Through the Stones: The Character of a Yorkshire Snicket

Location: Old Lane, Halifax Date: 23rd December 2023 Camera: Nikon d3300

 In the hilly terrain of West Yorkshire, the landscape is crisscrossed by countless footpaths, ginnels, and "snickets"—local names for narrow, often stepped, passageways that cut sharply between buildings and up steep inclines. This photo captures the raw, historic character of one such route, running up from Old Lane toward Boothtown near Halifax.

This is more than just a shortcut; it's a piece of working-class history set in stone.

Old Lane Snicket Pathway in Halifax

Steps Steeped in Time

The scene is dominated by the sturdy, dark stone walls, constructed from the local millstone grit that defines the architecture of Calderdale. The lower wall, built from rough, flat stones, speaks to the practical, enduring nature of the area's construction. The path itself features an initial set of stone steps before turning into a steep, cobbled track that climbs out of sight.

The bare branches of the trees and the wet, leaf-strewn ground suggest a cold, damp day, characteristic of the northern climate. A lone wooden fence and the slight curve of the path give the snicket a slightly mysterious, enclosed feel, hinting at the homes and lanes hidden just out of view at the top of the climb.

These paths were essential infrastructure for the industrial communities of the past. They provided direct routes for mill workers to get from their homes higher up the hillsides to the factories nestled in the valleys. Every uneven cobble and worn step was trod by generations of residents, connecting communities and commerce.

Today, while their original purpose might be lessened, these snickets remain a crucial part of the region's character, offering a quiet escape and a vivid connection to the past. They challenge the modern pace of life and remind us of the rugged, beautiful terrain that shaped Halifax and its surrounding townships.

The Quiet Charm of Norland: A View from St. Luke's Churchyard

Location: St Luke's Church, Norland Date: 24th February 2024 Camera: Nikon d3300

St Luke's Graveyard, Norland

Sometimes, the most beautiful views are found in the most tranquil places. This image, capturing the eastern entrance to St. Luke’s Churchyard in the lovely village of Norland, perfectly encapsulates that quiet, enduring West Yorkshire charm.

The shot is framed by the heavy, dry-stone wall and the dense, bright green ivy that spills over the rusty wrought-iron gate. The use of a colour-pop edit emphasises the deep blue of the sky and the golden sunlight hitting the foliage, transforming a historic rural scene into something almost fairy-tale-like.

A Cemetery on the Hill

St. Luke's occupies a prominent, central position in Norland village, which itself is perched on a hilltop, offering scenic views towards the Calder Valley. The churchyard, therefore, is more than just a burial ground; it's a vantage point overlooking the historic surroundings.

Looking across the green expanse, you can see the weathered headstones, some tall and ornate, others simple and square, standing as silent witnesses to the village's long history. Beyond the graves, you catch a glimpse of the traditional, solid stone houses—typical of this part of Calderdale—which blend seamlessly into the undulating landscape.

St. Luke's: Norland's Heart

The church itself is an important landmark for the community. It opened in April 1866. Before Norland became a separate ecclesiastical parish in 1877, St. Luke's was originally a Chapel of Ease for Christ Church in Sowerby Bridge.

The whole scene—from the old stone wall marking the boundary, to the sturdy gravestones, and the background of rugged village architecture—tells a story of continuity. It is a reminder that Norland, though a small village, has a rich past, with its core history centred around its beautiful buildings and the high moorland that surrounds them.

This rusty gate, half-hidden by ivy, seems like an invitation to step off the road and into a space where history, nature, and community meet. It’s the perfect spot to take a moment and appreciate the unique, unspoiled rural character of West Yorkshire.