Wheatley tunnel air shaft

Image: © philld Taken: 28 May 2010

At first glance this might look something out of M.C. Escher's portfolio! This is actually an air shaft in the roof of Wheatley tunnel looking up to the world above. Abandoned tunnels usually had the top of the shaft demolished; the shafts were then capped off to stop anyone falling down them. The decking in Wheatley appears to have deteriorated badly, a large hole lets in enough daylight to create this amazing blue glow. A square brick lining has been built around this shaft due to its dangerous nature. The top of this shaft is situated on Cousin Lane and can be seen here http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Halifax+cousin+lane+&sll=51.479726,-0.292339&sspn=0.010905,0.027595&ie=UT8&hq=&hnear=Cousin+Ln,+Halifax,+West+Yorkshire+HEX2,+United+Kingdom&ll=53.743145,-1.890094&spn=0.00029,0.002747&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=53.743088,-1.890433&panoid=TV63GMT9g&cbp=12,45.5,,0,3.42 The 819 yard Wheatley tunnel is on the closed Bloomfield to St Paul's line. The Halifax High Level Railway was opened in 1890. The last train along this branch line was in 1960. More information about this railway line can be found here http://www.lostrailwayswestyorkshire.co.uk/Holmfield%20St%20Pauls.htm

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