Mate, so well put together again! Loved watching this, can't wait for more. Being a Manchester lad, I've realised how little I've explored the city, above ground and below ground. Keep up the great work
Behind the Grocers Tunnel is the Coal Wharf and on the wall of the small house or office high on the wall is a copper or brass notice which says 1764 Coal Wharf . here was a waterwheel driven by the river Medlock to power a hoist which raised boxes of coal 47 feet to road level.
Doing a grand tour of your video collection, up to N°37, now 13th December 2021. I suppose I started watching you about 2 or 3 months ago and after the Margaret Barlows video got hooked. You can see how you have developed over this period of time, today's videos are really polished researched and presented, but round about now, you can see your move over to industrial archeology (I think!!). Enjoyed everything so far, especially watching Ena Sharples yesterday. There was a good write up about her on another blog called Manor Court on the 24th June this year, it's my old school but written by an earlier generation, you get some interesting stuff on it. Good luck from Spain!!
I think I read on the internet about the goods depo on deansgate that barges from the river would go in to it to unload or load up with goods would be interesting to try and find the entrance.
Martin,,,what are the maps used in this and from where? I used to play around what I now see was the Corn Brook, where it emerged briefly parallel to railway st. in Gorton. Also the upper stretch of Clayton Brook was my playground too, to a larger extent. Good stuff mate!
Love the weir. On top of an overflow it also serves as an open clean out of sort. Pollution stays on top while the water flows out below. A Stormwater treatment basin, of sorts..lol. Are you a civil engineer, leaning towards drainage design? Seems you know a lot about systems.. watch your videos and wonder how you are aware of these systems. I love seeing the old designs still in use and working just as well as our computer designed systems using the latest modeling programs. The weir and drainage structure are a testament that great minds are as powerful as the new technology we have.
Martin, really enjoyed that, growing up in Salford in the 60's ,e and my mates were forever playing along the canals, the Irwell and the Ship Canal. Great video and will certainly look up the others.
Hi Martin. Your films are great and recently watched your Medlock series back to back. I think you would like the Worsley end of the Bridgewater Canal where there used to be the Moss Canals. They have been dry for many years , but there is still an area where you can find one at Bittern Pits Wood. On the other side of the canal they are working on RHS Garden Bridgewater in the old Worsley New Hall grounds. A massive project. Keep up the great work!
I was just watching this video again, and I discovered something about it. Even the Duke's tunnel came up at Bank Top, you said it was to deliver coal for the station. But as you know and say in later videos, the Duke's tunnel was closed much earlier than the station was opened there! So it was probably for the industry only.
Brilliant video! This has been my favourite video you have made so far! Interesting what you say about the Cornbrook. It looks like the Cornbrook is to Manchester what the River Fleet is to London.
Love the vid. I've seen these tunnels myself, I'm from Manchester and I find it very interesting. I have the books "underground manchester" very intresting👍
Great vid martin . When i lived in Gorton i used to play in sunny brow park and the brook that runs through it is called Gore brook. it runs through the park and under the road through a small bridge. It emerges the other side of the road. It was called Gore brook after a battle was fought there and the brook ran red with blood.
Sorry but the gore being bloody is one of those urban myths, the gore just referred to it being filthy. Gore brook is snipe brook in audenshaw that was culverted when they built debdale reservoirs because it was so dirty it was unusable. Gore brook emerges in tan yard brow on then goes on. Would love to see Martins passion and Enthusiasm's version.
Great video Martin - like hamerd70, I have cycled past the Cornbrook Weir for a few years now and thought that it was just an overflow for the Bridgewater Canal - thanks for the info, I am learning more and more about our fantastic City!
Great video as usual Martin, very informative and such a coincidence... I was at a couple of these sites earlier today, biked it via Granby row, First street, Castlefield and on to Pomona, I always wondered what that circular thing was at Cornbrook, I assumed it was some sort of overflow and now I know, Thanks mate. I look forward to your next video. Dave.
Great video mate! Your a great guy for doing this. Love the interviews with the people who also wanted to share. Please keep it coming. Wouldn't mind helping out too tbh?
No problem. Love to see fellow mancunians sharing our vivid and awesome history. Do you have a webpage by any chance? I'm not sure if you touch on it in your videos but this would be a great thing to chat about in one of your vids... www.theguardian.com/theguardian/from-the-archive-blog/2013/feb/04/lincoln-oscars-manchester-cotton-abraham
Hi Dan, you can also follow me on Facebook Martin Zero and Instagram. Yeah Ive heard of the Lincoln statue and the solidarity between Manchester and the US. Might be one for the future 👍
Just checked up for Gaythorne Tunnel its still in use and found a picture showing it looks like there is a tow path a be it slightly under water and a canal boat passing through.
I have found out where the barges would have entered the Deansgate warehouse. On Whitworth street west opposite Deansgate Station there is a old house on the canal grade 2 listed its a lock keeper house at that point there is a tunnel which goes under the rail way arch called Gaythorn tunnel which led to a basin that was filled in in 1922. and the goods would be lifted up. I have had a look on google earth I think I can just a about make it out I need to go down some time a check.
Hey i know im a bit late to the video but as you mentioned canals i thought I'd ask if you know anything about a blue barge i used to see glimpses of around Piccadilly as it passed through the tunnels just off ducie street. Some kind of maintenance or service barge. I remember it was blue and possibly had yellow handrails around it. Looked like it was made of all metal. It always fascinated and excited me as a child when i got to see it but i never knew what it was for exactly or even what it was called. Tried googling it but no luck. Any ideas?
Hi Michael, I still see those barges a lot of time in and around the Canals. I think one was at Piccadilly basin a few months ago. Am not sure what its called. But maybe if you contact the canal and rivers trust ?
That’s really cool buddy I want to go throw the tunnels I am a explorer from near Manchester I did the abandoned train station the other day was cool thanks for the hints buddy
Martin Zero yes martin it’s Reece thanks for watching it subed you I am working away for a few weeks but when I’m back I want to check out these and try and get in the one where the tents was hehe
Thanks for subbing Reece, Ive subbed back. Thats Grocers warehouse tunnel, its nasty mate, lots of rubbish in it. Plus not much space for headroom. Let me know if you go and do it 👍I have a facebook page where u can message me
Martin Zero thanks Martin I believe there is lots of underground secrets in Manchester I want to find them all hehe next time I’m round town will give you a shout and we can share some ideas I’m not back for 3 weeks tho hate working away but ..... thanks for the sub dude
Duke's Tunnel carried coal to a coal wharf in Bank Top, long before London Road (Piccadilly) Station was thought of. Bank Top was one of the first industrial areas of Manchester.
Hi Geoffrey. Shooters brook ? does that still exist ? What we talking here 1700's ? And also the entrance to Dukes tunnel has two arches. I am thinking the bigger brick arch is possibly later to support the weight of the wall above. If you have any specialist knowledge Geoffrey it would be great to have your input on a video 👍
I wrote the book "The Lost Rivers of Manchester" which is now out of print, but is available used in a variety of places. Shooters Brook starts in Newton Heath and flows through Ancoats to empty into the Medlock near Granby Row. Dukes Tunnel is described in my book, as is Corn Brook, et. al. The Dukes Tunnel was built about the same time as the Ashton Canal. "Land was purchased in Garrett Lane in January 1794 from a Joseph Taylor for use in connection with an underground tunnel which had been constructed along the course of Shooters Brook...in order to convey coals from the canal to Bank Top, the site of London Road station."
Hi Geoffrey. Someone had recommended your book to me in the comments either on here or facebook. Its great to be able to chat to you. When did you publish the book ? I really would love a copy its on Amazon still actually. That must of taken some research
Really interesting - not just for the canals - the Cornbrook one I would have passed many times as I travelled to work by train to MAnchester Central. I have not been in the centre of Manchester for over thirty years now - my parents died in 1986 and have gone to Altrincham mainly to visit family. St Peter's square is so totally different from when I knew it. I worked at the Scottish Widows in Albert Square until they had St Andrew's House(Portland House now) built in 1963 . Much preferred the old office- it was the same work with the same people but somehow it was different.
Hi Irene. Yes I bet you passed Cornbrook weir many times. I would of loved to see Manchester Central as a working station. So you liked the section showing St Peters Sq also 😃
My father worked as a signalman there until it closed - I have posted a picture of him in the the Box. I lived In Stretford and used to commute from Trafford Park Station - I used to love to see the Midland Pullman train in its beautiful pale blue livery - I would have loved to have travelled on it. I lived very close to the Bridgewater Canal and it made history come alive for me when we studied the birth of canals and railways. Look forward to seeing more of our videos.
It's on the Manchester Pictorial and film history- posted it a few days ago - there is also an old cutting of Old Trafford football ground when it was damaged during the war. In the background of that s Trafford Park Junction signal box - my Dad worked there after moving from Cheadle Station box ( my first home was in the Station Master's house on Cheadle Station)
Hi Ben, So far I can find out very little about that tunnel. Do you mean the Grocers warehouse tunnel ? The unmarked tunnel is it a waterway ? I have another one coming out soon about another tunnel
Well, I believe the Deansgate tunnel may have been an old sewer. There are reports of it being dry and used as storage. The unmarked tunnel under Mosely Street was a walkway between two banks that my uncle used when on night duty as a security guard. Hence the fact it's probably not very well known.
Well, I wondered that, especially as the banks had different names. The only reasoning I can come up with is that the banks were actually owned by one concern, and the tunnel, as I stated, was used by a night time security guard to get from one to the other.
Hi Stephen. Yes I think there was a period, where they just didn't know what to do with all this stuff. Thankfully a lot of it now seems to be incorporated in 're generation' however a lot of buildings with character are still being destroyed.
Srephen, As born in Eccles Manchester in 1938 I am saddened to see that if you want to see England as it was you have to go to the USA , Delaware, Maine, and all the Eastern States , Memphis , Savannah, . They Preserve. We Modernise.
Earth by time losing rivers and climate. But make map of rivers easy for modern technics if has good calculation.Rivers map comes to see urgen need set up
Martin have you had a look at the following : Underground Manchester: Secrets of the City Revealed Beneath Manchester ...............two books by Keith Warrender, well worth a gander.
Hi Scott. When I first read your comment I just thought you were just joking. But ! That is a brilliant, brilliant idea !! Not sure if I can do it because I haven't got an RC boat, but its something to think about 👍
You sound like you mean business. Yes I would go back. Which tunnel was you thinking of ? Id be concerned about the current on the river and actually gaining access to the river bank. But its a brilliant idea !
Mate, so well put together again! Loved watching this, can't wait for more. Being a Manchester lad, I've realised how little I've explored the city, above ground and below ground. Keep up the great work
Hi Lewis. Thing is until TH-cam I used to walk past these things also. Fascinating to find out about them. Thanks a lot 😀
Yeah and we all enjoy watching them mate, I must get out exploring places.
Behind the Grocers Tunnel is the Coal Wharf and on the wall of the small house or office high on the wall is a copper or brass notice which says 1764 Coal Wharf . here was a waterwheel driven by the river Medlock to power a hoist which raised boxes of coal 47 feet to road level.
I will try and look for that
Ah another fantastic and interesting video of our brilliant city Martin👍👍
Cheers Jay
Marvelous canal system . It needs to be fully understood and documented . Keep up the good work .
Thanks Montie
Should have went into the tunnel to see if it was possible. Ask the people in the tents, their a great source of local info.
Doing a grand tour of your video collection, up to N°37, now 13th December 2021. I suppose I started watching you about 2 or 3 months ago and after the Margaret Barlows video got hooked. You can see how you have developed over this period of time, today's videos are really polished researched and presented, but round about now, you can see your move over to industrial archeology (I think!!). Enjoyed everything so far, especially watching Ena Sharples yesterday. There was a good write up about her on another blog called Manor Court on the 24th June this year, it's my old school but written by an earlier generation, you get some interesting stuff on it. Good luck from Spain!!
Thanks Martin. Another Winner !
Thanks Anthony
Another great watch.....
I think I read on the internet about the goods depo on deansgate that barges from the river would go in to it to unload or load up with goods would be interesting to try and find the entrance.
Love it mate , nice one for sharing your knowledge with us, all the best Lee
Lee, sorry I missed you comment. Thanks very much
Martin,,,what are the maps used in this and from where? I used to play around what I now see was the Corn Brook, where it emerged briefly parallel to railway st. in Gorton. Also the upper stretch of Clayton Brook was my playground too, to a larger extent. Good stuff mate!
I've walked past Cornbrook Weir on a number of occasions and always wondered what it was. Thanks!
Love the weir. On top of an overflow it also serves as an open clean out of sort. Pollution stays on top while the water flows out below. A Stormwater treatment basin, of sorts..lol. Are you a civil engineer, leaning towards drainage design? Seems you know a lot about systems.. watch your videos and wonder how you are aware of these systems. I love seeing the old designs still in use and working just as well as our computer designed systems using the latest modeling programs. The weir and drainage structure are a testament that great minds are as powerful as the new technology we have.
Martin, really enjoyed that, growing up in Salford in the 60's ,e and my mates were forever playing along the canals, the Irwell and the Ship Canal. Great video and will certainly look up the others.
Gary Preston Hi Gary. Thanks for commenting mate. I bet it was a great place to play. Still fascinates me 👍
You should send a RC boat with a camera on down it
collaboration?
Hi Martin. Your films are great and recently watched your Medlock series back to back. I think you would like the Worsley end of the Bridgewater Canal where there used to be the Moss Canals. They have been dry for many years , but there is still an area where you can find one at Bittern Pits Wood. On the other side of the canal they are working on RHS Garden Bridgewater in the old Worsley New Hall grounds. A massive project. Keep up the great work!
Thanks, I really need to go down there
I was just watching this video again, and I discovered something about it. Even the Duke's tunnel came up at Bank Top, you said it was to deliver coal for the station. But as you know and say in later videos, the Duke's tunnel was closed much earlier than the station was opened there! So it was probably for the industry only.
Yeah probably
Brilliant video! This has been my favourite video you have made so far! Interesting what you say about the Cornbrook. It looks like the Cornbrook is to Manchester what the River Fleet is to London.
Yeah, I want to get into the Cornbrook, one day
great stuff
Love the vid. I've seen these tunnels myself, I'm from Manchester and I find it very interesting. I have the books "underground manchester" very intresting👍
Hi Ned, yeah Totally fascinating stuff. Particularly Dukes Tunnel would love to investigate further. 👍
@@MartinZero And investigate further you do Martin. Please keep up the fascinating videos.
Great vid martin . When i lived in Gorton i used to play in sunny brow park and the brook that runs through it is called Gore brook. it runs through the park and under the road through a small bridge. It emerges the other side of the road. It was called Gore brook after a battle was fought there and the brook ran red with blood.
Wow I never knew that. I think Gore brook runs into the Cornbrook ?
Martin Zero hi martin. Not sure if gore brook runs into the cornbrook . It should be possible to find out by looking at a map.
Sorry but the gore being bloody is one of those urban myths, the gore just referred to it being filthy. Gore brook is snipe brook in audenshaw that was culverted when they built debdale reservoirs because it was so dirty it was unusable. Gore brook emerges in tan yard brow on then goes on. Would love to see Martins passion and Enthusiasm's version.
Great video Martin - like hamerd70, I have cycled past the Cornbrook Weir for a few years now and thought that it was just an overflow for the Bridgewater Canal - thanks for the info, I am learning more and more about our fantastic City!
Hi Kevin, I would of thought nothing of it either, until I learned what it was. Fascinating little feature
Great video as usual Martin, very informative and such a coincidence... I was at a couple of these sites earlier today, biked it via Granby row, First street, Castlefield and on to Pomona, I always wondered what that circular thing was at Cornbrook, I assumed it was some sort of overflow and now I know, Thanks mate. I look forward to your next video. Dave.
Hi Dave, when I was down by the weir I thought of you as I know you said you Bike down that way sometimes. Cheers pal
Great video mate! Your a great guy for doing this. Love the interviews with the people who also wanted to share. Please keep it coming. Wouldn't mind helping out too tbh?
Hi Dan thanks very much 👍
No problem. Love to see fellow mancunians sharing our vivid and awesome history. Do you have a webpage by any chance?
I'm not sure if you touch on it in your videos but this would be a great thing to chat about in one of your vids...
www.theguardian.com/theguardian/from-the-archive-blog/2013/feb/04/lincoln-oscars-manchester-cotton-abraham
Hi Dan, you can also follow me on Facebook Martin Zero and Instagram. Yeah Ive heard of the Lincoln statue and the solidarity between Manchester and the US. Might be one for the future 👍
Very interesting,
Hello, thank you very much. You have a great channel. Lola is a beautiful dog 👌
Hi, thanks Lola is beautiful, in nature also. Your channel has great content, really interesting, and fascinating,we had to subscribe lol
Have you considered getting a kayak etc and going for a look into places such as Dukes tunnel?
Interesting Sean 😀
Just checked up for Gaythorne Tunnel its still in use and found a picture showing it looks like there is a tow path a be it slightly under water and a canal boat passing through.
Well hopefully I will be going in there
Good video
I have found out where the barges would have entered the Deansgate warehouse. On Whitworth street west opposite Deansgate Station there is a old house on the canal grade 2 listed its a lock keeper house at that point there is a tunnel which goes under the rail way arch called Gaythorn tunnel which led to a basin that was filled in in 1922. and the goods would be lifted up. I have had a look on google earth I think I can just a about make it out I need to go down some time a check.
Around Castlefield ?
Love this.
Thanks Marc !!!😃
Enjoyed that thanks
Hi, Many thanks for watching and really appreciate you subscribing 👍
Great Video again 👍
Nathan, Thanks a lot 👍
Hey i know im a bit late to the video but as you mentioned canals i thought I'd ask if you know anything about a blue barge i used to see glimpses of around Piccadilly as it passed through the tunnels just off ducie street. Some kind of maintenance or service barge. I remember it was blue and possibly had yellow handrails around it. Looked like it was made of all metal. It always fascinated and excited me as a child when i got to see it but i never knew what it was for exactly or even what it was called. Tried googling it but no luck. Any ideas?
Hi Michael, I still see those barges a lot of time in and around the Canals. I think one was at Piccadilly basin a few months ago. Am not sure what its called. But maybe if you contact the canal and rivers trust ?
That’s really cool buddy I want to go throw the tunnels I am a explorer from near Manchester I did the abandoned train station the other day was cool thanks for the hints buddy
Hello, is it Reece ? I think Ive watched a few of your videos. Yeah am getting more into these tunnels myself. Thanks mate 👍
Martin Zero yes martin it’s Reece thanks for watching it subed you I am working away for a few weeks but when I’m back I want to check out these and try and get in the one where the tents was hehe
Thanks for subbing Reece, Ive subbed back. Thats Grocers warehouse tunnel, its nasty mate, lots of rubbish in it. Plus not much space for headroom. Let me know if you go and do it 👍I have a facebook page where u can message me
Martin Zero thanks Martin I believe there is lots of underground secrets in Manchester I want to find them all hehe next time I’m round town will give you a shout and we can share some ideas I’m not back for 3 weeks tho hate working away but .....
thanks for the sub dude
Duke's Tunnel carried coal to a coal wharf in Bank Top, long before London Road (Piccadilly) Station was thought of. Bank Top was one of the first industrial areas of Manchester.
Geoffrey, Thank you. I never knew that. Does that explain why the Tunnel ends at the station approach ?
Yes. It is shown on old maps opposite Brook Street near Ducie Street. Dukes Tunnel followed the course of Shooters Brook.
Hi Geoffrey. Shooters brook ? does that still exist ? What we talking here 1700's ? And also the entrance to Dukes tunnel has two arches. I am thinking the bigger brick arch is possibly later to support the weight of the wall above. If you have any specialist knowledge Geoffrey it would be great to have your input on a video 👍
I wrote the book "The Lost Rivers of Manchester" which is now out of print, but is available used in a variety of places. Shooters Brook starts in Newton Heath and flows through Ancoats to empty into the Medlock near Granby Row. Dukes Tunnel is described in my book, as is Corn Brook, et. al. The Dukes Tunnel was built about the same time as the Ashton Canal. "Land was purchased in Garrett Lane in January 1794 from a Joseph Taylor for use in connection with an underground tunnel which had been constructed along the course of Shooters Brook...in order to convey coals from the canal to Bank Top, the site of London Road station."
Hi Geoffrey. Someone had recommended your book to me in the comments either on here or facebook. Its great to be able to chat to you. When did you publish the book ? I really would love a copy its on Amazon still actually. That must of taken some research
Big tunnel under victoria station with a running river
Hi Gary yes Its the Irk isnt it ?
Very interesting but i hate to see all the trash there.
Really interesting - not just for the canals - the Cornbrook one I would have passed many times as I travelled to work by train to MAnchester Central. I have not been in the centre of Manchester for over thirty years now - my parents died in 1986 and have gone to Altrincham mainly to visit family. St Peter's square is so totally different from when I knew it. I worked at the Scottish Widows in Albert Square until they had St Andrew's House(Portland House now) built in 1963 . Much preferred the old office- it was the same work with the same people but somehow it was different.
Hi Irene. Yes I bet you passed Cornbrook weir many times. I would of loved to see Manchester Central as a working station. So you liked the section showing St Peters Sq also 😃
My father worked as a signalman there until it closed - I have posted a picture of him in the the Box. I lived In Stretford and used to commute from Trafford Park Station - I used to love to see the Midland Pullman train in its beautiful pale blue livery - I would have loved to have travelled on it. I lived very close to the Bridgewater Canal and it made history come alive for me when we studied the birth of canals and railways. Look forward to seeing more of our videos.
Hello Irene. I need to see that picture of your Father where did you post it. Once again thank you for your words
It's on the Manchester Pictorial and film history- posted it a few days ago - there is also an old cutting of Old Trafford football ground when it was damaged during the war. In the background of that s Trafford Park Junction signal box - my Dad worked there after moving from Cheadle Station box ( my first home was in the Station Master's house on Cheadle Station)
Ill take a look Irene 🌺
What's known about the tunnel going down Deansgate, and did you know there is an unmarked tunnel between two banks on Mosely Street?
Hi Ben, So far I can find out very little about that tunnel. Do you mean the Grocers warehouse tunnel ? The unmarked tunnel is it a waterway ? I have another one coming out soon about another tunnel
Well, I believe the Deansgate tunnel may have been an old sewer. There are reports of it being dry and used as storage. The unmarked tunnel under Mosely Street was a walkway between two banks that my uncle used when on night duty as a security guard. Hence the fact it's probably not very well known.
Thats interesting. Some of the sewers are indeed massive. Victorians built em to last. Wonder why the tunnel joined the banks ?
Well, I wondered that, especially as the banks had different names. The only reasoning I can come up with is that the banks were actually owned by one concern, and the tunnel, as I stated, was used by a night time security guard to get from one to the other.
Thats possibly it Ben. If you do find out anymore let me know pal 👍
It’s a great pity that Manchester seems not to have cared about iso much of its heritage in the past
Hi Stephen. Yes I think there was a period, where they just didn't know what to do with all this stuff. Thankfully a lot of it now seems to be incorporated in 're generation' however a lot of buildings with character are still being destroyed.
Sheffield’s same mate there’s nothing of old left na@steven crowther
Srephen, As born in Eccles Manchester in 1938 I am saddened to see that if you want to see England as it was you have to go to the USA , Delaware, Maine, and all the Eastern States , Memphis , Savannah, . They Preserve. We Modernise.
Earth by time losing rivers and climate. But make map of rivers easy for modern technics if has good calculation.Rivers map comes to see urgen need set up
Love's your films Martin but the graffiti tags and rubbish are so sad wish people cared more about their environment
Hi Norma, yeah tell me about it. So upsetting
Martin have you had a look at the following :
Underground Manchester: Secrets of the City Revealed
Beneath Manchester ...............two books by Keith Warrender, well worth a gander.
Mike Kelly Hi Mike yes I've seen it. It's looks a great book. I should get it really as more inspiration. And thank you for subscribing 👍
You need a go pro on an rc boat.
Hi Scott. When I first read your comment I just thought you were just joking. But ! That is a brilliant, brilliant idea !! Not sure if I can do it because I haven't got an RC boat, but its something to think about 👍
Martin 0401 if I build you a remote floating camera, will you go back and film it?
You sound like you mean business. Yes I would go back. Which tunnel was you thinking of ? Id be concerned about the current on the river and actually gaining access to the river bank. But its a brilliant idea !
Damn graffiti. Just like in Murica.