North Bridge, Halifax

 A Bridge Through Time

North Bridge, a striking Victorian iron and stone structure, stands as a testament to Halifax's rich industrial past. Spanning the River Hebble, this iconic bridge has played a vital role in connecting the town to the wider region for over a century.

A Bridge Reborn

The original stone bridge, built in 1774, met a tragic end in 1855 due to flash flooding. To accommodate the growing needs of the town and the emerging railway network, a new bridge was constructed in the grand Victorian Gothic style. Designed by the Fraser brothers, North Bridge opened in 1871, a feat of engineering that was both beautiful and functional.

A Busy Thoroughfare

For many years, North Bridge bore the weight of heavy traffic, including tram lines that extended across the bridge. However, the increasing demands of modern transportation led to the construction of the Burdock Way flyover in 1973, relieving the bridge of much of its burden.

A Lasting Legacy

Despite the passage of time, North Bridge continues to be an integral part of Halifax's identity. Its elegant architecture and historical significance make it a popular landmark for both locals and visitors. As we walk across this magnificent structure, we can't help but marvel at the ingenuity and craftsmanship of those who built it.

The pictures below were taken with Nikon d3300 on the 3rd July 2022, they can be seen in a higher resolution on my Clickasnap account by clicking any image.

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Venice. October 31st 2018 Set 1

Venice. The name itself conjures up images of gondolas gliding through turquoise canals, ancient palazzos whispering secrets of the past, and lovers sharing stolen kisses under a bridge. And let me tell you, the reality is every bit as magical.

Venice is unlike any other city in the world. Founded on over 100 tiny islands in a lagoon, it's a labyrinth of narrow waterways, charming bridges, and hidden piazzas. Getting lost here isn't just possible; it's practically encouraged. Wandering down a random calle (alleyway) might lead you to a tucked-away trattoria serving the freshest seafood, a hidden courtyard adorned with blooming bougainvillaea, or a local artisan selling hand-crafted masks.

Of course, there are some must-sees:

• Piazza San Marco: The heart of Venice, this stunning square is dominated by the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Take in the view from the top of the Campanile bell tower, or simply soak up the atmosphere while sipping a cappuccino at an iconic cafe.

• Gondola Ride: Yes, it's touristy, but it's also undeniably Venetian. Glide down the Grand Canal, serenaded by a gondolier, and you'll feel like you've stepped back in time.

• Island Hopping: Explore the colourful houses of Burano, famous for its lacemaking tradition. Visit Murano, where centuries-old glassblowing techniques are still practiced. And don't miss Torcello, a peaceful island with a charming cathedral and sweeping views of the lagoon.

But Venice is more than just a landmark. It's about the feeling of being surrounded by water, the sound of church bells echoing across the canals, and the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from local bakeries. It's about getting lost in a maze of streets, then stumbling upon a hidden gem.

Here are some tips for making the most of your Venetian adventure:

• Go early (or late): Venice can get crowded, especially during peak season. Try to visit in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) or arrive early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the throngs of tourists.
• Embrace the walk: The best way to see Venice is on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must!
• Explore beyond the main sights. Venture off the beaten path and discover the hidden corners of this enchanting city.
• Learn a few Italian phrases: A little effort goes a long way. Even a simple "Buongiorno" (good morning) or "Grazie" (thank you) will be appreciated by the locals.
• Savour the food: Venetian cuisine is a delightful mix of fresh seafood, vegetables, and unique regional specialties. Don't miss the chance to try cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and a glass of local wine in a bacaro (wine bar).

Venice is a city that will stay with you long after you leave. It's a place that awakens the senses, stirs the imagination, and leaves you feeling like you've walked into a living fairytale. So, pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to lose yourself (and find yourself) in the canals of Venice.

I was in Venice for 5 days in 2018, between the dates of Monday 29th and Friday 2nd November. I took numerous pictures and I have been uploading them in smaller sets. This is set 1 from Wednesday 31st October 2018, they were taken with a Nikon d3300. Check out my other sets.

Fondaco dei Tedeschi.

Taken near the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal in the foreground.

Merceria San Salvador.

The previous 2 pictures were taken from one of the bridges crossing the Rio dei Bareteri Canal.

Public transport Venetian style, one of the cities water buses on The Grand Canal.

Gondola's moored on the Grand Canal.

Church of San Silverstro

The previous three images are of the Rio Marin Canal.

Ponte Degli Scalzi

Crossers The Grand Canal outside Venice's Railway Station.

The Grand Canal from the Ponte Degli Scalzi, the Venice Santa Lucia Railway Station is just visible to the right of the picture, the Big Dome of Venice (Church of San Simeon Piccolo) to the left.

The waterfront along the San Marco Basin, this is known as the Riva degli Schiavoni.

I'm not sure now you'll be able to visit any major city without finding a Golden Arches. 

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Radical Steps, Kirkby Lonsdale.

 The Radical Steps at Kirkby Lonsdale are a set of stairs down from the area known as Ruskin's View, Nr St Mary's Churchyard to the banks of the River Lune. The steps are over 200 years old, they were built for Dr Francis Pearson in 1820 to divert a public footpath away from his land. He was said to be radical in his political thoughts, and because of this and local opposition to the reroute the steps became known as The Radical Steps.

The steps are quite steep and uneven in places, there are about 86 to navigate and are not suitable for disabled person's or people with walking difficulties.

The 4 pictures below were taken on the 4th April 2015 with a Polaroid is2132.

The wall that runs the length of the stairs means that quite often the steps can be damp and slippery even on dry days, the wall blocking sunlight and wind from drying the steps.

The River Lune is seen running along the bottom of the picture, the steps leading down to a path the runs alongside the river towards Devil's Bridge.

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Brighouse Library & The Smith Art Gallery.

Originally built as the Rydings in 1841 for miller John Brooke the buildings were bought by the town of Brighouse in 1897 and converted to the Brighouse Library. The grounds were converted in to a public park, indeed the first public park in Brighouse by Charles Kershaw in 1898.

The Smith Art Gallery was opened in May 1907, and named after William Smith a local mill owner who paid for the construction and much of the art featured in the gallery. It was opened by Princess Louise who was the first member of the royal family to visit Brighouse.

There are 2 galleries having originally had 4. The front gallery features an exhibition of oil paintings including works by John Atkinson Grimshaw, a Victorian era artist from Leeds, Marcus Stone an English painter from London and member of the Royal Academy, and Thomas Sydney Cooper, a landscape artist from Canterbury. 

The rear gallery host a constantly changing display, from local artists, touring exhibitions, photography and sculptures.

The pictures were taken on the 14 December 2013 using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to the Clickasnap version of the image.

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Bescar Lane Railway Station

 Bescar Lane Railway Station is a small countryside stop on the Manchester to Southport Line. It can be found in the village of Scarisbrick approx. 7 miles to the east of Southport. It is unmanned with only limited facilities with no car parking, ticketing or refreshment facilities on the station or nearby. The station has small passenger numbers with only 3988 recorded users in 2016 / 17, an average of just 77 passengers per week.

The station was originally opened in April 1855 and has undergone a number of changes since then. rly 1990's both platforms were opposite each other with the remains of the westbound platform still showing despite it moving to the other side of the level crossing a few years ago. The station was served by a signal box alongside the level crossing but this was also removed around the time of the platform redevelopment.

The set of pictures was taken on August 21st 2018 using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. They can be seen below or on Clickasnap full size, resolution and un-watermarked by clicking any image. link will open in another window.

The remains of the goods yard.

Taken from the level crossing the stations disused platform can be seen
overgrown and long since abandoned. When this platform was taken
out of use it was replaced by another at the other side of the level crossing.

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Sowerby Bridge, New Years Day

Sowerby Bridge is a market town in the Calder Valley, West Yorkshire. The town originally was a crossing point for travellers to pass over the River Calder whilst journeying between Yorkshire and Lancashire. The town takes it's name from the nearby hill settlement of Sowerby and the bridge that crossers the River Calder near the town centre. The town grew during the industrial revolution as textiles and engineering industry was created using the Rivers Calder and Ryburn to power the mills. The town suffered as these industries declined and it has now become more of a tourism destination popular with canal boaters.

The town is the confluence of the River Calder & Ryburn, the Junction for the Calder & Hebble Navigation & Rochdale Canal's.  The canal was blocked in Sowerby Bridge from the 1960's until the 1990's, the reopening of this section through Tuel Lane tunnel and the building of the deepest inland canal lock in the UK allowing boats to travel through Yorkshire to Manchester for the first time in over a quarter of a century.

The town was also a railway junction for over 70 years when the Rishworth Branch line headed away from the station up the Ryburn Valley until closure in the 1950's. Originally planned as a shorter alternative route to Littleborough the line was only completed to Rishworth. The station was a much larger one because of it's junction status until the closure of the branch and the main station building being destroyed by fire in 1978 and demolished shortly after.

The town is often heavily congested with traffic, so knowing this would not be the case early on New Years Day I took an opportunity to picture the main streets whilst traffic was minimal. The walk I took was along the main street from Pye Nest to the east of the town through to the West End area of Sowerby Bridge, picturing some places of interest away from the main route.

Garden area on Bolton Brow. This used to be covered by housing.

Wharf Street.

The former Sowerby Bridge Police Station, the building was featured in seasons 1 and 2 of Happy Valley.

Lock 2 on the Rochdale Canal from the top of Tuel lane Tunnel.

Tower Hill.

County Bridge towards the Town Hall building.

River Ryburn.

Donaldson's Vets at the end of Wakefield Road used to be a pub known as the Prospect Inn.

Locks 1 and 2 on the Rochdale Canal.

Main Road underneath Sowerby Bridge Viaduct.

River Calder from County Bridge.

The Jubilee Refreshment rooms are housed in the former ticket office for Sowerby Bridge Railway Station. The building is all that remains of the station building damaged by fire and demolished 1978-81.

Ryburn Buildings at West End.

Looking down Bolton Brow, Gratrix Lane to the right.

Train passing over Sowerby Bridge Viaduct, taken from County Bridge.

J.D. Wetherspoons Commercial Inn at the bottom of Tuel Lane. The canal originally exited a bridge near the traffic lights, this was infilled in the 1950's. Their was a tunnel built underneath this junction in 1996 to reopen the Rochdale Canal, which comes out behind the Commercial Inn.

Christ Church.

Wharf Street, the building with the to let sign was once a branch of the Halifax Bank.

Victoria Bridge and the River Ryburn.

The River Calder.

Sowerby Bridge Railway Station.

Warehouse 2 and the Salt Warehouse at Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin.

Carlton Mill.

River Calder.

Soweerby Bridge Viaduct.

River Calder.

It should be pointed out that the building often referred to as the town hall was never actually Sowerby Bridge Town Hall. It was built in the hope that Sowerby Bridge Council would purchase the hall from the developers but this never happened. The clock is owned by the people of Sowerby Bridge and the building until recently was a branch of Lloyds Bank.

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