Copley Toll Booth and Bridge, October 2013 Before the Floods that Destroyed It.

A small set of pictures taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet 27th October 2013, they were taken from the now demolished Copley Toll Bridge.

Copley Toll Booth

Copley Toll Booth is now a private residence that stands to the south of present day Wilson Bridge, but in 2013 stood at the end of the s arch stone Copley River (Toll) bridge. The booth was built circa 1831 when the bridge was constructed. This picture can be seen on my Clickasnap Profile un-watermarked, full size and resolution.

Fee structure for crossing the bridge.

The above fee board could be found on the side of Copley Toll Booth when I visited in 2013, I am not sure if the board is still there.

This picture taken stood towards the end of Copley River (Toll) Bridge shows the Toll Booth to the right, and to the left is the lych-gate to St Stephens Church, Copley. North Dean Woods can be seen beyond and the road heads in the direction of Norland and Greetland.

A scene that can never be repeated is this one of the Copley River (Toll) Bridge. The roof of St Stephen's Church can be seen with North Dean Woods behind.

Copley River Bridge was a 2 arch stone bridge that carried North Dean Road across the River Calder. The bridge was was built by Richard Kennett-Dawson, the last Lord of the Manor of Copley. The bridge was constructed in 1831 and a fee was charged to cross, this was abolished in 1856. The bridge stood for 184 years until the Calder Valley was devastated by flooding on Boxing Day 2015. The bridge was badly damaged and eventually the decision was taken to demolish the remains. A replacement steel single span bridge was constructed and opened in 2017, the bridge was named Wilson Bridge after Graham Wilson who had lived in the toll house until his death in 2017. The new bridge only allows crossing for pedestrians, cyclists and horses, motorised vehicles are prohibited.

All the pictures except the toll price list can be seen on my Clickasnap account where they are full size, resolution and un-watermarked. Please take a moment to share and follow me on social media.

All images are the copyright of Colin Green, please credit me if using any of them.

A Winter's Whisper: Copley Riverside in a Blanket of Snow

The River Calder, a lifeline through West Yorkshire, paints a different picture with each passing season. But there's a particular magic in its winter guise, a serene beauty that I was fortunate enough to capture on a crisp December day.

On December 29th, 2017, I embarked on a walk along the path that hugs the River Calder near Copley, a charming village nestled in the heart of the region. The day was draped in a fresh layer of snow, the first of the season, if my memory serves me correctly, transforming the familiar landscape into a winter wonderland.

These seven photographs, taken along the riverbank near Copley Cricket Ground, stretching towards the newly opened Wilson Bridge, tell a story of quiet beauty. They offer a glimpse into a world where the river's gentle flow meets the stillness of a snow-covered landscape.

A Winter's Tale in Seven Frames:

• The Silent River: The Calder, usually a bustling waterway, flowed with a hushed tranquillity, its surface reflecting the soft, grey sky.
• Snow-Dusted Trees: The bare branches of the riverside trees were delicately outlined in white, creating intricate patterns against the winter backdrop.
• The Path Less Travelled: The walking path, usually well-trodden, bore only the faint imprints of my own footsteps, a testament to the quiet solitude of the day.
• Copley Cricket Ground's Winter Rest: The familiar green of the cricket ground was transformed into a pristine expanse of white, a silent witness to the winter's arrival.
• Wilson Bridge's Debut: The newly constructed Wilson Bridge, replacing the older stone structure, stood as a modern counterpoint to the timeless beauty of the surrounding landscape. The bridge itself was a stark contrast to the natural beauty around it.
• A Landscape Refreshed: The snow had softened the edges of the landscape, creating a sense of peace and tranquillity.
• Winter's Light: The soft, diffused light of the winter day bathed the scene in a gentle glow, highlighting the subtle textures of the snow and the river.

The Magic of a Snowy Walk:

There's something uniquely captivating about a winter walk along a riverside. The crisp air, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the quiet beauty of the landscape create a sense of peace and tranquillity. This walk along the Copley Riverside, captured in these seven photographs, was a reminder of the simple beauty that can be found in the heart of winter.

The recent construction of Wilson Bridge, although a needed improvement, does not distract from the natural beauty of the area. It is a testament to the progression of the town, while the river itself remains a constant.

These pictures are a snapshot of a moment in time, a winter's whisper along the River Calder. They serve as a reminder of the beauty that can be found in even the simplest of landscapes, especially when touched by the magic of snow.

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