Sometimes, the best adventures are the unplanned ones. Recently, I found myself with a few spare moments in the charming town of Hebden Bridge. Camera in hand, I decided to revisit a familiar and beloved landmark: the ancient packhorse bridge that gracefully spans Hebden Water, right in the heart of town.
This isn't my first encounter with this picturesque bridge. I've shared images of it before, captured with the nostalgic charm of a Polaroid is2132 Bridge Camera and the digital versatility of a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, But this time, I was armed with my trusty Nikon D3300, ready to capture the bridge in a different light.
But this bridge isn't just a pretty face; it's a piece of history. Thought to date back to the early 16th century, it stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of the local community. Imagine! It nearly fell victim to progress when the new turnpike was built in the 1770s, but thanks to the determined residents of Heptonstall, it was spared.
Over the centuries, the bridge has undergone numerous renovations, adapting to the changing times while retaining its historical charm. One of its most distinctive features is the jutting parapets, designed to create passing places due to its narrow width. It's a clever and practical design, a reminder of the bridge's original purpose as a vital crossing point for packhorses carrying goods.
And, of course, the bridge is where the town gets its name: Hebden Bridge. A fitting name for a town that proudly embraces its heritage while looking towards the future.
These few minutes spent capturing the essence of Hebden Bridge served as a gentle reminder of the beauty that can be found in the everyday. It's a reminder to slow down, appreciate the history that surrounds us, and capture those fleeting moments that make a place truly special. Whether it's through the nostalgic lens of a Polaroid or the crisp detail of a DSLR, every image tells a story. And the story of Hebden Bridge, with its ancient packhorse bridge at its heart, is one worth telling.
I took these pictures in July 2018, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
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This collection comprises short video segments, captured during vehicular transits, with the initial recording documenting a crossing on the Woolwich Ferry in November 2013. The video, originally recorded with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, provides a first-person perspective of the journey from the southern pier at Woolwich to the northern pier at North Woolwich, under an overcast and rainy November sky. This raw footage, available both here and on YouTube, serves as a snapshot of a routine, yet historically significant, urban transport operation.
The Woolwich Ferry, a vital artery in East London's infrastructure, facilitates the movement of vehicles and pedestrians across the River Thames, effectively bridging the north and south circular inner relief roads. This free-of-charge service, a rarity in modern urban transport, underscores its role as a public utility rather than a commercial venture. While primarily catering to vehicles, it also accommodates foot passengers, albeit with a requirement to disembark at each terminal. This operational detail highlights the ferry's function as a continuous shuttle, rather than a long-distance passenger service.
The ferry's historical roots trace back to the 14th century, but its formalized service at the current location commenced on March 23, 1889. This transition marked a significant development in local transportation, reflecting the industrial and population growth of the area during the late Victorian era. The present fleet comprises three vessels, each named after prominent political figures: John Burns, Ernest Bevin, and James Newman.
John Burns: A pivotal figure in the late 19th and early 20th century British political landscape, Burns served as a Liberal MP from 1892 to 1918. His involvement in social reform and labor movements underscores the ferry's connection to the era's progressive ideals.
Ernest Bevin: A prominent Labour Minister, Bevin's tenure spanned from 1940 to 1951, a period marked by wartime mobilization and post-war reconstruction. His role in shaping the welfare state highlights the ferry's association with a period of significant social change.
James Newman: Serving as the Mayor of Woolwich from 1923 to 1925, Newman's local political leadership reflects the ferry's integration into the community's fabric.
The overcast and rainy conditions captured in the video offer a glimpse into the everyday realities of operating and utilizing the ferry. The use of a Samsung Galaxy Tablet for recording, while commonplace in contemporary documentation, provides a relatable, unedited perspective. This raw footage, with its inherent imperfections, offers an authentic portrayal of the ferry's operation, contrasting with polished, professionally produced content.
The Woolwich Ferry, therefore, transcends its function as a mere transport link. It embodies a confluence of historical, political, and social narratives, reflecting the evolution of East London and its inhabitants. The video, though brief, serves as a valuable document of this dynamic intersection
This footage, captured in October 2013, offers a glimpse into a bygone era of the Dartford Crossing, a critical artery connecting Kent and Essex beneath the River Thames. The video documents a journey through the eastern tunnel, a structure inaugurated in 1980, which doubled the crossing's capacity and alleviated the notorious bottlenecks that plagued its predecessor, the western tunnel.
The western bore, originally opened in November 1963 as a single-lane conduit, struggled to cope with the burgeoning traffic demands of the region. The completion of the eastern tunnel marked a significant engineering achievement, transforming the crossing into a dual-tunnel system. Northbound traffic was diverted to the western tunnel, while southbound flows utilized the newly constructed eastern passage.
By this time, the crossing was already a vital component of the UK's road network, handling an astonishing 65,000 vehicles daily. The 1986 integration with the newly completed M25 motorway further amplified its importance, pushing daily traffic volumes to an estimated 80,000 vehicles.
The subsequent construction of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge in 1991 introduced a pivotal shift in traffic management. The eastern tunnel was repurposed to accommodate northbound traffic alongside the western tunnel, with the bridge exclusively handling southbound flows. However, the eastern tunnel retains its crucial role as a contingency route for southbound vehicles during high winds or incidents that necessitate bridge closures.
Notably, this video predates the late 2014/early 2015 removal of the toll booths, a change implemented in the hope of streamlining traffic flow and reducing congestion. The transition to a remote charging system was anticipated to usher in a new era of efficiency. However, as a professional truck driver who traverses this crossing regularly, I can attest that the promised reduction in congestion remains largely elusive, a testament to the persistent challenges of managing such a critical infrastructure node.
The engineering of these tunnels themselves is a marvel, each bore a testament to the challenges of subaqueous construction. The eastern tunnel, in particular, showcases the advancements made in tunnel boring technology between its construction and that of its predecessor. The sheer volume of concrete and steel involved in its creation is staggering, a silent, yet imposing, monument to human ingenuity.
The video, therefore, serves not only as a record of a journey but also as a historical snapshot, capturing a moment before a significant infrastructural change. It invites reflection on the ongoing evolution of our transport systems and the perpetual struggle to balance progress with the ever-increasing demands of modern travel
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My photography, YouTube channel, and blog are passion projects, a creative outlet alongside my full-time career as an HGV driver traversing the UK's roads. I often find myself passing places I'd love to photograph, but time constraints frequently prevent me from stopping. So, I occasionally capture these fleeting glimpses of the landscape and share them in video form.
These short films, set to music (a definite improvement over the rumble of my truck's engine!), offer a driver's-eye view of Britain. The first video, filmed on October 29th, 2013, takes us across the Dartford Crossing, northbound, back in the days of toll booths. We journey through the eastern tunnel, emerging on the Essex side of the Thames. The footage has been sped up twofold for a more dynamic viewing experience.
Our second journey takes us to the stark beauty of the Anglo-Scottish border, specifically the Carter Bar crossing on the A68. This historic route, often shrouded in mist and steeped in tales of reivers and border skirmishes, marks the boundary between Northumbria and the Scottish Borders. This sped-up footage captures the transition as we cross this invisible line, showcasing the dramatic landscape as it unfolds. Consider the historical significance of this route – for centuries, it was a volatile frontier, a place of conflict and cultural exchange. Even today, the Carter Bar retains a certain mystique, a reminder of the often-turbulent relationship between these two nations. As we "drive" across the border, observe the changing terrain, the rolling hills and sweeping vistas that characterize this unique region. The A68 itself is a road that winds its way through history, connecting communities and offering stunning views for those who travel its length. This short video provides a glimpse of that journey, a fleeting moment captured on film, inviting you to imagine the stories whispered by the wind as it sweeps across the Carter Bar.
Our third journey delves into the heart of the Scottish Borders, taking us on a rapid tour through the historic town of Jedburgh. This time-lapse footage, sped up to compress the experience, offers a fleeting glimpse into the town's rich past and architectural heritage. Keep an eye out for the magnificent ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, a powerful symbol of the town's medieval importance. Founded in the 12th century, the abbey stands as a testament to the power and influence of the church in this region. Imagine the sounds of monastic life echoing through its now-silent walls, the chanting of monks, and the bustling activity of a thriving medieval community. Even in its ruined state, the abbey evokes a sense of awe and wonder, a window into a bygone era. As we "drive" through Jedburgh, observe the town's charming architecture, a mix of traditional stone buildings and more modern structures, reflecting its long and varied history. Jedburgh has witnessed countless historical events, from border raids and sieges to periods of peace and prosperity. This short film offers a tantalizing taste of Jedburgh's character, encouraging you to explore its streets and uncover its stories at a more leisurely pace.
Our fourth journey takes us to the banks of the River Thames, where we experience a crossing aboard the Woolwich Ferry. This historic ferry service, a vital link between the south and north banks of the river, has been connecting communities for centuries. This sped-up footage captures the unique perspective offered by this river crossing. Observe the bustling activity as vehicles and pedestrians embark and disembark, the constant flow of traffic that relies on this vital artery. Consider the history of the Woolwich Ferry, its role in facilitating trade and travel across the Thames, and its enduring importance to the local communities. As the ferry glides across the water, take in the sights and sounds of the river – the lapping of the water against the hull, the cries of gulls overhead, and the distant hum of the city. The Thames itself is a living entity, a river that has shaped London's destiny and continues to play a central role in its life. This short, sped-up film offers a unique vantage point, a fleeting glimpse of the Woolwich Ferry in action, a reminder of the many ways in which we connect and cross the waterways that shape our world. It's a journey across time and water, a small but significant part of the larger tapestry of London's transportation network.
The next clip takes us to a familiar landmark for anyone who has driven the M6 – the iconic Pennine Tower at Lancaster Services. This futuristic, hexagonal structure, towering 90 feet above the motorway, was once a high-end restaurant, offering diners stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Built in the 1960s, it was a symbol of the optimism and ambition of the motorway age.
While the restaurant is now closed, the Pennine Tower remains a striking and recognizable feature of the Lancaster Services. It serves as a reminder of a bygone era of motorway travel, when service stations were more than just places to refuel and grab a bite to eat. They were destinations in their own right, offering a touch of luxury and excitement to the long-distance journey.
As we drive past the Lancaster Services, we can't help but wonder about the stories that the Pennine Tower could tell. It has witnessed countless journeys, from family road trips to cross-country hauls. It has seen the best and worst of British weather, from sunny days to torrential rain. And it has stood as a silent sentinel, watching over the flow of traffic on the M6 for over 50 years.
This short clip is a tribute to the Pennine Tower, a reminder of the importance of roadside landmarks and the stories they tell. It is also a reminder of the changing face of motorway travel, as we move from an era of grand service stations to a more streamlined and efficient model.
In the final clip, we journey through the stillness of Elland town centre in the early morning, the camera capturing the town's awakening as the first rays of sunlight touch its historic buildings.
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