MYTHOLMROYD: In the Depot

 In the Depot:

"Rain poured down like rain - only more so."

Instead of lying flat out in a muddy field digging what would be fast-filling post holes for a stile, Jerry, Jan and Frank H (joined initially by Angus) carried out in-house tasks at the depot in Mytholmroyd.

Task 1. Receive, unload and stack a wagon load of timber from the ever-reliable CALVAG.

Task 2. Cut a supply of 'stock' materials to fill the storage capacity for risers, stobs, cross-treads, stile side-posts, stile treadboards, stile step-legs and marker posts etc.

Task 3. Construct a wooden 'former' that will act as a temporary support during the building of the arch of a packhorse bridge.

The detail (task 3)

CROWS are trying to ensure that the small packhorse bridge over Daisy Bank Clough/Hippins Clough, in Blackshaw Head, does not disappear. (See Blog entry for 22nd Feb 2024) We have agreed with the Mid-Lancashire branch of the Drystone Walling Association that they will rebuild a section of this iconic bridge which is in danger of collapsing into the clough.

The bridge is discussed in the definitive book ‘Seen on the Packhorse Tracks’ by Titus Thornber (published in 2002 by South Pennine Packhorse Trails Trust) and is described as follows:

“ To illustrate the infinite variety of these bridges, a curiosity is the tiny but perfectly made
arched bridge over the stream at the very top of Hippins Clough, near Blackshaw Head. This
​miniature, of course, has no parapets, is only 55 inches between the abutments, 26 inches
above the water, and 60 inches wide, yet it appears to have had considerable use. It is on a
track known as the Harley Wood Gate, which is essentially part of the route from Shore-in-
Stansfield to Heptonstall. To find it follow the causeway stones up from Hippins Bridge to the
northwest corner of that peculiar patch of ground called Staups Moor . . .”

To build the bridge, a temporary framework, that defines the shape of the arch, is used to support the stonework during construction. This framework (or 'former') is removed once the 'keystone' for the self-supporting arch has been inserted.

The components for the 'former'had already been prepared by Frank H and Ken. Here's how Jerry and Jan proceeded:

1. The 'former' (upside down)
The two arched side panels are
braced around the edges
with cross-members.

2. The 'former' (correct way up!).
The arch, when fully braced by the
cross-members, forms a very strong
and rigid structure. It will need to
be . . . those stones are heavy!

CROWS are still collecting funds to restore this small but historically significant packhorse structure. If you are able to make a donation please go to our website to see how you can contribute. Many thanks.