maltings reflect this industrial process:

• The Architecture: The building is a superb example of large-scale, late-Victorian industrial architecture. Constructed from local, finely grained York stone with a steeply pitched Westmorland slate roof, it was built to last. The height and generous windows, visible in the images, were designed to manage the critical temperature and ventilation needed for germinating the barley.

• A Landscape Landmark: Situated on Maltings Road in the Ovenden Wood area, the structure was built to dominate the landscape. Even today, long-ranging views across the valley show the building's importance, a silent monument to the commercial power of the Halifax brewing industry at the turn of the 20th century.

Webster's was a dominant force, building up a portfolio of over 100 tied public houses by the 1880s and becoming known for its iconic brands like Green Label and Pennine Bitter. The Maltings was thus a powerhouse of the regional economy.

A Sympathetic Second Act

By the late 20th century, the brewing industry had consolidated, and the Fountainhead Brewery complex faced an uncertain future. Crucially, the main maltings building was listed as a Grade II Listed Building in 1990, securing its architectural future.

In a remarkable act of preservation and redevelopment, The Maltings was sympathetically restored and converted into commercial office space as part of a multi-million-pound project in the late 1980s. This conversion was so successful that it was recognised with a European Heritage Award (Diploma) in 1991, an accolade that speaks volumes about the quality of the restoration work, which involved:

• Restoring the original York stone exterior.

• Replacing 1930s metal windows with new, traditionally styled hardwood units.

• Internally restructuring the floors to maximise natural light while retaining the raw, industrial character of the space—a perfect blend of heritage and contemporary functionality.

The Modern Maltings: A Hub of Education

Today, The Maltings has found its most inspiring purpose yet: as a central hub for Trinity Multi-Academy Trust (MAT).

It now serves as the group’s main offices, housing the administration and supporting education initiatives across the region. This is a wonderfully poetic transformation: a building once dedicated to producing the raw material for a commercial beverage is now dedicated to cultivating the minds of the next generation. The imposing structure, which once held vast stores of barley, now houses the strategic core of a major educational group.

The presence of the Trinity Institute of Education at The Maltings continues its legacy as a site of production—not of beer, but of knowledge and opportunity. When you look at its robust stone walls and towering form today, you see more than just an old brewery building; you see the enduring spirit of Yorkshire's innovation, repurposed for the 21st century.

It stands as a perfect symbol of Halifax: a town proud of its magnificent past, but always looking forward.

I took these pictures with a Nikon d3300 on the 11th July 2020, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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.

Great Scots, Part IV: Poets, Admirals, and the Makers of Modern Scotland

We’ve reached the penultimate instalment of our tour through the 1933 Mitchell's Cigarettes "Great Scots" collection. This block of ten cards features some of the most universally recognized names in Scottish history, whose impact ranges from the poetry we still read today to the foundations of the global financial system.

This set beautifully balances the old and the new, the literary and the martial, perfectly capturing the multifaceted nature of the Scottish identity in the 1930s.

Literary Immortals and Intellectual Titans

Scotland's towering contribution to literature is front and centre in this selection.

Robert Burns: Pictured in a vibrant social setting, the card honours the national poet of Scotland, often referred to as The Bard. His poetry and songs, such as "Auld Lang Syne," are known worldwide, making him a central figure in Scottish culture and identity.

Lord Macaulay (Thomas Babington Macaulay): A prominent Whig politician, historian, and essayist. His card shows him in a domestic scene, perhaps teaching or telling a story. Macaulay's work, particularly his The History of England, shaped the Whig interpretation of British history for generations.

Lord Erskine (Thomas Erskine, 1st Baron Erskine): An incredibly renowned lawyer and politician, Erskine was considered one of the greatest advocates in the history of the British bar. His card depicts him arriving or departing a carriage, perhaps on his way to a famous case.

Queens, Saints, and Heroic Women

The collection continues to feature powerful female figures who held significant influence over the course of Scottish history.

Flora MacDonald: The quintessential Jacobite heroine, Flora MacDonald is immortalized for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the Battle of Culloden. Her card depicts the dramatic, clandestine nature of her act, a story that became legendary.

St. Margaret (Margaret of Scotland): A Queen of Scotland in the 11th century, she was renowned for her piety, charity, and influence in integrating the Scottish church with the Roman Church. Her card shows her in a scene that seems to involve work on a ship or in a bustling, historical setting.

Annabella Drummond: The Queen Consort to Robert III of Scotland, she was a central political figure in the late 14th century. Her card's illustration of knights jousting or fighting suggests the martial world of her era and the political maoeuvring she engaged in.

The Builders of Modern Institutions

These Scots are celebrated for their foundational roles in global economics and politics.

William Paterson: The visionary Scottish banker who is best known as the founder of the Bank of England in 1694. His card depicts him in a meeting, likely outlining the foundational plans for his institution or the disastrous Darien Scheme, an event that led to Scotland's financial ruin and ultimately, the Act of Union.

The Earl of Balfour (Arthur Balfour): A prominent Conservative politician and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at the turn of the 20th century. His card shows him interacting with a crowd of people, reflecting his long and influential career in British public life.

Military and Naval Glory

Finally, the set recognizes the courage and strategic genius of Scotland's martial heroes.

Duncan of Camperdown (Admiral Adam Duncan, 1st Viscount Duncan): A celebrated naval hero, his card shows him on the deck of a ship. He is famous for his stunning victory over the Dutch fleet at the Battle of Camperdown in 1797.

Sir Colin Campbell (Lord Clyde): A highly decorated military officer, Sir Colin Campbell served in numerous conflicts, becoming famous for his command during the Indian Mutiny (Siege of Lucknow). His card portrays him greeting another officer in a military camp, underscoring his celebrated career.

This block brilliantly ties together Scotland's most enduring themes: its literary voice (Burns), its rebellious spirit (Flora MacDonald), its royal history (St. Margaret, Annabella Drummond), and its world-changing impact on finance and defense (Paterson, Duncan).

Only ten cards remain to complete the collection! Join me for the final instalment soon.

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A Glimpse Back: Cowes in Days Gone By from My 35mm Slide Collection

There's something incredibly satisfying about diving into a box of old 35mm slides. Each transparency is a tiny window to the past, a frozen moment in time waiting to be rediscovered. Today, I pulled out this fantastic shot of Cowes, and it immediately sparked a wave of nostalgia and curiosity.

This image captures the quintessential charm of Cowes, a town synonymous with sailing and the Isle of Wight. Looking at the serene harbour, with its distinctive buildings lining the waterfront and the gentle bobbing of boats, you can almost hear the gulls and feel the sea breeze.

Let's take a closer look at what we can see. The architecture along the High Street is classic Cowes, a mix of historic buildings that have witnessed countless regattas and maritime events. The calm water reflects the clear blue sky, suggesting a beautiful, probably summer, day. The boats, from small dinghies to what look like larger yachts further out, reinforce the town's identity as a sailing hub.

Dating the Image: A Little Detective Work

One of the most fun parts of revisiting old slides is trying to pinpoint when they were taken. While I don't have an exact date noted for this particular slide, there are a few clues that can help us narrow it down.

Firstly, the overall feel of the photograph – the colours, the quality of the film, and the general appearance of the boats and buildings – strongly suggests a 1970s or early 1980s timeframe. The style of some of the smaller boats and the lack of overtly modern marina infrastructure point towards this era. There's a wonderful, unhurried quality to the scene that feels characteristic of those decades before widespread digital photography.

Specific details that might help include:

• The design of the pontoons and walkways.

• The types of cars (though none are clearly visible, their absence is also a clue!)

• Any particular signage on the buildings, though these aren't entirely clear in this view.

This photograph is more than just a picture of a place; it's a snapshot of an era. It reminds me of leisurely days spent exploring the British coast, a time when film cameras were the norm, and every click was a carefully considered moment. I'm so glad these slides have preserved such beautiful memories.

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Bradford Interchange: A Journey Through Concrete, Culture, and Connectivity

10th December 2022: A cold, crisp Saturday, immortalized through the lens of a Nikon D3300. These images of Bradford Interchange capture a moment in time at a structure that is far more than just a place to catch a train; it is a monument to post-war ambition, a current canvas for public art, and a focal point for the city's future.

Let's explore the railway side of Bradford Interchange—a station that encapsulates the city's unique history and its exciting preparations for Bradford UK City of Culture 2025.

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The Architecture: A 'Showpiece of European Design'

Bradford Interchange, in its current form, opened in the early 1970s, integrating the city’s rail and bus services into a single, multi-level hub. The original design, dating back to 1962, was boldly modernist and, at the time of its opening, was hailed as a "showpiece of European design."

What makes it unique is its layout: the concourse is on the ground floor, while both the bus and train platforms are elevated to the first floor. This vertical separation, accessed via escalators and a ramp, defined the building's robust and often unadorned concrete structure—an exemplar of a certain school of 20th-century design.

These photos, taken in late 2022, likely capture the station as major revitalisation work was beginning to ramp up. The station has recently undergone a multi-million-pound transformation, particularly on the lower concourse and the rail station access ramp, as part of the 'Transforming Cities Fund' and in preparation for the City of Culture 2025. This has introduced:

• Public Art: New, super-scale, multi-surface artworks, such as the "BD Colours" series, have been integrated, bringing vibrant colour and a fresh, welcoming aesthetic to the concrete environment. This includes new art along the 100-meter-long ramp and underpass, transforming the arrival experience into an enhanced gateway to the city.

• Enhanced Gateway: New lighting, refreshed flooring, and improved accessibility, including resurfaced ramps and handrails, are softening the hard lines of the original architecture and creating a more inviting public space.

From Exchange to Interchange: A Century of History

The station you see today is actually the second major railway terminus on this site.

1. Bradford Exchange (1850 - 1973): The original station, opened in 1850, was an altogether grander affair. It was completely rebuilt in 1880 with a massive structure featuring ten bay platforms covered by two immense wrought-iron arched roofs. In its 1920s heyday, it was the city's mainline hub, connecting Bradford with routes to London King's Cross and across the Pennines. Sadly, the Beeching Axe closures decimated many of these lines, and the large station was deemed surplus to requirements. It was demolished in the early 1970s and is now the site of the Law Courts.

2. Bradford Interchange (1973 - Present): The new, more compact, and re-sited station opened in 1973 with four platforms. It was later formally renamed 'Bradford Interchange' in 1983 to officially brand its combined function.

An Interesting Fact: The Reversing Problem

The current Bradford Interchange railway station is a terminus. This means it is the end of the line, and any train continuing on the line (for instance, the services to Leeds or Halifax) must reverse out of the station to proceed. This operation causes a considerable time penalty (historically timed at around six minutes) and creates operational complexity that limits rail capacity and causes knock-on delays across the Trans Pennine route.

A New Chapter: The Future of Rail in Bradford

Looking ahead, the future of the Interchange—and Bradford's entire rail network—is set for a truly transformative change.

The city is currently making a strong case for a "Bradford Rail Programme" which involves two major components that will reshape transport for generations:

1. A New City Centre Rail Station: The proposal calls for a complete replacement of the existing station with a new, larger facility. This is considered essential to deliver the full economic and connectivity benefits of the major Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) scheme.

2. A Through Line: Crucially, this plan aims to deliver a through line, which would allow trains to pass through the city without reversing. This single change would radically improve journey times (slashing them to Leeds, Huddersfield, and Manchester) and increase capacity, finally turning Bradford into a true link in the regional and national network, rather than a terminus.

In the short term, investment continues, particularly in improving the rail gateway as a long-term solution for the co-located bus station is found. This commitment ensures that even as the city prepares for a new future, the existing station will provide a pleasant and attractive welcome for all passengers and visitors to the UK's City of Culture 2025.

I took these pictures on the 10th December 2022 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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.

Great Scots, Part III: Explorers, Rebels, and Literary Lions

Our journey through the 1933 Mitchell's Cigarettes "Great Scots" collection continues with this captivating third instalment. This block of cards introduces us to famous Jacobites, a legendary explorer, influential men of letters, and figures who shaped both Scottish law and military history. They underscore a national character defined by adventure, defiance, and intellectual depth.

Heroes of Adventure and Legend

These figures embody the spirit of bold action, whether on the frontiers of the empire or in the wild Scottish Highlands.

David Livingstone: The celebrated missionary and explorer, Livingstone's card depicts him in an African setting, leading an expedition. He is globally famous for his work mapping and exploring Central and Southern Africa, his anti-slavery efforts, and the famous search by Henry Morton Stanley.

Rob Roy (Robert Roy MacGregor): The legendary folk hero, cattle drover, and outlaw is shown on horseback with cattle. Often romanticized as the "Scottish Robin Hood," his life became the subject of popular literature, notably by Sir Walter Scott. 

The Jacobite Cause and Royal Power

This set is rich with figures connected to the dramatic and often violent history of Scottish royalty and the Jacobite risings.

Prince Charles Edward (Bonnie Prince Charlie): The famous last major Stuart claimant to the British throne. His card captures a celebratory scene, likely representing the early successes or hopeful plotting of the 1745 Jacobite Rising, which he led.

Graham of Claverhouse (John Graham, 1st Viscount Dundee): Nicknamed "Bluidy Clavers" by his enemies, he was a staunch Royalist and a key commander who led Jacobite forces after the Glorious Revolution. The card shows him mounted in a cavalry charge, reflecting his military renown.

Duncan Forbes (of Culloden): A powerful Scottish lawyer, judge, and politician, Forbes was instrumental in suppressing the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745. His card likely shows him with military or government forces, highlighting his crucial role in maintaining order for the Hanoverian government.
 

James I of Scotland: The first king of the Stuart dynasty to be named James, he ruled in the 15th century. His card shows him in a royal court setting, kneeling to receive a sword. His reign was marked by efforts to assert central royal authority after a long captivity in England.

Literature, Thought, and Science

The cards once again remind us of Scotland's immense impact on the written word and the natural sciences.

Thomas Carlyle: A hugely influential Victorian writer, historian, and philosopher, Carlyle's portrait and illustrated scene capture the earnest, intellectual gravitas for which he was known. His works profoundly impacted 19th-century British thought.

Tobias Smollett: An 18th-century novelist, doctor, and satirist, Smollett is considered one of the founders of the English novel. His card depicts him in what appears to be a medical setting, reflecting his background as a surgeon.

Allan Ramsay: A key figure in the revival of Scottish vernacular poetry in the 18th century. His card shows him in an outdoor, street-like setting, perhaps reflecting his career as a wig-maker and later as a successful bookseller who established the first circulating library in Scotland.

Sir Archibald Geikie: A towering figure in 19th-century science, Geikie was a distinguished geologist who served as Director-General of the Geological Survey and Director of the Museum of Practical Geology. His card shows him instructing people in an outdoor, rocky landscape, illustrating his fieldwork.

 Enduring Fascination

What stands out in this set is the blend of Romanticism and realism. On one hand, we have the dashing, legendary figures of Bonnie Prince Charlie and Rob Roy; on the other, the serious, world-changing work of Livingstone and Geikie.

The Mitchell's Cigarettes series perfectly encapsulates the multi-faceted national narrative that resonated with the public in 1933: one of dramatic struggle, high culture, and scientific achievement.

Join me next time for the fourth block of ten as we inch closer to completing this amazing collection!

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

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!

A Glimpse Through Time: The Long Market, Canterbury

It's always a special feeling to hold a piece of history in your hands, and a 35mm slide like the one you've shared offers just that – a vibrant, tangible link to the past. This particular image, depicting the Long Market in Canterbury, Kent, is a fascinating snapshot that allows us to reflect on the area's evolution.

 Let's dive into the history of this intriguing spot and try to pinpoint when your photo might have been taken!

The Long Market: From Humble Beginnings to Modern Hub

The area now known as the Long Market has a deep and continuous history, stretching back centuries. As its name suggests, it has long been associated with trade and commerce, a vital artery for the city of Canterbury. Imagine the hustle and bustle through the ages: medieval merchants hawking their wares, Roman citizens (given the nearby "Roman Pavement" sign in your image!) going about their daily lives, and countless generations passing through this very spot.

The most striking feature in your photograph is undoubtedly the modernist building with its large glass windows, housing "Frank & Tony Wares Shop" and "Lotus" – names that instantly evoke a certain mid-20th-century charm. This architectural style, often characterized by clean lines, functional design, and a focus on light, was a prominent feature of post-war reconstruction and urban development across Britain.

Dating Your Photograph: A Detective's Task!

Dating historical photographs can be a fun challenge, and your slide gives us some excellent clues!

1. Architecture: The prominent modernist building is a key indicator. Such designs became popular from the late 1940s through the 1960s and early 70s. Its style suggests it was likely built as part of Canterbury's post-war regeneration efforts after the significant damage sustained during World War II.

2. Shop Names: "Frank & Tony Wares Shop" and "Lotus" provide potential avenues for research. While "Lotus" is a well-known brand (though perhaps not for the type of shop seen here), "Frank & Tony" sounds like a local business. Checking old city directories or business records from Canterbury might reveal when these shops operated at this specific location.

3. Fashion: The two women in the foreground are excellent fashion indicators. Their coats, hairstyles, and handbags appear consistent with late 1960s to early 1970s styles. The hemlines, structured silhouettes, and general aesthetic lean strongly towards this period.

4. Vehicles (or lack thereof): While no cars are clearly visible in the immediate foreground, the absence of more contemporary vehicle designs (or the presence of older ones in the distance if zoomed in) could also offer clues.

5. "Roman Pavement" Sign: This sign refers to an archaeological site of interest, likely a preserved section of Roman road or mosaic uncovered during building works. Such discoveries were often made during urban redevelopment, further cementing the post-war context of the surrounding buildings.

Considering all these elements, especially the fashion and the architectural style, I would confidently place your photograph somewhere in the late 1960s, possibly around 1968-1972. It's a fantastic example of the era's urban landscape!

The Long Market Today

The Long Market, like many urban spaces, has continued to evolve. While the exact shops may have changed, it remains a bustling part of Canterbury, connecting the city's ancient past with its vibrant present. The modernist building might still stand, perhaps repurposed, or it might have been replaced by even newer developments. The essence of the market, however, as a place of gathering and commerce, undoubtedly endures.

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