Funeral of an Unknown Warrior.

My passion lies in capturing moments through my own lens. But beyond creating new images, I have a deep love for unearthing and collecting photographic history – old postcards, forgotten pictures, negatives, and slides all hold a special fascination for me.

I've been thinking it would be interesting to share some of these vintage finds with you, right here on the blog, alongside my own contemporary work. It feels like a wonderful way to connect the past with the present and explore the stories these images tell.

To kick things off, I thought I'd start with two incredibly poignant postcards. These were taken on a significant day in history: November 11th, 1920, during the funeral of the Unknown Warrior.

The unknown warrior was selected by Brigadier L.J. Wyatt who was given a choice of soldiers whose remains had been exhumed from various battlefields and brought to a chapel at Saint Pol sur Ternoise, France on the night of November 7th 1920. Brigadier Wyatt was accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel E.A.S. Gell and neither man knew which battlefield each soldiers remains had been exhumed from. The remains had been placed in individual coffins covered by Union Flags, Brigadier Wyatt closed his eyes and rested his hand on one of the coffins which was then selected. The other soldiers remains were then taken away for reburial overseen by the Reverend George Kendall OBE.

The coffin of the unknown warrior then remained in the chapel overnight, and was transferred the following day with a guard and escort, as well as troops lining the route to the castle library, within the ancient citadel at Boulogne where it was guarded overnight by a company of soldiers from the French 8th Infantry Regiment.

On the 9th November 1920 the coffin was places within a casket made from oak timbers of trees within the grounds of Hampton Court Place. The casket was then affixed with a sword chosen personally by King George V from the Royal Collection and banded with iron. The shield that was fixed upon the top of the sword and casket bared the inscription "A British Warrior who fell in the Great War 1914-1918 for King and Country". The coffin was then drawn by six black horses on a French military wagon for the mile long journey to the harbour, The wagon being escorted by local schoolchildren and a division of French troops. The French infantry playing Aux Champs as the coffin left Boulogne.

The casket was met at the harbour by the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Verdun, and was piped aboard with the admirals call, whilst Marshal Foch the commander of the French Armies during the Great War saluted the casket before it was carried up the gangway. The ship left around noon and was joined by an escort of 6 battleships for it's journey across the channel. As the flotilla approached Dover it was greeted by a 19 gun Field Marshals salute.

The casket was landed on the 10th November and travelled from Dover Marine Railway Station to Victoria Station, London where it was to arrive at Platform 8 at 8.32 pm and remain overnight.

Placed on a gun carriage and drawn by 6 horses the casket began it's final journey on the morning of 11 November 1920 passing through large, silent and respectful crowds. Upon departure from Victoria, there was another Field Marshals salute fired in Hype Park. The cortege route passed Hyde Park Corner, The Mall and Whitehall where King George V unveiled the Cenotaph. It was then followed by the King, the Royal Family and ministers of state to Westminster Abbey where it was interred in the far western end of the nave, in soil brought from each of the main Great War battlefields. The grave is capped with a black Belgian marble stone and is the only tomb within Westminster Abbey that people are forbidden to walk. The ceremony included a guard of honour by 100 recipients of the Victoria Cross. The guest of honour at the service were a group of about 100 women who had lost their husbands and all their sons in the war. After internment the armed forces stood guard as tens of thousands of mourners filed past to pay their respects.

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Sowerby Bridge: Then and Now

Have you ever wondered how much your hometown has changed over the decades? What if you could stand in the exact spot where a photograph was taken a hundred years ago and compare the view? That's exactly what I set out to do for my latest YouTube video, "Sowerby Bridge, Then and Now."

In this short video, I've pieced together a fascinating look at our beloved Sowerby Bridge, contrasting its past with its present. I've curated a collection of postcards and images taken around Sowerby Bridge at the turn of the 20th century. These glimpses into the past offer a remarkable insight into daily life, architecture, and the overall atmosphere of the town from over a hundred years ago.

But I didn't stop there. To truly bring the past to life, I then captured a collection of modern images taken in similar positions to the original photographs. The result is a captivating visual journey that highlights the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) transformations Sowerby Bridge has undergone.

You'll see familiar landmarks, some still standing strong, others having evolved or even disappeared. It's a wonderful way to connect with the history of our town and appreciate how far we've come.

Whether you're a long-time resident or just curious about local history, I think you'll find "Sowerby Bridge, Then and Now" a truly engaging watch.

The video includes street scenes, waterside scenes and architecture from around the town.

All the pictures feature details of where the image is.

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A Lucky Encounter: Steam Train Through North Dean Woods

Sometimes, you just happen to be in the right place at the right time. That's exactly what happened to me on February 29th, 2020, during a walk through the beautiful North Dean woods. For those who don't know it, North Dean stretches along the valley from Copley to West Vale and even up towards Greetland and Norland, with the main railway line between Brighouse and Sowerby Bridge running right along the bottom.

On this particular day, I was enjoying my stroll when I got wind that a steam train was due to pass along the line shortly. You can imagine my excitement! I quickly made my way along the line from the bridge that crosses the River Calder, hoping to catch a glimpse.

I arrived just as the train was approaching from Greetland Junction. Talk about perfect timing! I had just enough time to set up my action camera facing east and my phone facing west, near the track but at a safe distance, of course. Safety first!

The short video below captures the moment the train steamed through, and I’ve also pulled out some images from the footage for you to see.

I can't push the point enough that although it may look close to the railway at no point was I anywhere near the trackbed. The following were taken from the footage.

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 The video and images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Journey Through Time: Sowerby Bridge in Pictures!

I'm thrilled to share a new project I've been working on that's really close to my heart: a series of three YouTube videos featuring historic pictures of Sowerby Bridge.

These aren't just any old photos; they're a window into our town's past, spanning the last 150 years! I recently came across a fantastic collection of images, and I've been advised they're all public domain and copyright-free. Some of these even belong to a Lilywhites postcards collection, meaning they're over a century old – imagine the stories they could tell!

My aim with these videos is to bring a bit of Sowerby Bridge's rich history to life for everyone to enjoy. You'll see familiar landmarks and perhaps even discover areas of the town as they looked generations ago.

Of course, if I've been misinformed about any copyright, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'm more than happy to credit the source or remove any picture at your request.

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A Journey Across History: The Kincardine Bridge

I've just uploaded a new video to YouTube showcasing a crossing of the Kincardine Bridge in both directions, filmed in November 2019. This bridge isn't just a convenient route; it's a fascinating piece of Scottish engineering history!

Connecting Communities Across the Forth

The Kincardine Bridge spans the River Forth, located approximately 25 miles northwest of Edinburgh. For a long time, it was the closest road crossing to Scotland's capital until the Forth Road Bridge opened its lanes in 1964. Even today, the Kincardine Bridge serves as a vital alternative crossing to both the Forth Road Bridge and the newer Queensferry Crossing whenever they face closures or restrictions due to accidents or severe weather. This vital link connects the boroughs of Falkirk and Fife, facilitating countless journeys every day.

A Tale of Ingenuity and Unexpected Delays

Construction of the Kincardine Bridge took place between 1932 and 1936, under the watchful eyes of designers Sir Alexander Gibb and architect Donald Watson. Its opening was even delayed due to a dramatic incident in February 1935, when a steamship unfortunately crashed into the ongoing construction!

The decision to build the bridge was driven by a significant increase in traffic at Stirling Bridge, which, prior to the Kincardine Bridge, was the nearest crossing point on the Forth (other than by ferry). Traffic levels at Stirling had surged from around 150 vehicles per hour in 1922 to over 400 per hour by 1932 – a clear sign that a new solution was desperately needed.

One of the most remarkable features of the Kincardine Bridge was its central 364ft section, designed to operate as a swing bridge. This allowed ships to pass through to the Port of Alloa. This swing section remained in use until 1988 and was finally locked shut in 1989. While the mechanics are still present to operate it, it's highly unlikely it will ever swing open again.

The bridge itself boasts an impressive total length of 2697ft and was constructed at a cost of £327,000. While it's still very much in use today, its role as the primary bridge crossing was taken over in 2008 by the Clackmannanshire Bridge, a more modern marvel that cost a substantial £120 million to complete.

So, the next time you cross the Kincardine Bridge, take a moment to appreciate its rich history and the significant role it has played in connecting Scotland. 

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A Driver's View: Exploring the Scenic A40 from Ross-on-Wye to Monmouth

I've just uploaded a new video to my YouTube channel, It's a drive from Ross-on-Wye to Monmouth, captured entirely from my DAF XF truck. If you're a fan of scenic drives, you're in for a treat.

This particular stretch of road is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful in Britain. The video covers approximately 12 miles, starting right from the end of the M50 motorway. We then cruise along the A449 and A40, finally completing the journey just after emerging from the Gibraltar Tunnel at Monmouth.

What makes this video a bit different is the perspective. Because I was in my truck, the dash cam footage gives you a higher vantage point than my usual videos. You really get to see the landscape unfold from a unique viewpoint.

It was a fantastic drive, and I hope the video conveys just how stunning the scenery is. Whether you're planning a trip to the area or just enjoy a good virtual road trip, I think you'll really appreciate this one.

The video was filmed on Wednesday January 29th 2020.

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Vintage War Posters

A few years ago I bought a collection of copyright free posters and images off a collector and if I'm honest I was stuck for an idea of what to do with them, so they just sat on a hard drive waiting. I recently remembered I had them and came up with tidying them up a little and using them as slideshows for my YouTube channel.

The first set of pictures I used were selected from an album of wartime posters featuring propaganda for women to work, men to be recruited to various forces, rationing, promoting peace and nationalism. They are taken from many conflicts and various countries involved. I have done this slideshows more as a historical propaganda show reel rather than promoting conflict and they are to show how propaganda was used to help with wartime efforts.

I will be working on more over the next few weeks to upload to my YouTube channel from travel posters to vintage pin ups to more wartime posters as well as continuing to upload my own collection of images. Click here and take a moment to subscribe to my YouTube channel. The vintage pin ups will not be posted here but will be available to view on YouTube. Below is a selection of the posters featured in the videos

 

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Ravensthorpe Station: A Quiet Enigma on the Huddersfield Line

Tucked away between Mirfield and Dewsbury in West Yorkshire lies Ravensthorpe Railway Station, a small suburban stop on the Huddersfield Line. With just 35,342 passengers in 2018-19 (around 680 people per week), it's fair to say Ravensthorpe is far from a bustling hub. You can't help but wonder if its fortunes would change dramatically with the addition of platforms serving the lines towards Wakefield, which conveniently branch off just before the station.

A Glimpse into the Past

Opened in 1890, this was actually the second station to serve the Ravensthorpe area. The first, on the Ravensthorpe branch of the Spen Valley Line, opened in 1869 but closed its doors in 1962. The current station was built with a keen eye on freight, featuring a goods shed added 42 years after the line's opening. It also boasted rather grand station buildings, which were listed for preservation before a fire led to their demolition and replacement with the basic shelters you see today.

A Character All Its Own

Ravensthorpe station possesses a unique character that's hard to put your finger on. Logically, its location within an industrial suburb of Dewsbury should give it the feel of a busy commuter stop. Yet, when you're standing on the platforms, there's an undeniable sense of rural calm, almost as if you've stumbled upon a countryside halt. It's this intriguing contrast that makes Ravensthorpe stand out.

Basic, But Functional

As for facilities, Ravensthorpe is no-frills. You'll find limited shelters on both platforms, but no toilets or ticket machines. Information boards and timetables are available, and the station is unstaffed. If you're heading to platform 2, access is via a bridge and steps.

The pictures below were taken on December 30 2019 with a Nikon d3300.

The lines to the left of the picture, there has never been a station serving
those line at this location, this may change as there are plans to demolish
and re-site the station just beyond the bridge in the picture, as part of plans to
put 4 tracks along this route.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The Halifax Gibbet: A Precursor to the Guillotine and a Brutal Past

When you think of the guillotine, your mind likely jumps to the French Revolution. However, centuries before the streets of Paris ran red, a similar, equally brutal device was at work in the quiet town of Halifax, England. Known as the Halifax Gibbet, this early form of public execution offers a chilling glimpse into medieval justice.

Centuries of Swift (and Not-So-Swift) Justice

The Halifax Gibbet first saw use in the 13th century, a staggering 500 years before its French counterpart gained notoriety. The earliest confirmed execution dates back to 1286, when John of Dalton met his end. Over the centuries, at least 52 confirmed executions took place, though local belief suggests the true number exceeds 100. The last to face the gibbet's blade were John Wilkinson and Anthony Mitchell on April 30th, 1650.

The Mechanics of Death

Standing approximately 15 feet high on a 4-foot-high, 13-foot-square platform, the gibbet was a formidable sight. The blade itself was surprisingly simple: a 10-inch by 8-inch piece of metal, not sharpened, but relying on speed and weight to sever the head from the body. It was held in place by a pin, which was dramatically withdrawn by a cord at the moment of execution.

The Infamous Gibbet Law

The Halifax Gibbet operated under its own unique and unforgiving set of rules: the Gibbet Law. This law decreed that any thief caught or confessing to stealing cloth, goods, or animals worth at least 13 1/2d within the boundaries of Sowerbyshire or the Forest of Hardwick (which included Halifax) would be arrested. After a trial by jury, if convicted, the individual would endure six days in the town stocks before their execution on the seventh day. The Gibbet Law made no distinction between men and women, and sadly, at least five women are confirmed to have been executed by this method, their names etched into the grim history:

• July 13th, 1588: Wife of Thomas Roberts, Halifax
• February 22nd, 1603: Wife of Peter Harrison, Bradford
• November 23rd, 1623: George Fairbank & his illegitimate daughter Anna
• July 5th, 1627: Wife of John Wilson, Northowram
• December 8th, 1627: Sarah Lum, Halifax

The "Running Man" and a Glimmer of Hope

Remarkably, Gibbet Law offered a slim chance of escape. If the accused could withdraw their head after the pin was released and flee across the Hebble Brook (the then-boundary, approximately 500 yards from the gibbet), they would be granted freedom, provided they never returned to the prescribed boundaries. Two men are said to have achieved this remarkable feat: a Mr. Dinnis and the more famous John Lacey, also known as "the Running Man."

Lacey's escape in 1617 became legendary. However, his story has a tragic postscript. A few years later, he foolishly returned to Halifax, was recaptured, and ultimately met his fate on January 29th, 1623.

The End of an Era and Rediscovery

The reign of the Halifax Gibbet came to an end in 1650 when it was outlawed by Oliver Cromwell. The last two victims, Anthony Mitchell (convicted of stealing 16 yards of cloth) and Abraham Wilkinson (convicted of stealing two horses), were executed on the same day, April 30th, 1650.

For centuries, the gibbet's site was lost to time, buried under layers of rubbish and soil. It wasn't until 1839, when Mr. Bates purchased the land for a warehouse, that its gruesome past was unearthed. Workmen discovered the bodies and heads of two individuals (believed to be Mitchell and Wilkinson), and further excavation revealed the gibbet platform.

Today, a 15-foot high replica of the gibbet stands on the restored platform, erected in August 1974, a stark reminder of Halifax's dark history. The original gibbet blade, once thought lost, was miraculously discovered in 1970 in a solicitor's office in Wakefield and is now a chilling exhibit at the Bankfield Museum in Halifax.

The Halifax Gibbet serves as a powerful reminder of the brutal realities of justice in centuries past, a local innovation that predated its more famous French cousin by half a millennium, leaving an indelible mark on the town's history.

The pictures were taken on the 23rd August 2014 using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

From Mansion to Memorial: The Enduring History of Crow Wood Centenary Park

Nestled in Sowerby Bridge, Crow Wood Centenary Park is more than just a green space; it’s a living testament to history, community, and remembrance. This 5.49-hectare park, situated at Upper Bolton Brow, offers a fascinating journey through time, from its grand beginnings as a mansion estate to its vital role in local life today.

Originally the site of the imposing Crow Wood Mansion, the grounds witnessed a significant transformation during World War 1 when the mansion served as a hospital, providing essential care until its closure in March 1920. In May 1919, the forward-thinking Sowerby Bridge Council recommended purchasing the estate. Their vision was grand: to create a public park, a maternity home, and a child welfare centre – a true hub for the community.

The mansion itself, once standing near what are now the tennis courts and gardens, was demolished before the park officially opened its gates in April 1923. But its spirit of service lived on. A poignant addition to the park’s landscape came on November 10, 1929, with the unveiling of the Memorial Gate. This powerful monument was initially dedicated to those who perished in the Great War and now honours all the fallen of both world wars from the Sowerby Bridge area, serving as a solemn reminder of sacrifice and courage.

Over the years, the park has adapted to changing times and community needs. In 1930, a bandstand was added, offering picturesque views across the parkland. While its days of hosting musical performances are long past, it has found a new life as a vibrant skate board area, echoing with the sounds of a new generation. Another notable change saw the park’s paddling pool – a source of joy for many years – replaced by a car park near the garden area.

Perhaps the most significant renaming occurred on August 4, 2014, when the park became Crow Wood Centenary Park. This thoughtful change marked 100 years since the onset of the First World War, reinforcing its historical significance and its role as a place of reflection.

Today, Crow Wood Centenary Park continues to be a beloved community asset, offering a diverse range of amenities. Visitors can enjoy the modern skate board area, challenge friends on the bowling green or tennis courts, stroll through the tranquil gardens, or watch children play in the dedicated children's play area.

So, next time you’re in Sowerby Bridge, take a moment to explore Crow Wood Centenary Park. You’ll not only discover a beautiful green space but also a rich tapestry of local history woven into every corner.

The pictures were taken on New Years Day 2020 with a Nikon d3300.

The Memorial gate which was unveiled on the 10th November 1929. The towns annual remembrance day parade congregates here.

The parks former band stand now part of a skate park. The bandstand was opened on the 4th May 1930, despite living in the area for over 45 years, I don't recall the bandstand being used regularly or having a roof covering the whole octagon.

The cobbled walkway leads down from the park in the direction of Pye Nest Road.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.