The word 'Calder' is a Celtic name meaning 'turbulent water'. During the eighteenth century, a canal was constructed through Mirfield linking the River Calder with other rivers in the Sowerby Bridge area. Building the canal enabled key industries to flourish in Mirfield, notably textiles and maltsters.
The following photographs are taken at the Shepley Bridge Marina. Work on Shepley Bridge itself was started in 1732, the bridge being named after the Shepley family who were established in Mirfield in the sixteenth century. The canal through Mirfield was constructed from 1766 to 1776.
It's a short stroll from The Parish Church to Shepley Bridge Marina. Colourful longboats, a chandlery and coffee shop make this spot a very worthwhile visit.
All aboard! From the Shepley Bridge Marina, it's possible to take a longboat trip towards the centre of Mirfield. It's a particularly scenic part of Mirfield and being away from the roads, it's very peaceful.
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