The Lost Hunslet Swing Bridge - What Remains?

[@janejohnson7120]

I hated any sort of history at school but now “a few years on😂well decades” your explores are so interesting and your enthusiasm is infectious I am hooked. Great quality videos thanks, keep going.

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@WmDavidHarrison]

Another fascinating look at industrial archaeology of Hunslet. Great drone footage. The brick and timber construction could well have been a means of transferring coal from nearby Skelton Colliery from rail to barge but old OS maps and railway sources are not forthcoming though somebody somewhere will know.

[@AdventureMe]

Many thanks! Yes not much info on it at all.

[@MarkDenson-ld8bf]

Thank you Darren really enjoyed the Drone video at the end 👍

[@simonmcowan6874]

That was a great conclusion to the series, thanks for the name check, next time I'm in Leeds I'll pick up those bricks for my collection. 👍

[@AdventureMe]

Yes, plenty around there. You will be there for ages.

[@martinmarsola6477]

A nice ending to the series. That drone shot was exciting. Thanks for the video and chat. Cheers Darren.

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Coming to these now ancient videos as far as Social Media timescale is concerned, from your most recent videos, I am still blown away by the quality of the production and struck by the thought that if we didn't have people like you doing the donkey work, digging these images out of some cloud presumably, somewhere on the planet, coupled with the effort of the original photographers and the archivists making sure that they are eventually accessible, we'd be in the position of a future visiting alien archæologist trying to work out what that round tower 2:26 is and how it fits in to what is now long gone. I think that it's fair to say that you'd be pushed to guess correctly just exactly what a magnificent structure used to be on the site and equally as perplexed as am I now as to why it was deemed an economic necessity to remove the whole marvelous edifice. Thank you, thank you, thank you for bringing it back to life, if only fleetingly, thereby reigniting a spark of pride in this viewer and immense respect for our engineering forefathers.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks matey

[@davidnm21]

Absolutely loving your vids mate. As a former railway signalman these videos are epic. I’m just annoyed with myself I haven’t discovered your superb videos before. The production, the overlayed images from yesterday, the beautiful music, your interesting narrative, all first class and so professional. I have A Walk On The Wildside to thank, (where I’m a channel member), as I saw a recommendation of your channel. Fantastic stuff 👌

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks David. Glad you like. Welcome from the wild side.

[@socklesslad]

Excellent drone footage and view of the sunset. Thanks for another great video!

[@notsohairybiker]

Fantastic video, you make it like I'm there on the walk. The brick bunkers, been thinking, possibly storage bunkers, coal, sand, building materials, just maybe a ramp down to load up the barges for local deliveries? I noticed the local quarries, sand , limestone etc. They must have used an obscene amount of coal back then as It was used for everything.

[@donlow7036]

Beautiful drone footage.

[@MGRrail]

Great video. I work in Hunslet yard when my train runs in there. Got some photos from the yard now and it's getting redeveloped soon.

[@bigmonkey999888]

Hi Darren, that brought back memories of going from Leeds to Castleford on the bus passing under the railway bridge just after Thwaite lane onto Pontefract road passing the terraced houses on the left and the swing bridge in the distance. Fantastic series keep em coming. Thank you Steve

[@NOWThatsRichy]

Brilliant video Darren, the old swing bridge would have been interesting to see in operation back in the day, a major piece of engineering.

[@joylunn3445]

Fantastic video. I moved from Bradford to Wales 25 years ago so really enjoying this.

[@AdventureMe]

Many thanks!

[@shirleylynch7529]

Darren that was fantastic. The filming, drone footage, walk, your findings I could go on and on. The music you played was poignant to say the least. Gave me a lump in my throat for what was once but no more. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍 Glad it all worked out.

[@AdventureMe]

Rodney, I always list what music I use in the video descriptions, unless it's my own track or from KZbin directly.

[@nixtax3526]

Brilliant vlog, really interesting part of the line and great drone footage

[@AdventureMe]

Many thanks!

[@heatherrawling3194]

Thanks for doing the leg work, we walked here last Sunday and wondered what the circular tower was, and what the area looked like in its hey day. We now know, I think the biggest surprise was that the tower was the Machine house! Keep up the good work.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Heather. Glad to help.

[@kingboy76]

That strange structure in the trees was an excellent find. Will be really interested to hear if you can dig up any more information on it. Went for a wander round Middleton Park yesterday and my endlessly patient wife had to listen to me pointing out everything from your videos on the park!

[@hoppinonabronzeleg9477]

Either coal drops, or maybe a supporting bridge for overhead siding?

[@AdventureMe]

Haha, I bet that was fun for her. I'll post on my social media if I find anything else about it.

[@chrisbradley1192]

Your videos continue to get better and better Darren. The opening sequence from the drone is wonderful. Well done!

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@donlow7036]

Agreed, just stunning.

[@trevormegson7583]

I did not know that swing bridge ever existed. That was fascinating. You're getting the hang of the Drone now. Cheers Daz.

[@patrickbagnano1561]

I was just looking for something to watch this morning, and this just popped up. Perfect timing.

[@lindseykaine-walley6339]

Beautiful images on this fantastic video. I'm slowly catching up on your episodes and I'm definitely not disappointed, only that I didn't discover your channel earlier!

[@AdventureMe]

You have plenty of time to catch up. That's the good thing about KZbin

[@SamM-oh2cx]

I wish I had you as a history teacher when I was at school! You make history interesting and fun! You literally paint a picture with words! Thanks for taking the time to make brilliant content!

[@AdventureMe]

Wow, thank you!

[@stevekell3782]

Good morning. Brilliant video. When I did research into my family history I found that it was my family that built the swing bridge for GNR. I was told that the bridge didn't actually work as designed. When they tried to open it it dropped and had to be forced back into place. The company running Aire & Calder Navigation has changed their minds about bringing tall ships into Leeds. Hence the bridge was left closed.

[@timduncan9745]

Fantastic this..nice one..I have cycled past that engine turret loads of times on my mountain bike and never given it a second thought...always wondered about that buttress in middle of water too👍

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@JamesAllmond]

Just south of Macon Ga in the US, next to I-16, we also have a swing bridge of that design. No river boats have come up the river it sits on for decades, and the track is til active! Have seen it turned once, back in the 70's, the last time someone brought boats up that required it to open. Was told it took to several barrels of grease to get it to turn again. It regularly gets flooded...

[@AdventureMe]

Brilliant. At least you still have yours.

[@martinfleetwood1769]

The area adjacent to the river aire was the site of Leeds Total fuel depot that was fed from the Humber by rail. Tankers field up here to take the ground fuels to the surrounding fuel stations. I used to work there. There also used to be a bitumen depot too, but before my time. It closed in about 2000. On the opposite side of the river was an Esso fuel depot too.

[@howardgibson]

Another fabulous video and history lesson

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Howard

[@suesmith4366]

Brilliant loved the drone shots too , I found a photo and plan of the coal stathies on Leodis east Leeds Memories. I never realised just what was there in that area, amazing. 😎

[@AdventureMe]

I've just had a look and can't find it on leodis, can you link it Sue?

[@suesmith4366]

@@AdventureMe can’t do that lol I found images under Hunslet goods coal stathies, then found photos of it clicked on and it went to leodis east leeds. I’ve took screen shots of that. But can put it here I’m a technophobe 😮

[@AdventureMe]

@@suesmith4366 Send it in an email to [e-mail].

[@suesmith4366]

@@AdventureMe done 😎

[@suesmith4366]

@@AdventureMe bet it’s not the same one now 😮

[@billybritvic5500]

Ey up Darren, really enjoyed these Hunslet videos, the drone has certainly added to your presentations. It's over 50 years since I last saw inside the swingbridge tower, back then the bridge was still in situ and there was no trees growing inside. A gang of us, aged 10 to 14ish, used to play on the bridge, I have walked over the top, climbed across between the girders underneath too, we must have been crazy!. Got really nostalgic at all the episodes as the line from the old Rex cinema right down over the Miggy pit line, cuckoo steps, both sets, to Knostrop was a playground for us waifs and strays in the 1960s! Ahh memories..........think I'll make another cuppa and watch some more. Take care, great vidoes!!!

[@AdventureMe]

I gave you a mention in the video about you clambering inside.

[@billybritvic5500]

@@AdventureMe Hi Darren, yes I heard my name mentioned when you were talking about the tower. Keep going and bring us some more entertainment. Brilliant.

[@shauntodd7123]

Darren absolutly amazing. That structure was fascinating and another fantastic video. I cannot wait to see what you find for us in the coming months.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Shaun. I can't wait to get some more stuff in this year.

[@ianrumgay9595]

What a fascinating video loving the drone shots and old photographs .Good shot of the Morris 1000 traveller at 1.51. Brings back happy motoring memories. Will check out that tower on my next bike ride. Amazing such a brilliant piece of engineering never really used. Wouldn't fancy falling down any of those holes could be all sorts down there. Look forward to next video.

[@NJBamforth67]

Fantastic love the New Drone footage. Well done Darren 😊

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@robertwiddasart6947]

This is a very interesting video , love the overlay of old photographs with what remains now , wonder what that old brick structure actually was ?

[@waynehindle8885]

Another fascinating video but this meant more as I only live 5 mins away in cross green, the freight line goes right at the back of my house. Often wondered what that structure was on the other side of the river when out walking with my boy's. Thanks again Darren.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate. I'll be covering your kneck of the woods at some point soon.

[@waynehindle8885]

Brilliant look forward to it as always.

[@jimhammond6395]

At the end when you put the drone up the lime green building's is his wear my yard was when I was working for mcalpine In 2008 we was building the new link road from the motorway to cross Green also when you were talking about the goods shed is where I turned my wagon around to go back to the yard to be loaded up for things I took up onto the viaduct

[@Wedgedoow]

Another gem Darren so interesting our history

[@Lukeashley2323]

The current line off the NER serves a cement terminal and the wagon at the buffers was a HAA hopper which carries lime stone probably from Peak forest. I work at Neville Hill depot which is where the junction for the branch is so i do see the frieght going down off the mainline after it runs round from the leeds direction.

[@ged8896]

Another cracking video Darren.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@core-element]

In the early 80s we used to go adventuring all over the abandoned goods yard, as kids it seemed absolutely huge.

[@dannybowden5296]

Absolutely fascinating! Thank you again for your efforts and passion. I think I'll have to be having an explore down there before or after work one day. Seems a real shame that no provision was given to ensuring there was a walkway all the way along to the city when the area was redeveloped, though I do think that has been taken into consideration on parts of the river and canal to a good effect. Cheers!

[@chrisbradley1192]

Agreed. Come on, Leeds City Council!

[@Geoffreytomlinson24]

Just caught up on this adventure, loved it.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks

[@theoriginalcarterfamily]

I love this channel! amazing music and the video editing is just quality! the time you put into videos needs much more appreciation. I think you would really enjoy Liverpool! so many closed railways.

[@AdventureMe]

Thank You. Yes it is time consuming, but I enjoy it too. I will be in Liverpool soon, have lots of friends over there. One of which is into all the history, so I'm sure I will cover some of it.

[@michaeldibb]

Some excellent before and now photos.

[@roll_credits6136]

What a brilliant investment that Drone was! Great footage, I’m glad it saved you a hike around Leeds too! 👍🏻

[@AdventureMe]

Yes it was! Thanks

[@timothyhopkins6960]

So very fascinating. Some very nice thing s still left behind . You do such a great job with theses videos.

[@AdventureMe]

Thank you very much!

[@andrewhodgson481]

Around 2001 I went for an interview for a job on a petrol terminal which utilised the ner rail line you talk about. It was operated by petrofina and they would have rail tankers unloaded every other day. Trains would circuit neville hill Depot and then reverse shunt the fuel tanks into the terminal. The fuel was then unloaded into underground storage tanks. The site was only manned by a handful of staff because of the obvious danger to life. The rail wagon in the video looks as if it is on the same piece of line.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for the memories.

[@devonjohnson4352]

Excellent video. We were walking along the canal last sunday and saw the large round building at the side of the canal but couldn’t work out what it was ( it looks like a tunnel air shaft - was there a tunnel under the canal we wondered?). Your video has solved the mystery, it was an impressive bridge. Thank you

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Devon, glad to have helped.

[@jasinere35]

nice to hear my info came in handy the swingbridge was installed for tall ships to come into leeds which never happened so the bridge never moved it remained in place after the beeching cut, eventually getting dismantled

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for the info!

[@rslewis]

I really enjoyed this series, thanks. Your videos are so professional.

[@AdventureMe]

Thank you very much!

[@davidhartley2373]

Excellent video. I have walked that area many times and always wondered what the circular structure was. Enjoyed watching and looking forward to your next video

[@AdventureMe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tam19711]

Great vid, more plesae Darren

[@phildixon2647]

Great job Darren🤝, great content, pace & delivery. So enjoyable 🤝

[@AdventureMe]

Much appreciated!

[@ianrichardson2995]

I've been looking forward to this one for ages! Can't wait to watch it. Lots of interesting abandoned railways round the Wakefield, Horbury & Crigglestone area where I live if you're ever looking for new material.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks. I will get there.

[@DaimlerSleeveValve]

The 1951 map at www.old-maps.co.uk shows the brick structure in the trees to be a coal depot. Most railway goods yards had a similar, though smaller, structure. Coal would be dropped from railway wagons into the bins below. The various bins commonly held the various grades of coal. Fuel would be transferred to sacks and delivered on lorries which would have exited the site onto Corporation Road.

[@rich_edwards79]

That was my first thought too. There's a very similar structure near the Armkey Gyratory just by the Armley Road junction.

[@markb9013]

Awesome video yet again... thank you for going through that gap in the fence.. your content is getting better and better.

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it, I am getting braver.

[@r44heliflyer]

Great intro Darren, excellent video overall, one of my cycling routes too.

[@AdventureMe]

Many thanks!

[@graemehannam3950]

Another excellent vlog Darren love the way you present your videos and the fact that you look into the history of what you are investigating and looking at, stay safe and keep up the good work with your vlogs

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@timstephenson4520]

Another class video. well done

[@AdventureMe]

Many thanks!

[@cannyuk]

Was looking forward to this one Darren, and it didn't disappoint. You seem to have gotten a hang of the drone too. I moved to Rothwell in 1980 so a lot of the areas you'll looking at were already gone by then and it's fascinating to see how industrial areas once were.

[@cannyuk]

@Micky mongoose Graham Leeds 10 Yes I've been through all Darren's videos and Fanny Pit just about still going when I moved here.

[@yorkie2789]

Fantastic stuff Darren, the drone footage just adds another dimension. There's so much of Leeds I don't know, makes me want to get out there and explore!

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@derrenlambert2279]

Yep, I'm hooked, great videos mate.

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you like them!

[@derrenlambert2279]

@@AdventureMe liked them so much, had to subscribe, thanks mate.

[@jonathanr-p1978]

What great videos you produce,, it’s great to see things I never knew were there thank you

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for watching!

[@tonycallaghan170]

Very well researched and presented as usual. Great work keep it up ! 👍

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks a ton!

[@robfrance73]

Dronage! Loving it!!!

[@AdventureMe]

The best!

[@kevinparkin5438]

Hi Darren only me i really enjoyed the last part with the swing bridge but a little disappointed that there wasn't much in the remains but never mind plus I've also been to them remains in the trees and at the point where you stopped I've carried on and it ends at the main road also where the goods yard used to stand was a petrol filling plant i remember when I was a kid I used to go with my dad in his lorry and he use to fill up there before heading off to the petrol stations where the bridge standards over the river stood a green bridge and the entrance to the filling plant was just next to it just some useless information there well looking forward to next week stay safe

[@tonystack7375]

Another great video Darren up to your usual standard

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@chrismccartney8668]

Amazing find such substantial pieces of infrastructure shame the swing was demolished it would have been an impressive site

[@AdventureMe]

It would today. It would be iconic for Leeds.

[@jonathanhall7334]

Excellent Video.

[@AdventureMe]

Thank you very much!

[@BigDave2589]

I don't know if its true but I did hear the first time they opened the bridge the mechanism broke but it had taken so long to build by this time sailing boats were going out of use so there was no point in repairing it, great video 👍

[@timwilson2435]

There are a couple of accounts that said it was so heavy, it sagged on a test swing and had to be jacked up to go back into place.

[@trainsinkansas576]

Outstanding video and great narration. Meriden, Kansas

[@AdventureMe]

Thank you kindly!

[@johnlumley-moore2079]

Excellent ...carry on...

[@AdventureMe]

I will. Lots to come.

[@jonathanhall7334]

2.34 Abutment gets an early mention. What's the Music Called?

[@AdventureMe]

It's normally in the video description

[@ann-mariepaliukenas19]

I was here yesterday too lol,I was thinking it was a water tower lol.I will look next time.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks. You should check it out

[@EastCoastRoadsters]

If you look at a 1951 map the brick structure is labelled as a coal depot, I assume the coal was stored below and bagged up for delivery on trucks, as old maps show an access road and turning area. When watching your videos I find it helpful to have google maps open to see where you are and compare it with old-maps website at the same time.

[@AdventureMe]

Yes that came to light after the vid came out. We found the map. It was good to finally know for definite what it was.

[@wolfspiritoutdoors9294]

Great vid really enjoyed it. Thank you. 👌😎

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@carlgaffney4081]

I lived in stourton for a few years as a young kid and I remember playing on the bridge and going across it think it was a dare to walk over the top of it think I might have but I no some of the kids did

[@matthewcoggins7288]

I'm going to find the swing bridge on Wednesday when I'm back at work. The offer is still open for a tour around printworks once were allowed visitors back in.

[@AdventureMe]

Enjoy Matthew. Yes that would be amazing, keep me posted on the printworks.

[@a11csc]

part 3 well worth waiting for darren thanks

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davehanson7764]

Great video, to me they looked like coal drops I have seen similar structures still around which are amazing to see, shame the swing bridge is no more though, look forward to next Sunday.

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed

[@Endrju8287]

Thank you

[@AdventureMe]

Welcome!

[@Vonzack]

Thanks for another great video. The Wagon left on it's own on what remains of the line, looks like a HYA or IIA (they look similar) originally used for transporting coal, but now being used for aggregate transfer. The works on the other side of the line are owned by Tarmac and they produce Asphalt and Concrete. The wagon has probably been split from a rake after having had some kind of problem. I wonder if it's still there? Apologies if this has been said already.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for the info!

[@liquidsnow1]

I really like the audio from your mic. Really nice to watch your videos now. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@AdventureMe]

Brilliant. Thanks. Finally paid off.

[@timwilson2435]

I once read about something called a hydraulic accumulator being used in railway yards in Leeds, for lifting and powering machines, and I wonder if this could have been a cart or barge lift system. In old maps I have seen of this area, there is a building just to the side of where that brick structure is that could be something to do with this.

[@rogerbarton497]

There's a hydraulic accumulator in the car park next to Huddersfield station. AFAIK the carpark used to be a goods yard and accumulator was used to winch goods wagons around the yard to avoid having to use shunting engines.

[@stuarttaylor4269]

DARREN JUST NOTICED TWO THINGS FIRSTLY THE MARSH I REFER TO IS MARSH LANE GOODS YARD DOWN WHERE QUARRY HILL FLATS WERE.....THE OTHER IS FELLOW LOCOMAN JOHN WARD AS A COMMENT IN PART TWO MENTIONING WAKEFIELD ROAD SIGNAL BOX MAYBE LOTS OF "OLD HANDS" FOLLOW YOUR FILMS...!

[@siccodierdorp6947]

Great video again. Only thing I noticed is that you are very consistent in you videos in avoiding the use of the word 'wagon' :)

[@AdventureMe]

To be honest I couldn't think of the word at the time. I'm not all that good with railway terminology.

[@ianbrown5682]

Great drone footage, just got myself the mini 2 aswell.

[@AdventureMe]

Good choice!

[@duncanarmitage6943]

At the bottom of Goodman street where the new flats are now there was an oil terminal operated by several oil and petroleum company’s. My father worked there form the late 1940s for Shell and BP. Many tanks painted blue much like the ones at Lemonroyd but with company logos,Texico, Esso etc as well as a large loading yard with gantries for filling the delivery tankers. The site also had a large garage area and office buildings. Supported pipes crossed the river to an area that he referred to as “ the rail head” where rail cars were unloaded the contents being pumped over the river and into the storage tanks. Barges coming up the river were unloaded at Nostrop which is where the new green foot bridge is and very close to the stone bridge support.. Nothing to see there now of what was a very busy 24hour a day operation just one stone gate post at the entrance to the terminal.

[@stormchaserpaul]

Loving the videos. Leeds is a fascinating place. Bradford born and bred though 🤣

[@AdventureMe]

Me too. Tong.

[@alancale9989]

The most likely candidate for the mystery structure is probably a coal or other mineral unloading dock, probably with a link to barges on the river

[@timwilson2435]

I've been looking in to this, but there's nothing I can find to verify its use. I reckon you are right though, and a good chance some of the barges were "Tom Puddings" that went off to Goole to be put on to the big ships that never arrived in Leeds.

[@johnmasters504]

Great Video

[@UKDroneAdventures]

Cool. You got a drone now too.

[@AdventureMe]

Yes finally got one. All licenced and getting used to it.

[@aaronwilkinson8963]

I was down there the other week and I saw someone filming talking to a camera and it must have been you. I go down there alot. I walk from wortley down there

[@AdventureMe]

Quite possibly. It was a few weeks back.

[@classictraction1744]

I understand that when the bridge was swung for the first time, on test, the metal bridge bowed slightly, due to the weight of the structure. The engineers had to jack it up, in order to be able to get it back to the correct position and legend goes, that it never swung again.

[@aaronwilkinson8963]

I regularly walk down there are and I always wondered what those buildings were I could tell it was some kind of Bridge but I never knew it was a Swing Bridge

[@AdventureMe]

Glad to have helped. Now you know.

[@michaelmiller641]

Nice video!

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@timwilson2435]

I've found a couple of photos from the '50s that could be this structure, but it is difficult to judge exactly where they are in relation to the river. Was there any indication of when it was built?

[@AdventureMe]

I have no idea, it doesn't show up on any of the maps.

[@timwilson2435]

I've been down the rabbit hole on this one, thanks😉, and there are some documents in the national archive that may shed some light. Unfortunately they haven't been digitised, so I couldn't download anything. I expect you are well on with your next series, so I will look forward to any more tantalising teasers you may uncover.

[@joebowers3904]

Hi pal, just watched your videos, really interesting, im currently working on the hunslet rail sidings and ive got some interesting photos and video if your interested 👍

[@AdventureMe]

Hi Joe. That sounds amazing. Send anything to [e-mail]

[@mikegillard7283]

The branch line through cross green is still there. Not sure its a live line or not?

[@AdventureMe]

It is a live line. It's a freight connection to the oil works and tarmac place.

[@rontanser9369]

I liked your video that was interesting to see where all those railway lines and good Yards would’ve been But if you don’t mind can I make one small suggestion turn your colour down a little bit as it did make you look like you had bright red lipstick on

[@ianhudson2193]

That's just a coal drop. Rails ran on metal girders right at the top (obviously removed for scrap) and coal dropped ftom wagon bottom doors onto the sloped wooden surface to slow its fall then fell through chutes into barges more in the berths below......the concrete box with man holes appears later and is probably a drainage catch for when the the land on the far side was repurposed......