Berry Lane Coal Drops, Halifax

 Added to the Victorian Society's top 10 at risk buildings in 2021 the Berry Lane Coal drops have stood overgrown, abandoned and largely forgotten about for several decades. Despite this the drops are thought to be just a few minor repairs from being fully operational again, even though that is unlikely with the phasing out of coal in most industries.

Built in in 1874 by the Ovenden and Halifax Junction Railway, there are a total of 15 drops built into the embankment used to support the former Halifax Station goods yard. Largely unused since the 1970's, they were granted Grade II listed status on the 28th September 1993. You could still approach quite close to the bottom of the structures until the early 2000's when a piece of masonry fell and the council then fenced off the bottom. Plans to convert the drops in to houses was announced in 2004 but never went much further than the proposals.

These pictures were taken on the 22nd June 2014 using a Polaroid is2132 Bridge Camera. There are a total of 8 to view below and on Clickasnap where they are full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

The spire of Square Church can be seen beyond the drops.

I've always liked how the spire of Square Church, and Halifax Parish Church tower bookend this picture of the drops.

These 2 were taken on top od the drops, I accessed it thru some overgrowth in the Eureka car park.

Clicking any image should open a link in another window to the Clickasnap version of the image.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Echoes of Industry: The Coal Drops of Sowerby Bridge

Nestled alongside the bustling Sowerby Bridge Railway Station, a silent testament to the town's industrial past stands in quiet decay: the Grade II listed coal drops. These fifteen imposing structures, part of a sweeping viaduct and embankment that stretches towards the enigmatic Dixon Scar Tunnel, paint a vivid picture of a bygone era, a time when coal fueled the heart of the region.

Built around 1875, just before the station's relocation to its current site, these coal drops were a vital artery in the town's economic life. Imagine the scene: steam locomotives chugging along the elevated tracks, their wagons laden with coal, ready to be unloaded into the waiting drops below. From here, the fuel would be distributed to homes and businesses across Sowerby Bridge, powering industries and warming hearths.

The very design of the drops speaks to their purpose. Each one, a sturdy brick and stone structure, was engineered to facilitate the efficient transfer of coal from railway wagon to ground level. The raised embankment, a marvel of Victorian engineering, allowed gravity to do much of the work, streamlining the delivery process. This system remained in active use until the 1970s, a testament to its effectiveness and the enduring reliance on coal.

However, time and changing energy landscapes have taken their toll. The coal drops, once a hive of activity, now stand largely abandoned. Though the yard below occasionally sees use by various companies, the structures themselves are left to weather the elements.

Their historical significance was recognized on July 19th, 1988, when they were granted Grade II listed status. This designation should have ensured their preservation, yet the reality has been one of gradual decay. The wooden components, visible in older photographs, have largely vanished, leaving gaping voids that speak to years of neglect.

For a time, there was a glimmer of hope. A plan emerged to breathe new life into these historic structures, envisioning the conversion of each drop into unique housing units. This ambitious project, promising a blend of industrial heritage and contemporary living, captured the imagination of many. However, over the years, the plan appears to have been shelved, leaving the future of the coal drops uncertain.

The story of the Sowerby Bridge coal drops is more than just a tale of architectural decay. It's a poignant reminder of the town's industrial roots, a tangible link to the generations who shaped the landscape we see today. As we walk past these silent sentinels, we are compelled to ask: what will become of them? Will they continue to fade into obscurity, or will a new vision emerge to restore their dignity and ensure their legacy for future generations?

The coal drops stand as a powerful symbol of a changing world. They whisper stories of innovation, industry, and the relentless march of progress. But they also raise important questions about preservation, adaptation, and the responsibility we bear to our industrial heritage. Perhaps, by remembering the past, we can find inspiration for the future, and find a way to give these remarkable structures a new purpose in the 21st century.

The first picture was taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on the 20th October 2013. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The following pictures were taken on the 6th April 2014 with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. They include some of the top part of the drops, I never accessed any of the wooden areas as I deemed them unsafe, they were removed a couple of years after taking the pictures.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.