Crossing History: Mearclough Bridge in Winter

Location: Mearclough Bridge, Sowerby Bridge Date: 17th January 2016 Camera: Nikon d3300

Mearclough Bridge and the River Calder

 The River Calder, a constant thread through the industrial landscape of West Yorkshire, takes on a quiet beauty in the snow, as captured in this striking image of Mearclough Bridge near Sowerby Bridge.

This isn't just any old stone bridge; it's a Grade II listed structure steeped in local history. The current three-arched masonry bridge, which stands as a proud testament to enduring construction, replaced an earlier crossing sometime between 1774 and the early 1800s. It was a vital link, connecting the historic townships of Norland and Warley, and its importance is evidenced by historical records showing that the people of Norland were once responsible for its upkeep.

A Landmark with a Story

Mearclough Bridge's history is interwoven with the industrial life of the Calder Valley. It once saw heavy goods vehicles trundle across its narrow span, heading to nearby mills and depots, leading to the structure being "saddled" with reinforced concrete in the 1970s to strengthen it. Today, thankfully, a more modern bridge, Sterne Mills Bridge, diverts much of the heavy traffic, allowing this historical gem to stand as a peaceful monument.

In this winter scene, the sturdy stone arches contrast beautifully with the dark, flowing waters of the River Calder below, and the snowy banks hint at the area's wilder, natural side. In the background, the distinctive architecture of Sowerby Bridge's residential buildings climbs the hillside, completing a picture that perfectly encapsulates the industrial and natural heritage of Calderdale.

It's a reminder that history isn't confined to museums—it's in the enduring stone of the bridges we cross and the powerful rivers that shaped the communities around them.

A Lost Landmark: The Tragic Tale of Copley Toll Bridge

Location: Copley, West Yorkshire Date: 1st February 2014 Camera: Samsung Galaxy Tablet

Copley Toll Bridge

The sepia image above captures a scene of timeless, stoic beauty: the Copley Toll Bridge in the Calder Valley, its ancient stone arches gracefully spanning the River Calder. For over 180 years, this structure stood as a vital link, a piece of local history etched in stone, connecting the community of Copley. Built in 1831 by Richard Kennett-Dawson, it was a magnificent example of 19th-century engineering, complete with an adjacent toll house (which still stands today).

It was a bridge that witnessed the rise and fall of industries, the march of progress, and the daily lives of countless villagers—until nature delivered a catastrophic blow.

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The Boxing Day Deluge of 2015

Christmas 2015 brought not a blanket of snow, but an unprecedented torrent of water. The Boxing Day floods wreaked havoc across the Calder Valley, with the River Calder swelling to historic levels. The sheer force of the floodwater, laden with debris, proved too much for the historic stone arches of the Copley Bridge.

The bridge, which had stood firm for generations, was severely damaged. Its foundations were undermined, and sections of the structure collapsed into the raging river. The image of this strong, old bridge broken by the floods became a powerful symbol of the widespread devastation across the region.

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Demolition and a New Beginning

Despite initial hopes for repair, the extent of the damage meant the bridge was deemed irreparable. The decision was made to dismantle the remains—a sad moment for the community who cherished the historic structure. The demolition was carried out carefully, with some of the original stone salvaged for future use.

The loss of the bridge cut off a crucial link for pedestrians and non-motorised traffic, isolating parts of the community. However, from this tragedy came a story of resilience and remembrance.

A replacement was commissioned: a modern, single-span steel and stone structure designed to sit above the flood level, ensuring it wouldn't rely on supports within the river channel—a lesson learned from the 2015 disaster.

In 2017, the new bridge was officially opened and given a name chosen by local primary school children and the community: the Wilson Bridge. This name honours Graham Wilson, a long-time resident of the adjacent toll house who had done much to maintain and improve the old crossing before his recent death.

The Wilson Bridge now stands in the place of its historic predecessor, a symbol of Copley's recovery and a tribute to a valued local resident. While the original Copley Toll Bridge is gone, its memory is preserved in the sepia tones of old photographs and the history incorporated into its stronger, newer replacement.