'Salt wanted to distribute his products quickly and cheaply so he chose a site with excellent transport links. The Mill was built beside the railway, the motorway of the 19th century. The canal linked the village to Leeds and Liverpool and there were good local road connections.'
The Leeds-Liverpool Canal bridge provides one of the most attractive views in Saltaire - even on a cold dark winter morning. The canal runs alongside the grounds of the church, whose tower you can see on the left. In front is the Stables. When the village was built in the 1850s, road transport was predominantly by horse-drawn vehicles and stabling facilities were a necessity. December's ice on the canal is gradually melting - but it is a reminder of how, in Victorian times too, transportation in the winter months would be fraught with hazards.
The little knot of people standing watching the swans was a group of 'silver' walkers, undeterred by the cold. This spot in Saltaire seems to be a place where people congregate and I think sometimes it's a meeting point for the organised rambles that the Council's Leisure Services provide. One of the enjoyable things about living in Saltaire is its proximity to some lovely countryside.
[Green man on the plan]
Jenny, this is becoming so ADDICTIVE - you have me rushing through here each morning to see what's next on the Saltaire tour - I'm absolutely LOVING it!
ReplyDeleteYour B & W pictures add to the moment - making it feel truly like a meander back through time! Marvellous idea of yours to have done this!
I loved clicking on the link to see your summertime photograph of the canal, today - simply glorious!
THANK YOU!
I agree with Desiree, you are providing us with a rare treat.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the group of elderly ducks congregating in the same place are a group of silver swimmers.
ReplyDeleteThe more I see Saltaire, the more I'm impressed by the talents of sir Salt! He had thought of everything, and his city is a kind of perfection!And this perfection crossed the ages till today..Like Desiree, I'm becoming addict of those daily walks through your town!
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying the tour and it is so good to be able to check the route on the map.
ReplyDeleteThe English countryside is absolutely amazing.
ReplyDeleteGreat B&W!
B xx
Hi Jenny, wonderful to have found your blog. So many stunning pictures. Your town in divine and so are the pics. Carla
ReplyDeleteIt sure is a picturesque spot. The black and white photos look like 1910 postcards.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are exquisite. The B&W are very effective in showing the tranquil beauty of the city. I cannot believe I hadn't discovered your blog for over a year. Thank you so much for visiting PVDP so that I could enjoy your photos.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful! Love this b&w series.
ReplyDeleteThe ice cream boat has gone!
ReplyDeleteH - It's not gone far. It appears to have been vandalised (the owners had left it moored but didn't seem to be living in it during the cold weather) and I saw it moored on the far side of the canal, up between the two mills, where no-one can get at it.
ReplyDeleteSo cool, I actually recognize this spot. Well, in pictures, that is. ~Lili
ReplyDeleteI, too, am thoroughly enjoying the tour!
ReplyDeleteNice photo! I had never realized until a couple years ago how very many canals there are in England!
ReplyDeleteDon't forget the fab 5-Rise Locks at Bingley!
ReplyDeleteNice, not just the people even the swans are undeterred with the cold :)
ReplyDeleteIts a charming picture...