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.

Love Railway Stations? Capture their grandeur with my unique collection of postcards on Zazzle!

My passion for photography recently led me to Zazzle, where I discovered a way to transform my photos into amazing products. Among my bestsellers are stunning images of railway stations. Inspired by this, I've curated a collection of postcards featuring these architectural gems.

Browse the first 5 designs below that I turned into postcards, or unleash your creativity on Zazzle and create something truly special on a number of products to suit.

Sandal and Agbrigg Railway Station is a railway station serving the suburbs of Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Opened in 1866 as Sandal this station was closed to all traffic in 1957. The current halt was opened in 1987 on the site of the original station.

Berry Brow is a stop a few miles south of Huddersfield on the Penistone Line. Originally a double platform layout the original station was open from 1850 until 1966. The current single platform stop is built a few hundred yards further along the line from the original and opened in 1989.

The picture above shows the original station buildings at Brockholes, these are now a private residence situated on the disused platform at the station. Brockholes Railway Station opened in 1850 and was for a number of years a junction stop with the branch line to Holmfirth terminating here. The station was reduced to single track in 1989.

Wakefield Kirkgate Railway Station was the first to serve the city, opening in 1840 some 27 years before the well known Wakefield Westgate. The building pictured was opened in 1854 and the station has listed status, although many of the buildings and canopies were removed in the mid 1970's.

Deighton is another Yorkshire station that opened, then closed and then re-opened at a later date. The original Deighton Station opened in 1871 on the Kirkburton Branch Line that went off to the left of the picture. This closed in 1930 and the branch line was removed completely by the 1970's. The replacement station opened in 1982 on the main line where the original branch line junction had been.

All these postcards can be purchased from Zazzle by clicking any of the pictures above (link will open in another window) and browse the collection. The images can also be transferred to a number of alternative products.

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

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Sunday 21st July 2024 Update the following images have also been added to the collection today,

Bradford Interchange opened in 1973 to replace the nearby Bradford Exchange Station. The bus station was added in 1977 and the site is known as the main public transport hub for the area.

Brierfield Railway Station is a stop on the East Lancashire Line to the east of Burnley. The station was opened as a double track halt in February 1849 and remained that way until much of the line was singled in 1986.

Castleton Moor Railway Station was opened in April 1861 as a 2 platform stop on the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Railway. Much of the line was single track but a passing loop was installed here which was removed in the 1980's. The station is now part of the Esk Valley Line connecting Whitby with Middlesborough.

Burnley Barracks Railway Station opened in September 1848, closed a few months later and re-opened in 1851 taking the name Burnley barracks after the nearby military installations. The station is a request stop and is earmarked for closure if the line is reopened between Colne and Skipton.

Cottingley Railway Station is a stop in the suburbs of Leeds on the Huddersfield Line, a relative new station having opened in April 1988 it is earmarked for closure when the nearby delayed White Rose Station opens.

Huddersfield Railway Station was built 1846-50 and is a Grade I listed building. Probably one of the best looking stations in the United Kingdom, it also features a statue of former Prime Minister Harold Wilson outside it's main entrance in Saint George's Square.

These are a small selection of the postcards added to the collection, they are many others being added weekly that may be of interest that are not featured here.

A Quick Stop on the Huddersfield Line - Deighton Railway Station

Deighton Railway Station serves the Deighton area of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England. It's a handy little station for those needing a quick and convenient connection to Huddersfield or Leeds.

Interestingly, there have actually been two stations at Deighton! The first station opened in 1871 and served a branch line to Kirkburton. Sadly, that station closed in 1930. The current Deighton Station we see today is a much younger addition, having opened in 1982.

Deighton Station is located roughly two miles northeast of Huddersfield Station on the Huddersfield Line towards Leeds. Trains are frequent, with journeys to Huddersfield taking a mere 4 minutes on average. TransPennine Express is the main operator on this route.

While the station itself is compact, there are two platforms and a ticket office. There are no waiting rooms or toilets at the station, but there are shelters on both platforms for waiting passengers.

For onward journeys after your train ride, bus stops are located a short walk from the station on Leeds Road, with connections to both Leeds and Huddersfield. Taxis are also readily available.

Deighton Station might be a small station, but it offers a vital service for the Deighton community and surrounding areas.

Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, Deighton Station is a great way to get around Huddersfield and beyond. So next time you're in the area, consider hopping on a train and checking it out!

I took these pictures on the 27th May 2023 with a Nikon d3300. They can also be seen on Clickasnap in a higher resolution.

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

Please take a moment to check out my stores on Zazzle, portfolio on Photo4Me and social media.

Thanks for looking, all the images are 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.

Spen Valley Greenway, M62 to Cleckheaton Central

The Spen Valley Greenway is a cycle-pedestrian corridor connecting Low Moor with Ravensthorpe, West Yorkshire, passing through the towns of Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike and Liversedge on route. The route runs for approx. 8 miles along the former routes of the Spen Valley Railway and Ravensthorpe Branch Lines. 

The Greenway was planned after Sustrans acquired the trackbed in 1998, and opened in 2000. In addition to the remaining bridges, occasional railway signposts and ornamental benches along the route, there are artworks including Sally Matthews flock of Swaledale sheep and Trudi Entwistle's Rotate. The route is traffic free and pretty flat along it's length, with a few small gentle slopes up and down. There are supermarkets along the route including a Tesco alongside the former site of Cleckheaton Station and a Morrison's a short walk from the site of what was Heckmondwike Station.

Before conversion from an overgrown and abandoned former railway to a pleasant tarmacked cycle and pedestrian route, the greenway had a life as a railway known as the Mirfield and Low Moor Railway. The original double track line opening was in 2 stages, from Low Moor to Mirfield on the 18th July 1848, and the Ravensthorpe Branch connecting Thornhill with Heckmondwike on the 1st June 1849. At it's height the line had 8 stations along it's route which included Low Moor, Cleckheaton Central, Liversedge Central, Heckmondwike Central after which the line split with stops at Northorpe North Road and Mirfield along the Mirfield route, and Ravensthorpe Lower and Thornhill along the Ravensthorpe Branch Line. The line remained in use until passenger services were withdrawn in July 1965 and goods traffic ended in the late 1980's.

There are currently small campaigns trying to get the line reopened, as much of the trackbed remains clear and unbuilt upon this seems an easy but perhaps expensive plan. There is currently a population of over 50000 along the Spen Valley Route with limited access to rail without commuting. There are competing plans featuring heavy rail and light rail proposals.

I have previously posted the pictures taken on the route from Low Moor to the M62, the following set were taken from the M62 to the former site of Cleckheaton Central Station, they were pictured with a Nikon d3300 on the 30th December 2019.

The M62 Chain Bar Railway Bridge, pictured from the north (Low Moor) side. The line closed here whilst the M62 was constructed, this stretch of track remained open until 1981 as far south as Heckmondwike.

The southern end of the M62 Chain Bar Bridge. Laithe Hill Footbridge can be seen a sort distance down the cutting.

Laithe Hill Bridge.

Whitechapel Road Bridge,

A row of railway sleepers to the north of Cleckheaton, i'm guessing these were placed here as a nod to the greenways railway heritage.

The Spen Valley Greenway on a slight climb up to Whitcliffe Road Bridge. The line started to pen up just beyond the bridge to enter Cleckheaton Central Station and goods yard.

Whitcliffe Road Bridge from the opposite side.

The former trackbed away from Whitcliffe Road Bridge in the direction Cleckheaton Central Station.

The previous 2 pictures show the site of Cleckheaton Central Railway Station, the goods yard was off to the right of the picture and is now a Tesco Supermarket.

Cleckheaton Central was opened in 1847, and remained open to passenger traffic until June 1965, with goods traffic continued until May 1969. The station was demolished in stages between 1968 and 1971 where they story of Cleckheaton Central takes an unexpected turn.

In 1972 a contractor appeared before Wakefield Crown Court accused of stealing stone, timber, metal and other fittings from Cleckheaton Central, or as was widely reported at the time he was claimed to have stolen Cleckheaton Central Railway Station. In August 1971 British Rail's appointed contractor when arriving to clear the site found that it had already been removed. The accused had been contracted by another party to clear the site which had taken him 3 weeks to do. Despite efforts the other party was never traced and the defendant was found not guilty having proved he had been duped and left significantly out of pocket by the incident. To date this remains the only time a "Railway Station has been stolen" in the United Kingdom.

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

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

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.