tarboat's photos with the keyword: halton

Combined cycle CHP station powering the Castner Kellner chlorine chemical works at Runcorn viewed from the Manchester Ship Canal. This building now seems to be largely disused.

My good friend Bryan busy photographing the original entrance to West Bank Dock at Widnes. In the background can be seen the Saria rendering plant and associated power station.

I was unsure what this business was when I first saw the works, but I now know that this is basically a rendering plant which produces fertiliser and pet food amongst other things.

Halton Mission Church near Chirk. Built in 1878 as a Mission Room, as part of the evangelising of the district undertaken by the Rev Joseph Maude of Chirk. It is Grade II listed and is now a private house.

Currently there are two bridges between Runcorn and Widnes over the Mersey estuary. On the right in this view from the Widnes bank is the railway bridge of 1868, whilst to the left is the through arch road bridge that was completed in 1961. The road bridge replaced the 1905 transporter bridge that was off to the left. Another road bridge is now planned a bit further upstream in order to relieve congestion on the existing structure.

On a very cold night a few years ago I set out for a session of night photography around Runcorn and Widnes. The still conditions were ideal for reflections and the cold meant that I wasn't disturbed by unwelcome visitors whilst making the shots. This is the classic view of the road and rail bridges between Runcorn and Widnes over the Mersey estuary. The old transporter bridge was until 1961 just in front of where I was standing.

One of the great buildings in the north-west of England, the old Town Hall at Widnes was designed by F & G Holme and completed in 1885. This is quite an early date for the use of such extravagant terracotta decoration. A particular favourite of mine are the two Griffins bearing shieldsabove the central entrance. I was keen to discover the manufacturer of the terracotta work on this building and was delighted to find stamped on a broken piece at the side the name of Northwich brickmaker Jabez Thompson. Listed Grade II. It is currently a club with an incomplete new hotel development at the rear.

Fine detailing around the entrance to the old Town Hall at Widnes. All the excellent terracotta here was made by Jabez Thompson and Co of Northwich. This is equal in quality to the very best I have seen anywhere.

When viewed from the hill behind the Castner Kellner chemical works in Runcorn it is hard to believe that Hale lighthouse overlooks a vast range of chemical factories and an oil refinery.

The two bridges over the Manchester Ship canal and Mersey Estuary between Runcorn and Widnes. The previous transporter bridge stood slightly closer to the camera which was on the Old Quay swing bridge. Old Quay lock can be seen between the canal and theMersey.