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.

---

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.

---

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.

Devil's Bridge can be seen beyond the archway.

Please take a moment to share this post, and follow me on social media.

All images are the copyright of Colin Green.

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.

---

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.

---

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.

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 pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

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.

---

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.

---

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. 

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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

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.