Capturing History: The Turnbridge Lift Bridge, Huddersfield - A Photographer's Delight

 Huddersfield, a town steeped in industrial heritage, holds many hidden gems for photographers. One such gem is the fascinating Turnbridge Lift Bridge, a testament to the town's canal-based past. Officially known as simply "Turnbridge," and designated as bridge number 17 on the Huddersfield Broad Canal, this unique structure offers a blend of historical charm and mechanical intrigue that's perfect for capturing striking images.

Located on Quay Street, just a short stroll from the town centre, the Turnbridge Lift Bridge (often referred to colloquially as a Locomotive lift bridge) spans the Huddersfield Broad Canal, providing a tangible link to a bygone era. Built in 1865, replacing an earlier swing bridge, its design speaks volumes about the ingenuity of Victorian engineers.

What Makes it Photogenic?

• The Mechanical Marvel: The bridge's lifting mechanism, a combination of wheels, chains, and counterweights, is a visual feast. Whether you're capturing the intricate details of the machinery or the grand sweep of the bridge deck rising, there's a compelling story to tell.
• Historical Context: The canal setting, with its narrowboats and towpaths, provides a rich backdrop for your photographs. The contrast between the weathered brickwork of the bridge and the tranquil water of the canal creates a captivating visual narrative.
• Light and Shadow: The bridge's structure casts interesting shadows throughout the day, offering opportunities for dramatic compositions. The golden hour, just before sunset, is particularly magical, as the warm light illuminates the bridge's intricate details.
• The Lifting Action: If you're lucky enough to witness the bridge in action, you'll have the chance to capture a truly dynamic scene. The slow, deliberate movement of the bridge as it lifts to allow a narrowboat to pass is a mesmerizing sight. Previously windlass operated, it was updated in 2002 and is now electrically powered, making the lifting action smooth and reliable.

Photography Tips:

• Explore Different Angles: Don't be afraid to experiment with different perspectives. Try shooting from ground level, from the towpath, or even from a higher vantage point if you can find one.
• Capture the Details: Focus on the intricate details of the bridge's mechanism, such as the chains, gears, and counterweights. These elements tell the story of the bridge's history and functionality.
• Use a Tripod: A tripod will allow you to capture sharp images, especially in low-light conditions. It will also allow you to use longer exposures to capture the movement of the water or the bridge.
• Consider Black and White: The bridge's industrial aesthetic lends itself well to black and white photography. This can help to emphasize the bridge's texture and form.
• Time Your Visit: Check the canal's schedule to see if you can time your visit to coincide with a narrowboat passing. This will give you the opportunity to capture the bridge in action.
• Consider the surrounding area: The area around the bridge also lends itself to photography, with the canal, and the surrounding buildings providing extra context to your images.

The Turnbridge Lift Bridge is more than just a functional structure; it's a piece of living history. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or simply looking for a unique subject to capture, this fascinating bridge is sure to inspire you. So, grab your camera and head to Huddersfield to discover the photographic potential of this hidden gem.

I took the following images on the 27th May 2023 with a Nikon d3300 camera, clicking any images should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

All these images can also be seen on my Clickasnap account. Please take a moment to check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Huddersfield Broad Canal, May 2023 Aspley to Turnbridge

The Huddersfield Broad Canal, also known as Sir John Ramsden's Canal, is a hidden gem winding its way through Kirklees, England. This 3.75-mile waterway, adorned with nine wide locks, boasts a rich history dating back to the 18th century.

Originally built to serve the thriving textile industry, the canal played a crucial role in transporting coal and finished goods. Nicknamed the "Broad Canal" to distinguish it from its narrower counterpart, the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, it witnessed the industrial revolution unfold along its banks. Today, the canal stands as a testament to the region's industrial heritage, offering a glimpse into the past.

While its industrial days may be behind it, the Huddersfield Broad Canal has found a new purpose as a haven for leisure activities. Whether you're a keen boater, a cyclist seeking a scenic route, or simply someone looking for a peaceful walk, the canal caters to all.

For boaters, the canal offers a tranquil journey, connecting the Calder and Hebble Navigation at Cooper Bridge with the Huddersfield Narrow Canal near Aspley Basin. For those who prefer dry land, the towpath alongside the canal offers a scenic walking or cycling path. The gentle incline makes it suitable for all fitness levels, allowing you to soak in the picturesque surroundings at your own pace.

The Huddersfield Broad Canal is a reminder of the transformative power of historical waterways. From its industrial roots to its current role as a leisure destination, the canal continues to offer a unique and enriching experience for visitors and locals alike. So, next time you're in West Yorkshire, take a step back in time and explore the charm of the Huddersfield Broad Canal.

The pictures shown below were taken while walking the canal on the 27th May 2023, the first set featured were taken on the stretch between the Narrow Canal at Wakefield Road Bridge to the historic Turnbridge.

Aspley Marina from Wakefield Road Bridge.

The end - beginning of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, a short distance to the west of Wakefield Road Bridge and Aspley Marina.

Underneath Wakefield Road Bridge, Aspley Wharf at the tunnels end.

Aspley Wharf Moorings.

Clicking the images will open a link in another window to either the version for sale on Photo4Me, or the version displayed on Clickasnap.

 Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media, and visiting my stores and portfolio on Zazzle and Photo4Me.

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Whitacre Mill Viaduct, Huddersfield

 Whitacre Mill Viaduct is a disused railway bridge crossing the Colne Valley at Deighton, Nr Huddersfield, built by the London & North Western Railway to carry the Kirkburton Branch Line, a 4 1/2 mile railway that had been intended to connect Huddersfield with the Barnsley coal mines, this scheme was never completed. Construction of the viaduct started in March 1865 by subcontractors Sigley, Miles and Haynes and the viaduct despite a partial collapse in February 1866 was completed prior to the lines opening on the 7th October 1867. The viaduct along with a short 1 mile section of the line from Deighton to ICI Chemical Works was the last to face closure, the majority having closed in 1965. This short section remained open until February 1971, before complete closure was decided in December that year.

The viaduct still crossers the Huddersfield Broad Canal, River Colne and Valley as a monument to a bygone age, it  can be just about accessed from the Deighton side, but is largely overgrown and impassable on the opposite side of the structure, Kirklees Council have plans to reopen the crossing as a greenway similar to the nearby Bradley Viaduct but as yet those plans have not progressed.

The pictures below were taken on the 27th May 2023 with a Nikon d3300.

The viaduct crossing the Huddersfield Broad Canal.

The top of the viaduct is supposed to be blocked off, I took this from the access point that has been removed. You can get approx 2/3 of the way across before the bushes become to thick to pass, walking along the top of the wall would have allowed me to get further but i'm not great with heights, so I thought better of that idea.

Huddersfield Broad Canal pictured from the viaduct, Longlands Lock number 4 is just visible at the top of the picture.

The Huddersfield Broad Canal from Whitacre Mill Viaduct. The picture was taken in the direction of Huddersfield.

The overgrown former trackbed looking towards the fence off access. The hole in the fence can be seen to the right of the picture if you follow the wall to the trees.

Clicking any image should open a link in another window to the higher resolution, un-watermarked version on Clickasnap.

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.