Sowerby Bridge Randoms

 Sowerby Bridge is a market town in Calderdale, West Yorkshire. Originally a crossing point over the River Calder the town grew fast during the industrial revolution on its proximity to the River's Calder and Ryburn that were used to power the textile and engineering mills that grew up around them. As time went on the Rivers were joined by firstly the Calder & Hebble Navigation Canal providing links to Wakefield and beyond, and then the Rochdale Canal with links to Lancashire and Manchester which helped to continue the growth of industry in the Sowerby Bridge area. The railways were next to arrive with Sowerby Bridge featuring a large goods yard at the modern location of Tesco and eventually becoming a railway junction town when the line opened up the Ryburn Valley.

The railway, canals, industries and town entered in to a period of decline after between the wars, that continued for many years after, with it's valley location making it difficult for modern industries to invest and many long standing companies withdrew from the town. In the 1980's the town marketed itself as a tourist destination with the town's annual Rushbearing parade, canoe slalom development and canal re-opening driving much of the regeneration.

The town remains a pleasant place to live, featuring in a number of TV shows in recent years including, Stay Lucky, Happy Valley and the English Game, although it is often overshadowed by it's near neighbours Halifax and Hebden Bridge.

The pictures below can also be seen on Clickasnap un-watermarked, they feature a number of well known locations around the town and were taken with a iPhone 11 on the 26th September 2021.

Rochdale Canal from Tower Hill Bridge

Co-op Bridge and steps, Hollins Mill Lane.

The Canal Basin

Christ Church, Tuel Lane Tunnel, Rochdale Canal and the Roxy

Railway Viaduct and Rivers Ryburn and Calder

Town Hall Clock from County Bridge. The building never served as the Town Hall despite it's name spending most of it's history as a bank.

Courtyard on the Old Cawsey, thought to be the amongst the oldest road's through Sowerby Bridge.

River Ryburn and Sowerby Bridge Swimming Pool.

Former Wesleyan Chapel at Bolton Brow.

Rochdale Canal from the Co-op bridge steps.

Jack O Th Locks at the entrance to Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin.

Old Cawsey Courtyard

River Calder and Canoe Slalom from County Bridge.

River Ryburn

Rochdale Canal from Co-Op Bridge

Lock 2 Sowerby Bridge Upper on the Rochdale Canal

River Calder from County Bridge

Co-Op Steps

Geese on the canal, the town has become locally known for geese running the rule of the town

The Rochdale Canal from Lock 2 towards Lock 1 and the canal basin.

Christ Church, Tuel Lane Tunnel and Christ Church from Lock 2 on the Rochdale Canal.

The Village Restaurant, formerly the Ash Tree pub.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

River Ryburn at Sowerby Bridge October 2013

 This small set of pictures was taken along the River Ryburn from Watson Mill Lane to its conclusion flowing into the River Calder just after the railway viaduct at Sowerby Bridge.

The River Ryburn starts in the hills above Baitings Reservoir and flows down the valley approx. 7 miles to its meeting with the River Calder, passing through or near Rishworth, Ripponden, Kebroys and Triangle. Along is route it is fed into by 12 tributaries and passes underneath 13 bridges.

These pictures were taken using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet in October 2013. They can be seen below and on Clickasnap where they are full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

Geese and ducks in the River at Victoria Bridge

The Ryburn flowing in to the River Calder from underneath Sowerby Bridge railway viaduct, the former bridges bar can be seen on the right, as of September 2022 this is being demolished having stood empty for a number of years.

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

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.