Widening Navigation Bridge, Midgley Road, Mytholmroyd,1969

Arthur Robertshaw, Stonemason at Oldfield Watson’s, Hebden Bridge. Paul Watson told us that he was working with Arthur when this photo was taken putting the finishing touches to the parapet wall of the newly widened bridge. Arthur was probably the best stonemason in the area, with perhaps the exception being the Whitaker brothers of Hebden Bridge. The labourer who was also working there was called George Sysum. Paul was privileged to serve his time working with Arthur. Paul’s father, the owner of building contractor Oldfield Watson, was so proud of the work he had the firm’s name inscribed on fine ashlar stone and Arthur had just laid this stone. When the bridge was returned to a navigable canal in the 90s the contractors gave this stone back to Paul and he has it still in store.