A Stroll Through Pye Nest: Capturing Local Scenes

On a sunny day in June 2023, I took a walk through some of the less-traveled parts of Halifax, discovering a few local landmarks with fascinating stories. It's a reminder that even in a familiar town, there's always something new to appreciate.

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Pye Nest and Wainhouse Tavern

My journey took me to Pye Nest, a residential area with a great view of the town. The streets are quiet and peaceful, a classic suburban scene that feels a world away from the busy town centre. The walk led me past the Wainhouse Tavern, a building that has stood for many years, offering a glimpse into the social life of the community. Its location at the top of Washer Lane gives it a commanding presence, a spot where locals have gathered for generations.

In the quiet residential streets of Pye Nest, a unique piece of Northern English architectural history comes to life. While many of the homes appear to be standard back-to-back terraces, they conceal a fascinating secret: they are also "over-under" dwellings. This clever design, born out of the need for efficient use of space during the Industrial Revolution, splits a single terraced house into two separate homes, one occupying the ground floor and the other the floors above. This ingenious solution allowed for dense, affordable housing and remains a distinctive feature of the landscape, offering a rare glimpse into the clever and compact living spaces of a bygone era.

Washer Lane towards the Wainhouse Tavern, Halifax.

Once a humble path leading from the old turnpike, Washer Lane in Halifax gets its name from a long-vanished house. It winds its way up the hill, culminating near a stone wall, a gateway to the area's rich past.

At the top of the lane stands a truly unique building, the Wainhouse Tavern. Built in 1877 for local businessman John Edward Wainhouse, the structure was originally a house known as West Air. A testament to Wainhouse's eccentric vision, the building is famously known for having each of its windows in a different style. Over the years, this architectural curiosity has served as a public house under various names, including The Royal and The Folly, before settling on its current name, The Wainhouse Tavern. It's a landmark with a history as eclectic as its design, offering a glimpse into the bold, individualistic spirit of its creator.

Water Troughs and Fountains

One of the more interesting finds was the John Edward Wainhouse Water Trough. This isn't just a simple trough; it’s a piece of local history, a monument to a man who had a significant impact on Halifax. The detailed carvings and sturdy stone show a commitment to public works that is a testament to the town's Victorian heritage.

Further into town, I came across the Prescott Fountain. Like the water trough, this fountain is a beautiful example of public art, a focal point in a small square. Its intricate design and a sense of permanence show the pride that was taken in civic projects back in the day.

These snapshots from a single day's walk show that Halifax's history is not just found in its grand, famous buildings. It’s also in the quiet residential streets, the local pubs, and the small, often-overlooked monuments that tell a richer story of the people who shaped the town.

The Prescott Fountain in Halifax is more than just a stone monument; it's a silent traveler, a beautiful piece of civic history that has changed its address three times. Erected in 1884, this ornate drinking fountain was a loving tribute to Marion Rothwell, known as Mrs. Cyril Prescott, and was a grand replacement for an old horse trough at Ward's End.

Crafted from stunning Cornish granite, the fountain was a marvel of Victorian design and public utility. It featured not just a single basin, but four small troughs for thirsty dogs, two larger troughs for horses, four drinking taps for people, and a magnificent ornate lamp that crowned its central column.

But the fountain's story didn't end there. In 1898, it was moved to a new spot outside The Prince of Wales Feathers at King Cross. Its final journey came in 1932, when it was relocated to its current, peaceful home at Spring Edge, where it stands today near Crossley Heath School. This remarkable piece of urban art has witnessed the passage of over a century, a steadfast reminder of a time when public spaces were designed with both beauty and purpose.

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A Forgotten Farmhouse: A Walk Along the Calder and Hebble Navigation

Sometimes the best discoveries are made by accident. While walking from Cooper Bridge to Brighouse, tracing a route along the scenic Calder and Hebble Navigation, I stumbled upon a building that time seems to have left behind. Tucked away on a track that crosses the railway, I found this abandoned farmhouse, a poignant and beautiful relic of a forgotten past.

With the gates clearly locked, I didn't want to trespass. Instead, I stood on the track and took these pictures from a distance, capturing the building's quiet dignity. The stone walls and weathered roof told a story of a life that once thrived here, now replaced by an eerie silence. The building stands in a state of decay, with broken windows and overgrown foliage hinting at the years of neglect.

Despite its condition, the farmhouse retains a powerful, melancholic beauty. It's a reminder of a time before the railway and the canal dominated the landscape, when this place was a home, a farm, a living part of the countryside. This unexpected find was a highlight of my walk, a chance encounter with a piece of local history that invites you to wonder about the people who once lived and worked here.

These photos, taken in May 2023, capture the essence of this solitary building, a peaceful and compelling monument to the passage of time.

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Anchor Pit Junction: A Ghost of the Railway Age

In the quiet landscape near Brighouse, West Yorkshire, a solitary stone wall stands as a silent sentinel to a bygone era. This is all that remains of the once-bustling Anchor Pit Junction, a place where the industrial heart of the Calder Valley beat strong with the rhythm of steam engines.

For nearly a century, this site was a crucial railway junction where the Pickle Bridge line, heading towards Bradford, diverged from the main Calder Valley line. It was a hub of activity, a complex web of tracks and signals that facilitated the movement of goods and people across the region. But the line's closure in 1952 marked the beginning of its slow fade into history.

While some remnants of the line can still be found to the north of the River Calder, the southern side of the valley offers little more than this one, lonely piece of masonry. This stone abutment , once a sturdy support for a bridge that spanned the valley, is now the only tangible evidence that a railway junction ever existed here. The rest has been reclaimed by nature and time.

These pictures, taken in May 2023, capture the poignant beauty of this forgotten fragment. The stone, weathered by years of wind and rain, holds a story in every crevice. It’s a powerful reminder of how quickly our modern world can erase the physical signs of our past, leaving behind only these quiet, dignified ghosts. It's a place that invites you to pause and imagine the rumble of trains and the hiss of steam, connecting the present with a rich and fascinating history.

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Echoes of Brandt: A Brighouse Snicket

Sometimes, the most compelling scenes are found in the overlooked spaces of everyday life. I've long been inspired by Bill Brandt's iconic photograph, "A Snicket in Halifax," which masterfully captures the essence of a steep, narrow Yorkshire passage. During a walk along the canals from Huddersfield to Brighouse, I found a similar staircase, a hidden gem that felt like a direct echo of Brandt's work.

This set of stone steps, or "snicket," is located near the former Anchor Pit Railway Junction, where Birds Royd Lane meets Woodhouse Lane. It's the kind of place you might walk past without a second glance, but if you pause to look, you find a scene rich with character and history. The steps climb steeply between old stone walls, flanked by a narrow tunnel-like passage that feels both mysterious and inviting.

I captured these two pictures on a sunny day in May 2023, one in colour and one in black and white. The colour version highlights the lush green moss on the stone, the subtle textures of the brickwork, and the hint of the sky above. But it's the monochrome version that truly brings out the spirit of the place. In black and white, the scene becomes a study in light and shadow, form and texture. It emphasizes the history etched into every stone, transforming a simple staircase into a timeless, dramatic composition that feels a lot like the work that inspired it.

This Brighouse snicket is more than just a shortcut; it's a testament to the industrial past and the quiet, enduring beauty that can be found in the less-trodden corners of our towns. It’s a small, steep climb that offers a big reward: a moment of reflection and a connection to a piece of Yorkshire’s soul.

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Sowerby Bridge: A Town Forged by Water and Industry

Nestled in the heart of Calderdale, West Yorkshire, lies the market town of Sowerby Bridge, a place whose very existence has been shaped by the rivers and canals that flow through it. From its origins as a simple crossing point over the River Calder, the town's story is one of rapid industrial growth, decline, and a remarkable rebirth.

A Hub of Industry and Transport

The town's rise began with the Industrial Revolution, as the rushing waters of the River Calder and River Ryburn were harnessed to power textile and engineering mills. This industrial boom was supercharged by the arrival of key transport links. First came the Calder & Hebble Navigation Canal, which opened up trade routes to Wakefield and beyond. Then, the Rochdale Canal provided a vital connection to Lancashire and Manchester, cementing Sowerby Bridge's status as a bustling hub of commerce.

The railways soon followed, with Sowerby Bridge becoming an important railway junction. The image of the Canal Basin and the Rochdale Canal shows this industrial heritage in all its glory, with the historic mills and waterways coexisting in a tight-knit landscape.

From Decline to Regeneration

After the World Wars, the town faced a period of decline. Its valley location, which had once been its strength, became a weakness, making it difficult for modern industries to set up shop, and many long-standing companies left. But Sowerby Bridge refused to fade away. In the 1980s, the town reinvented itself as a tourist destination. Regeneration efforts were spurred by events like the annual Rushbearing parade, the development of a canoe slalom, and the reopening of its canals, which breathed new life into the historic waterways.

The town today remains a pleasant place to live, full of character and historic charm. The confluence of the Rivers Ryburn and Calder at the edge of town is a beautiful sight, symbolizing the natural forces that gave birth to the town in the first place.

Sowerby Bridge has also become a star in its own right, providing a backdrop for a number of recent TV shows, including Stay Lucky, Happy Valley, and The English Game. Though often overshadowed by its neighbours, Halifax and Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge's unique history and undeniable charm make it a destination worth exploring. The images, taken on a crisp autumn day in 2021, capture the essence of a town that has not only endured but has embraced its history to create a vibrant present.

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Rochdale Canal from Tower Hill Bridge

Co-op Bridge and steps, Hollins Mill Lane.

The Canal Basin

Christ Church, Tuel Lane Tunnel, Rochdale Canal and the Roxy

Railway Viaduct and Rivers Ryburn and Calder

Town Hall Clock from County Bridge. The building never served as the Town Hall despite it's name spending most of it's history as a bank.

Courtyard on the Old Cawsey, thought to be the amongst the oldest road's through Sowerby Bridge.

River Ryburn and Sowerby Bridge Swimming Pool.

Former Wesleyan Chapel at Bolton Brow.

Rochdale Canal from the Co-op bridge steps.

Jack O Th Locks at the entrance to Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin.

Old Cawsey Courtyard

River Calder and Canoe Slalom from County Bridge.

River Ryburn

Rochdale Canal from Co-Op Bridge

Lock 2 Sowerby Bridge Upper on the Rochdale Canal

River Calder from County Bridge

Co-Op Steps

Geese on the canal, the town has become locally known for geese running the rule of the town

The Rochdale Canal from Lock 2 towards Lock 1 and the canal basin.

Christ Church, Tuel Lane Tunnel and Christ Church from Lock 2 on the Rochdale Canal.

The Village Restaurant, formerly the Ash Tree pub.

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The Murder Stone of Brearley: A Grim Tale of the Cragg Vale Coiners

Tucked away on Route 66 of the national cycle network, a quiet path winds through the small village of Brearley, between Luddendenfoot and Mytholmroyd. Here, a weathered stone stands as a stark and fascinating memorial, a silent witness to a dark chapter in local history. Inscribed with the chilling words, "A Full and True Account of a Barbarous, Bloody and Inhuman Murder," the monument immediately begs a question: what brutal event is it commemorating?

The story behind this stone is a tale of greed, betrayal, and a notorious gang of criminals known as the Cragg Vale Coiners.

The victim was William Deighton, the Supervisor of Taxes and Excise for the Halifax area. A southerner who had moved to Halifax in 1759, Deighton's job involved collecting taxes on cloth and beer. It was in this role that he ran afoul of the powerful Coiners, who were masters of a lucrative and illegal trade: clipping and debasing coinage. Their leader, a formidable figure named "King" David Hartley, saw Deighton as a significant threat to their operation.

By November 1769, several of the Coiners had been arrested, and the remaining gang members decided to eliminate the man who had been a thorn in their side. On the night of November 9th, as William Deighton returned home from a business meeting, he was ambushed. He was shot, trampled, and robbed by two men, Mathew Normington and Robert Thomas, while a third, Thomas Clayton, acted as a lookout. Deighton's life was tragically cut short, and he was buried just two days later at Halifax Parish Church. His grave, a poignant detail in this grim story, lists his name as William Dighton.

The Coiners' plan to escape justice was short-lived. Thomas Clayton, the lookout, later provided crucial evidence that led to the conviction of Normington and Thomas for highway robbery. The two men met a brutal fate. Robert Thomas was executed at Tyburn, York, on August 6, 1774, followed by Matthew Normington on April 15, 1775. Both of their bodies were gruesomely displayed at Beacon Hill in Halifax, with an arm pointing toward the scene of the murder—a grim warning to anyone else considering a life of crime.

I've passed this stone many times, always curious about its meaning. What I've been unable to uncover is who placed the stone here and why. The murder took place in Halifax, and the Coiners were most active in Cragg Vale. Yet, this lonely monument stands in Brearley, its presence a stark, enduring mystery.

These photos, taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet in November 2013, show the weathered face of the stone, its inscriptions worn but still legible, a silent guardian of a dark and fascinating piece of local history.

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The following picture was taken with a Nikon d3300 in 2017.

I took the picture below in 2014 with a Polaroid is2132.

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Venice: A City of Timeless Beauty

There is no city quite like Venice. It's a place that seems to float on the water, a labyrinth of winding canals, ancient bridges, and hidden alleyways. My visit in October 2018 revealed a city that is as breathtaking by day as it is enchanting by night, a place where every corner holds a new discovery.

Wandering through the streets, you're constantly reminded that this city is a work of art in itself. The architecture is magnificent, from the grand facade of the Church of Santa Maria dei Carmini, with its distinctive bell tower, to the elegant rooftops that seem to cascade toward the canals. The famous Bridge of Sighs stands as a solemn monument, its intricate design a contrast to the tragic history it represents.

But it's not just the famous landmarks that captivate you. It's the smaller, more intimate moments. The quiet beauty of a canal, where a boat rests gently on the water, or the vibrant energy of a local shopping street at night, with storefronts glowing like beacons on the cobbled streets. Even the less-polished parts of the city have a unique charm, like the whimsical mermaid graffiti that adds a splash of unexpected colour to a weathered wall.

The city has a different persona after dark. The lamp posts of the Ponte de Sann Paternian cast a warm, golden light onto the water and the surrounding buildings, transforming the scene into a moody, romantic painting. The shadows deepen, and the sounds of the day fade, leaving you with a sense of peace and a deeper connection to the city's ancient soul.

From the bustling energy of Campo Sant'Angelo to the solemn beauty of the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, Venice is a city of contrasts. It is a testament to human creativity and resilience, a place where history feels alive in every stone and every ripple of the water. These photos capture just a few of the countless moments of magic this city offers, a timeless beauty that remains long after the trip is over.

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Church of Santa Maria dei Carmini bell tower.

Bridge of Sighs.

Camp Sant'Angelo.

Cassa de Risparmio di Venezia.

Church of Sant'Angelo Bell Tower.

Hotel Cavalletto.

Victor Emmanuel II Monument.

Ponte de Sann Paternian.

Spiral Staircase at the San Marco Palace Hotel.

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