Resilience and Renewal: The Story of St. Michael's Church, Mytholmroyd

Nestled by the banks of the River Calder, St. Michael's Church in Mytholmroyd stands as a testament to both architectural heritage and community resilience. These images, captured in October 2013, show a church that is both a historical landmark and an integral part of the local landscape.

A Product of a Pious Plan

St. Michael's Church, officially known as Mytholmroyd Parish Church, was consecrated on September 8, 1848. Its very existence is tied to a significant piece of British history: the 1820 Church Building Act. This scheme, informally dubbed the "Million Pound Church Act," was a concerted effort by the government and public to construct new churches in areas of population growth, a response to a period of stagnation in church building since the early 18th century.

Funds for the project came from a combination of government contributions and public subscriptions, with a notable portion derived from the war indemnity collected after the Napoleonic Wars. This unique funding source led to these new churches being known by various names, including "Commissioners Churches" and "Waterloo Churches." St. Michael's, with its Gothic Revival style and sturdy stone construction, is a perfect example of this era of ecclesiastical architecture.

A History of Adaptation

Like many historic churches, St. Michael's has undergone changes to meet the needs of its community. The church was extended in 1888, and a two-story Sunday School was added soon after. This school building was later reduced to a single story and converted into the church hall in the 1970s, a practical adaptation that ensured the building remained a functional space for the congregation.

The photographs show the church and its sprawling graveyard, with gravestones of varying ages and styles, each a record of a life lived in Mytholmroyd. The path meanders through the markers, leading the eye to the imposing church tower, complete with its clock face, and the surrounding, verdant landscape of the Calder Valley.

Facing the Flood

A more recent and dramatic chapter in the church's history is its encounter with the devastating Boxing Day floods of 2015. The River Calder, usually a tranquil presence beside the church, rose to unprecedented levels, submerging the building under more than four feet of water. This was the most significant flooding St. Michael's had faced since the 1940s and led to a prolonged closure of nearly two years.

The community rallied around the church, however, demonstrating an incredible spirit of resilience. The extensive damage was repaired, and the church was rededicated and reopened, stronger than ever. This experience has led to a greater focus on flood prevention, with new work taking place along the riverbanks to protect the church and the wider community from future deluges.

The images from 2013, taken before this event, capture the church in a moment of peace, a beautiful reminder of the calm before the storm. They show the River Calder flowing serenely by, the church standing proudly on its bank, and the community it serves laid out before it. St. Michael's Church is more than a building; it is a symbol of faith, a repository of history, and a testament to the enduring spirit of Mytholmroyd.

The River Calder flowing past St Michael's, a little over 2 years later the river burst its banks and rose to approx 4ft above the floor of the church. The buildings to the left were so severely damaged they were demolished shortly after and now it is an open space between Burnley Road and the River.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

A Walk Across the Co-operative Bridge, Sowerby Bridge

In the heart of Sowerby Bridge, where industrial heritage meets the tranquil flow of water, lies a little-known but historically significant structure: the Co-operative Bridge. These images, captured on a chilly December day in 2013, reveal its character and the unique vantage point it offers over the landscape.

A Bridge of Industry and Connection

The Co-operative Bridge serves as a vital pedestrian link, connecting the Industrial Road and Hollins Mill areas of Sowerby Bridge. Its name, "Co-operative Bridge," suggests a connection to the town's rich history of co-operative societies, a movement that played a huge role in the lives of the working-class communities in this region. While the exact age of the bridge is uncertain, its appearance on maps dating back to the 1870s places it firmly in the late Victorian era, a time of immense industrial growth in the Calder Valley.

The photographs highlight the bridge's intricate ironwork railings, a testament to the craftsmanship of the period. The black-and-white image accentuates the geometric patterns of the railings, creating a striking perspective that draws the eye down the path.

A Unique Perspective

The bridge's primary function is to span the Rochdale Canal, a waterway that was once a bustling artery of trade and transport. The images from the bridge, looking out over the canal, are particularly compelling. The calm, reflective surface of the water, a stark contrast to the rusty, peeling paint on the bridge's own railing, captures the beauty of the canal in winter.

Interestingly, despite crossing the canal, the bridge offers no direct access to the towpath below. The steep steps on either side, one set descending from Industrial Road and another from the Hollins Mill side, lead only to the bridge itself, a curious design feature that underscores its singular purpose as a connector between two distinct areas rather than a thoroughfare for canal-goers.

The View from Above

From the Co-operative Bridge, you get a beautiful, almost panoramic view of the Rochdale Canal as it carves its way through the landscape. The photographs show the waterway stretching out, flanked by the towpath and the distinctive architecture of Sowerby Bridge's old mill buildings. The rugged, overgrown banks and the bare trees of winter add a sense of wild, natural beauty to the industrial scene.

The last of the images, captures a wider view of the canal, with the hills of the valley visible in the distance. The blue sky peeking through the clouds and the sunlight glinting off the water create a serene and peaceful scene, a stark contrast to the gritty, industrial feel of the bridge itself.

The Co-operative Bridge is a small but significant piece of Sowerby Bridge's fabric. It is a reminder of the town's industrial past, a functional link for its present, and a testament to the enduring character of its landscape. It may not be a grand landmark, but for those who know it, it is a bridge with a story to tell.

I took these pictures on the 29th December 2013 with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet.

Looking across the bridge towards the Industrial Road area.

The Rochdale Canal towards Sowerby Bridge.

The bridge pictured from the Industrial Road end.

The steps down from the bridge to Hollins Mill Lane.

The Rochdale Canal towards Luddendenfoot from the bridge. The famous Puzzle Hall Inn can be seen to the left of the canal.

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From Malting House to Learning Centre: The Enduring Legacy of The Maltings, Halifax

The Maltings in Halifax is a building with a rich and layered history, its sturdy stone walls holding the memories of a bygone industrial era. These images, captured on a grey February day in 2014, showcase its imposing and unique architecture, a testament to its former life as a vital component of the Webster's Brewery Fountain Head complex.

A Glimpse into Industrial Heritage

Built in 1898, The Maltings was once at the heart of the brewing industry in Ovenden Wood. Webster's Brewery, a name synonymous with Halifax's industrial past, had operated from the Fountain Head site since the mid-1800s. The Maltings was where the magic began—where barley was steeped and germinated, a crucial first step in the brewing process. The building's distinctive oast-house-like kilns, seen prominently in the photographs, are a beautiful reminder of this function.

The brewery's closure in 1996 marked the end of an era. The site was redeveloped for housing, but thanks to its Grade II listed status, granted on April 18, 1990, The Maltings was spared. Along with the nearby Long Can, it stands as one of the last remaining structures of the once-sprawling brewery.

A New Purpose

Instead of being demolished, The Maltings was given a new lease on life. The building was repurposed as a college, a fitting transformation from a place of industry to a place of education. The broad, expansive windows that once let in light for the malting process now illuminate classrooms, and the strong foundations that once supported heavy machinery now support the dreams of students.

The photographs from 2014 show the building in this transitional phase, its industrial heritage clear in its design, yet its new purpose evident in the signage at the entrance. The mix of colour and a black-and-white image in the collection highlights the timeless quality of the architecture, which looks just as striking in monochrome as it does under a moody sky.

A Link to the Past

The presence of a railway is also a key part of The Maltings' history. The Halifax High Level Railway ran right past the building, and it's speculated that a railway siding may have existed there for a time. This connection to the railway network was undoubtedly crucial for a brewery, facilitating the transport of raw materials and finished products. The nearby Wheatley Viaduct, a magnificent piece of railway engineering, stands as a testament to this past.

These pictures, taken with a Polaroid is2132 camera, serve as a valuable record of a moment in time, capturing The Maltings as it continues its journey from industrial landmark to modern educational facility. Its unique architecture, a blend of functionality and Victorian design, makes it a true gem of Halifax's built heritage.

The Maltings is more than just a building; it is a symbol of adaptation and preservation. It reminds us that our industrial past is not something to be forgotten, but something to be celebrated and, where possible, repurposed for a new future. It stands proudly, a sentinel of a time gone by, but with a vibrant, new story still being written within its historic walls.

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St. James the Great: A Timeless Sentinel in Hebden Bridge

Nestled amidst the picturesque, rolling hills of the Calder Valley, the Church of St. James the Great stands as a silent witness to nearly two centuries of history. Affectionately known to locals as Hebden Bridge Parish Church or Mytholm Church, this Grade II listed Anglican place of worship is about to celebrate a remarkable milestone: its 190th anniversary this October.

These images, captured on a crisp November day in 2013, offer a glimpse into the enduring charm of this historic building. The late autumn light, a mix of brilliant sunshine and soft cloud cover, beautifully illuminates the church’s weathered stone facade and the vibrant foliage of the surrounding trees.

A Product of a Pious Era

The story of St. James the Great is inextricably linked to a significant moment in British history—the Million Pound Act. This government initiative, designed to provide places of worship in rapidly growing industrial areas, led to the construction of numerous churches across the country. St. James the Great was a beneficiary of this scheme, built at a cost of £2,700 and consecrated on October 5, 1833. It’s a testament to the foresight of its creators and the burgeoning faith of the community it was built to serve.

Initially a chapelry within the Parish of Heptonstall, St. James the Great gained its own identity when the Parish of Hebden Bridge was established in 1844. This marked a new chapter for the church, solidifying its role as the spiritual heart of the community.

Architectural Evolution

Like many historic buildings, St. James the Great has evolved over time. While the original structure was a solid example of early 19th-century church architecture, it was significantly enlarged in 1876 with the addition of a chancel. The pictures show this blend of architectural styles, a subtle harmony between the original design and later modifications. The last major alterations were made to the tower in the early 1980s, ensuring the church's structural integrity for future generations.

The stunning stained glass windows, visible in some of the images, are all from the 1870s. Their rich colours and intricate designs tell their own stories, filtering light into the hallowed interior and adding a layer of visual splendour.

A Place of Remembrance

The churchyard itself is a poignant and peaceful space. It is home to a stone cross war memorial, a solemn tribute to the local men who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War. The memorial stands as a constant reminder of the community's history and resilience. An additional memorial is located inside the church, ensuring that their names and memory are forever honoured.

As you wander through the rows of gravestones, some worn with age and others still bearing clear inscriptions, you can feel the weight of history all around you. Each stone marks a life lived, a story told, and a connection to this place. The churchyard, with its moss-covered headstones and towering trees, is a place of quiet reflection and deep reverence.

An Enduring Presence

These photographs, taken a decade ago with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, capture not just a building, but the soul of a place. They show a church that is both imposing and welcoming, a landmark that has been an integral part of Hebden Bridge's landscape for almost 190 years.

As St. James the Great prepares to celebrate its anniversary, we are reminded of its enduring significance. It is more than just a place of worship; it is a symbol of community, a repository of memory, and a beautiful piece of architectural heritage. Its stones hold the stories of generations, and as it enters its 190th year, it continues to be a steadfast beacon for the people of Hebden Bridge.

Built using Yorkshire Stone and rising 14ft high, this memorial is dedicated to the men killed from the local area in World War 1.

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A Quiet Echo of a Bygone Era: A Visit to Burnley Rose Grove Railway Station

Stepping onto the platform at Burnley Rose Grove railway station, you're not just arriving at a stop on the East Lancashire Line; you're stepping into a quiet echo of a bygone era. On a late summer day, the 19th of August 2022, I took my camera, a trusty Nikon D3300, to capture a station that, in many ways, tells a story of the ebb and flow of Britain's industrial past.

Burnley Rose Grove, which opened on September 18, 1848, was once a bustling hub, far grander than its current, minimalist form suggests. It was built to serve not only the Rose Grove suburb but also the nearby town of Padiham. The station's importance truly blossomed with the opening of the Great Harwood Loop, also known as the North Lancashire Loop, in 1875. This new line, connecting Rose Grove to Padiham and beyond, cemented the station's role as a vital link in the local rail network.

Looking at the station today, it’s hard to imagine the volume of activity that once took place here. The images I captured from the metal staircase leading down to the platforms giving a sense of the station's compact, functional nature. The blue metalwork of the bridge and stairs, though stark, serves as the main access point, a testament to the station's lack of disabled access and its simple, no-frills character.

The platforms themselves are a study in modern railway minimalism. A small shelter provides some cover from the Lancashire rain, and a few metal benches offer a place to rest. Information boards, like the one with "East Lancashire Line" proudly displayed, offer a connection to the wider rail network, but there are no cafes, no toilets, and no staff—a far cry from the station's heyday when it was a hive of activity.

The railway's story here is a familiar one. Passenger numbers began to decline between the two world wars, and the goods traffic that had sustained the station for so long started its own descent in the 1960s. The coal and oil trains, which once served the nearby power stations, made their last journeys in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The station's fate was sealed. The Great Harwood Loop closed in 1964, and the goods yard soon followed, much of it now buried beneath the concrete sprawl of the M65 motorway. By the early 1980s, the station buildings were gone, and the staff were withdrawn, leaving behind the stripped-down, essential stop we see today.

One of the most poignant scenes I captured was of the disused and overgrown rail track. Parallel to the active line, this track is a physical remnant of the station's past, swallowed up by nature. It's a powerful visual metaphor for a railway that has shrunk but not disappeared. The tracks that remain still serve a crucial purpose, splitting to the east with the East Lancashire Line continuing to Colne and the Caldervale Line heading towards Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.

Burnley Rose Grove is a junction, but it is also a quiet monument to a different time. It stands as a reminder that not all progress is about expansion and growth; sometimes, it's about finding a new, more modest purpose. For those who appreciate the subtle beauty of industrial heritage and the quiet narratives woven into our landscape, a visit to Burnley Rose Grove offers a moment of reflection—a chance to stand in a place where the past and present meet on parallel lines, one active and one reclaimed by the wild.

The only way to access the station is a steep metal staircase, a daunting climb that immediately highlights the lack of accessibility for disabled passengers or anyone with mobility issues. As you ascend or descend, you're faced with what I recall as 34 steps—a challenging number for anyone burdened with luggage or a pram.

This humble station bears little resemblance to its former glory. The center of the platform, now a wide, empty space, was once home to solid stone buildings. It's almost impossible to visualize the vast network of tracks that once existed here; I'm told there were two additional bay platforms and at least eight lines crisscrossing the area.

To the left of the main platform, where the overgrown goods yard once lay, a secret remains. I was later informed that the original bay platforms are still there, hidden from view, tucked away by the dense tree line on either side of the picture. They are a silent testament to a time when this station was a central hub of industry and transit.

Platform 2 occupies this southern side of the bay platform, Trains towards Hapton, Accrington and Blackburn can be caught here. Again the station's only access, the stairs can be seen.

Platform 2.

Overgrown and abandoned track bed viewed from Platform 1. I have been told that there was a bay platform where the trees are.

The island platform from the end of 1.

The opposite end of Platform 1, the sum total of the stations facilities on show, an info board, shelter and bench seats.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.