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.

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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.

Griffin Park, Brentford.

Not a set of football pics but a set of art works created by me of the former Griffin Park Football Stadium, Home of Brentford Football Club until 2020. 

Griffin Park opened on the 1st September 1904 with a 1-1 draw between Brentford and Plymouth Argyle, and closed after the final game between Brentford "B" and Erith Town in the London Senior Cup. The record attendance for a Brentford FC match at the ground was 38678 fora FA Cup 6th round tie against Leicester City in the February 1949, Brentford lost 2-0.

The ground has featured athletics, tennis, Gaelic Football and baseball in the early part of it's history, and was the home ground of the London Broncos Rugby League team from 2002 until 2006.

Other notes of interest about Griffin Park is the stadium being underneath the flight path of Heathrow Airport and the roof of the stands being used as giant advertising boards, and a pub being situated on each corner of the ground.

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Built on Generosity: The Story of Crossley Heath School

There's something special about a New Year's Day walk. The air is crisp, the world feels quiet, and it's a perfect time to reflect and discover. While out for a stroll on January 1st, 2019, I came across a magnificent Victorian building on the edge of Savile Park Moor—the Crossley Heath School. The images I captured, taken with my Nikon d3300 SLR, don't just show a school; they show a piece of living history.

This stunning architectural gem, with its intricate details and imposing presence, has a fascinating past. The story begins with the philanthropic Crossley family—John, Joseph, and Francis—who had a significant impact on the town of Halifax. They commissioned architects Paull & Aycliffe and John Hogg to design the Crossley Orphan School and Home, which opened its doors on June 29, 1864. Built at the impressive cost of £65,000, the orphanage was a sanctuary for children in need.

It provided free lodging, clothing, and education for 400 to 500 children. Boys could stay until age 15 and girls until 17, giving them a chance at a better future.

The school's name changed over time, reflecting its evolving purpose and benefactors. In 1879, a generous £50,000 donation from Manchester merchant Thomas Porter led to a new name: the Crossley & Porter Orphan Home and School. The school's mission continued to adapt, and in 1919, it began admitting day pupils, becoming simply the Crossley & Porter School.

The final chapter in its name change came in 1985 when it merged with Heath Grammar School to become the Crossley Heath School we know today.

Standing before this building, you can't help but feel a sense of awe at the vision of its founders and the many lives it has touched. It's a powerful reminder of how a single structure can hold so many stories.

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The artwork below is the result of a play about with the neural filters on photoshop.

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Lost to the Valley: A Walk Around Staups Mill

The air feels thick with history here, damp and heavy. You can feel it in the air and see it in the rich greens that cling to every surface. I’ve come to explore the ruins of Staups Mill, a place lost to time in the quiet of a West Yorkshire valley.

Staups Mill, originally called Starling Mill, was a cotton mill built in the late 18th century. It relied on the force of Blackshawhead Clough for power, a stream that then marked the border between Lancashire and Yorkshire. It’s now more commonly known as Jumble Hole Clough.

As I walked down the path, the sound of the rushing water was a constant companion. It was this same water that seems to have sealed the mill's fate. On September 24, 1896, a dam collapsed, sending a torrent of water down the clough and severely damaging the mill. The story, for all intents and purposes, ends there. All that remains are the moss-covered stone walls that now stand as a monument to the past.

The ruins themselves are impressive, but they're also a reminder of the wild, untamed nature of this landscape. The landowner has put up signs and planted trees to prevent people from getting too close, a sensible move given the unstable appearance of the remaining structure. While I was careful to respect the boundaries and didn't attempt to get closer, I do wish I could have photographed the mill from the other side, where Jumble Hole Clough flows right up to it.

On my way back, a couple of thoughts struck me. First, why on earth would they have built a mill so far out here? It's a long way from the nearest settlements, making the daily commute and the transport of goods a significant challenge. Second, I couldn't help but think about the mill workers of the 18th and 19th centuries. Heading to and from work in the bleak winter months must have been an incredibly harsh existence.

The beauty of the area now stands in stark contrast to the hardship of that era. The woodland steps, the giant moss-covered boulders, and the stunning bluebells dotting the hillside all create an atmosphere of quiet, natural beauty. It’s a place where history and nature have merged into one, and the past is slowly being reclaimed by the earth.

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Jumble Hole Clough flowing past Staups Mill, this was as close as I got to the
ruins and due to careful camera cropping it looks a lot closer than it was.

I thought this picture had a similar look to the ones of the Amityville House,
with the 2 windows like eyes at the top.

One of the streams flowing off the surrounding moors and fields into
Jumble Hole Clough, at one time this would have been me stood in
Lancashire looking across to Yorkshire.

The path away from the mill towards Blackshawhead.

I have recently been made aware that the remains of Staups Mill have been demolished.

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Exploring the Former Eastwood (Yorks) Railway Station

Opened on January 1st, 1841, Eastwood Railway Station once bustled, serving the charming village of Eastwood, nestled between Hebden Bridge and Todmorden in West Yorkshire. A vital hub in its time, the station boasted a signal box, a level crossing, coal drops, and a goods passing loop – features that have, alas, all vanished with the passage of time.

Today, while the main access ramp from Burnley Road still serves as a pedestrian thoroughfare, the former vehicle level crossing has been reduced to a simple pedestrian crossing, offering a quieter route to Eastwood Lane.

The station played a crucial role in local transport for over a century, but the rise of trams and buses gradually led to a decline in passenger numbers. This shift ultimately led to its closure in December 1951. Though passenger services ceased, goods traffic continued for a few more years, lingering until the early 1960s.

The station buildings themselves stood as a testament to its history until the early 1970s. With the closure of the signal box, the remaining structures were eventually demolished and the site cleared, leaving only remnants of its former grandeur.

These evocative images, captured on May 4th, 2022, using a Nikon D3300 SLR, offer a glimpse into what remains of this once-thriving railway station, allowing us to connect with the echoes of its past. They invite us to imagine the trains chugging in and out, the passengers coming and going, and the vital role it played in the life of Eastwood.

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The remains of the former station buildings, the site was always tight on
space and the hillside was dug away to provide space for the buildings.
Its hard to imagine now that there were station buildings, a signal box, a
passing loop, coal delivery drops and 2 platforms all within this 
small area for a station.

The station access roads, these used to lead up to a level crossing that
past between the 2 stations platforms, these were staggered due to the
small area available. The only crossing now is for pedestrians.

Looking down the former access ramp and at the pedestrian crossing
that was once used by cars. This picture shows how tight the site
was to fit a station here.

Eastwood Lane runs above the station site, the road towards the
bottom left of the picture accesses the area around what was the station.

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The Tees Transporter Bridge: An Icon at a Crossroads

The Tees Transporter Bridge, a colossal symbol of industrial heritage, holds the distinction of being the longest remaining transporter bridge in the world. Yet, this magnificent structure, a testament to early 20th-century engineering, currently faces an uncertain future, standing closed and in dire need of significant repairs.

Opened in October 1911 at an impressive cost exceeding £68,000, the bridge revolutionized crossings over the River Tees. It replaced a long-standing ferry service, providing a more efficient and reliable link between Middlesbrough and Port Clarence. The decision to build a transporter bridge, rather than a conventional one, was a stroke of genius. This design allowed large ships to navigate the Tees unhindered, preserving vital shipping routes to industries further upstream—a crucial consideration for the burgeoning industrial landscape of the era. Interestingly, when first constructed, the bridge sported a vibrant red hue, only to adopt its now-iconic blue livery in 1961.

The bridge's historical and engineering significance has been formally recognized on several occasions. It was granted Grade II listed status on June 21, 1985, acknowledging its architectural and historical importance. Further recognition came in December 1993 with a Heritage Plaque from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, celebrating its ingenious design and construction.

Despite its storied past and undeniable significance, the Tees Transporter Bridge has been closed to the public since August 2019 due to safety concerns. Its continued closure casts a shadow over its future, raising questions about the extensive work required to bring it back to a safe and operational state. Will this grand dame of engineering be restored to its former glory, or will it remain a static monument to a bygone era? Only time will tell if this vital piece of the Tees Valley's identity will once again carry passengers and vehicles across the river it has faithfully served for over a century.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.