Nestled into the verdant slopes of Salterhebble Hill, near Halifax, lies a silent sentinel of Victorian engineering: Bank House Tunnel, also known as Copley Tunnel. This short, curved railway passage, carved through solid rock, stands as a testament to the ambition and ingenuity that fuelled the expansion of Britain's railway network. While its precise construction date remains elusive, its proximity to the iconic Copley Viaduct, opened in 1852, strongly suggests a contemporaneous origin.
This tunnel, a vital link connecting Sowerby Bridge with Halifax, plays a crucial role in the region's railway infrastructure. A few hundred yards beyond its northern portal, the line converges with the original branch line stretching from Greetland to Halifax, marking a point of historical and operational significance.
On a crisp autumn day, October 25th, 2014, I ventured to capture the essence of this historical site with my trusty Polaroid iS2132 bridge camera. The resulting images, offer a glimpse into the tunnel's rugged beauty and the surrounding landscape.
A Journey Through Time and Stone
The tunnel's curved design, necessitated by the terrain, adds a unique character to its structure. Imagine the steam locomotives of yesteryear, their rhythmic chugging echoing against the rock walls as they navigated the bend. The very stone that forms the tunnel's walls bears witness to the countless journeys undertaken, the freight carried, and the passengers transported.
The relationship with the Copley Viaduct is crucial to understanding the tunnel's history. The viaduct itself is a marvel of Victorian engineering, spanning the Calder Valley with its elegant arches. It’s highly probable that the tunnel, being a crucial part of the same line, was constructed during the same period to facilitate a continuous and efficient railway connection.
The convergence of lines near the tunnel's northern exit highlights the strategic importance of this location. The Greetland branch line, another historical artery, further emphasizes the region's role as a vital hub for industrial and commercial activity.
A Visual Exploration
The photographs captured on that October day reveal the tunnel's raw, unadorned beauty. The interplay of light and shadow, the texture of the rock face, and the subtle curve of the tunnel’s interior all contribute to a sense of timelessness. The surrounding landscape, with its rolling hills and verdant foliage, provides a serene backdrop to this industrial relic.
Important Note:
It is crucial to emphasize that all photographs were taken from publicly accessible areas. At no point did I enter any restricted railway property. Railway lines are inherently dangerous environments, and unauthorized access is strictly prohibited. I strongly discourage anyone from attempting to enter such areas.
Unanswered Questions and Lingering Mysteries
Despite the information gathered, some questions remain. The exact date of the tunnel's construction, the specific methods used in its creation, and the stories of the workers who built it are just a few of the lingering mysteries. Further research, perhaps through historical archives and local records, could shed more light on these aspects.
The Enduring Legacy
Bank House Tunnel, or Copley Tunnel, stands as a silent testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the Victorian railway builders. Its rugged beauty and historical significance make it a fascinating subject for exploration. As the trains continue to traverse its curved passage, the echoes of the past resonate within its stone walls, reminding us of the enduring legacy of Britain's railway heritage.
This blog post is intended to offer a deeper appreciation for the historical and architectural significance of Bank House Tunnel. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our industrial heritage and respecting the boundaries of safety.
Clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
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| The northern portal, Salterhebble side of the tunnel. This was quite difficult to reach having to climb down an embankment and through dense overgrowth to get somewhere near to take the picture. |
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| The southern portal Copley side of the tunnel. |
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| Looking down towards the tunnels northern portal. The embankment I climbed down was the opposite side beyond the fence. I would not encourage anyone to do this. |
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| Halifax bound train entering the tunnel. |
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| Sowerby Bridge bound train exciting the tunnel. |
