They also used hydraulic power to raise the goods wagons up and down both at London Road aka Piccadilly station and at Central station. Both had vast networks of sidings under their arches. These are actually interesting in their own right. When I was doing my nurse training in the early 90s we were based on Piccadilly approach and used to walk under the arches to get to and from lectures/car park etc. There was still lots of track embedded in the cobbles back then and filled in wagon turntable pits. There was a really good example under the arches next to the old Red Star parcels building. I'm not sure if they took their hydraulic power from the Manchester system or if they had their own system in place. Its a fair old drop from the elevated track to street level so they must have been quite impressive wagon lifts although I have never seen any photos of them? historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1283014 Also all the swing bridges on the ship canal are hydraulically powered another point of interest to maybe look at!
Great enjoying your videos very much , my husband was a young police officer in Manchester and told my about the underground roadways and to this day captures my interest in our great city ! Very proud of our heritage!
I was at the Science & Industry Museum recently and they gave us a talk about Manchester's hydraulic power system and we had a demonstration of the pump working. They worked at a very high pressure - 1000 psi (if I remember right). I worked in the Town Hall Extension for years where it was said the lifts were originally powered hydraulically. I can remember as a kid going there with my mum and dad and getting in the lifts. The lift attendant sat on a tall stool next to a large wheel fixed to the wall of the lift. He'd turn the wheel to make the lift go up or down. When he opened the lift gates if the lift wasn't quite level with the floor he'd turn the wheel a bit more to get it level. The lift would bounce up and down a bit whenever it came to a halt. That would have been in the late 50s - early 60s.
On my strolls around Manchester (my office is on Chorlton Street) I have noticed quite a few square cast iron pavement gratings with 'HP' cast into the cover - could these be valves used to isolate the hydraulic power system in event of some broken pipes? Just throwing it out there..
I used to work a Saturday job whilst I was at school at Forsyths on Deansgate. That was 33 years ago. I remember an old old gentleman who had worked there years before I even started my Saturday job telling me that the lift in that building used to be water powered. I didn't make the connection until watching this video just now! Love this channel, keep up the great work!
As a recent subscriber, I am looking at older videos, and I just want to say, Martin, that you are amazing. I am extremely grateful for your research, your efforts in making excellent videos, your thoughtfulness, your curiosity. Thank you.
Thank you Martin for your great video .I served my apprenticeship as a hydraulic packer working at Orient House on Granby Row.We had a strong trade union whose office was at Sorton Street off Charles Street, as you stated all the packing machines the hoists and cranes were all operated by hydraulic power
I'm amazed like you it was still running until 72' I'm intrigued to how it all worked, those joints looked substantial but as I was a gas man:plumber for 18 years there's always that one coupling that'll not seal properly. So that systems pressure would have to be drained to fix it ? A huge feat I'm guessing
As a Manchester fireman we had to be careful never to ship a standpipe into a hydraulic hydrant as the results would be devastating. There used to a hydraulic goods hoist in the loading bay of the warehouse where the Bridgewater's Hall now stands.
Thank you, Martin, for this excellent descriptive Video. Bore holes. Here in Lewes - Market Town of Sussex - there used to be several Breweries. Only one of those now exists. Harvey's Brewery. It is sited right by the River Ouse - but doesn't draw its water from the river for they made Bore Holes deep into the ground for this, it is not called 'Water' by them, but Liquor. Whenever they are brewing the air of Lewes is redolent with the smell of brewing the Hops. Lovely! Almost as memorable as the smell the Sugar Beet Factories used to exude around Peterborough (when it was in Northamptonshire) - but that was only after the 'Campaigns' (as they were known) or the harvest crops of Sugar Beet, which happened but three times a year in the winter. I am holding an empty brown bottle of Harvey's 'SUSSEX BEST' Bitter. To get a full one, or even a full TUN one must visit the Brewery Shop in Cliffe High Street, Lewes, right next to the Brewery. Now, where did I put that bottle of Harvey's 'BONFIRE BOY' 'A strong ale with a superbly smoky flavour?' Lewes is renowned for its Bonfire Celebrations! - hence the name. Oops! It's now an empty bottle - so I must return it to the shop for a refund - and a refilled bottle! Maybe you can do a Video on a working Brewery? Very interesting - Harvey's give Tours - but they're very popular and need to be booked in advance!!
Never come across this hydraulic power, very interesting and remarkable it lasted until 1972. Great follow up on the Lancashire boiler, great piece of kit. Thanks Martin great content.
Just going through your earlier videos Martin, just what's needed in lockdown, but boy, I'm so frustrated. Moved from Somerset to Chester just over a year ago and was so excited to have a whole new part of our amazing country to explore, and I love industrial archeology as much as ancient. However, you have taken me to some amazing places that I will visit when we can get out again. Thanks so much for your work.
You mentioned about swimming in the tanks, i worked on an estate that used to get water from a borehole, you could go up on the tanks (exposed at the top of a hill), the water was never cold, during the cold winters you could even se water vapour coming off the water, i think someone said the water never got below about 12C so a little bit of geothermal heating going on.
Very interesting for me an eye opener I was borne in Salford and a lot of the stuff that you bring to UA-cam I had no idea about, thanks for the opportunity to learn more about my home town.
Another gem of information...... I'd heard of hydraulic water systems before in local operations (such as Sheffield's Wicker Goods Depot) and of course the network that once spread around the docks of London.... ......but never realised Manchester had such an extensive network....
Round 1972-74, after I moved from Manchester to London I quite often had to use an hydraulic lift rising and falling on a giant shaft. It was quite magical because of the silence and smoothness of the operation
What a fantastic video. After many many years of interest in all documentary stuff, espacially Edwardian periode. I have newer seen or heard of this. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. Love your reference to Jeff Waynes War of the Worlds. It was truly from a very, kind of "Romantic Edwardian" period. I have always loved the pictures you showed, and it was one of the reasons to my facination of that period. Keep up your fantastic work. Always looking foreward to your next videos.
Dan23 7 he had a replica of the back head with the water level gauges etc but didn’t have the rest of the boiler behind , some railwaymen had similar with a loco back head with all the controls on but obviously no big boiler behind, one was in Lostock hall area.
San diego California actually had a very similar system in down town aria. Near the santa fe train station, is the shell of theold san diego gas and electric building which at the turn of the century was known as san diego gas. And what they did was provide steam pressure as well as town gas from that building into a network of tunnels under the streets. And during the turn of the century all the buildings in the down town aria where provided with centralized steam heating and gas from the plant. Also of note the san diego gas company used horse teames to move the coal around and the stable building survives as well as a taxi gradge.
I kept thinking all the way through "this is so steam punk" and then happily you referred to it yourself! Really good and really edutational! Great transitions also btw!
I'm from Germany and I love it to listen your voice and watching your videos... a friend of mine comes from Blackpool... I love it to listen his dialect and his voice too... And by the way, don't change anything in your videos... there are perfect... 🙂
Your videos are excellent, Martin. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I lived in Manchester for 3 unforgettable years, more than 40 years ago. It was quite a time. I got out with a Computer Science degree, but most of the people around me only had a one way ticket.
It's a very clever system - water is pumped into a series of 'Accumulator Towers', which are basically huge pistons, of great weight. The water pushes these pistons to the top of the towers, and are locked in place when they are full. When power is needed, the Accumulator is allowed to slowly fall. This forces the water, under great pressure, through the pipes to where it is required. The water can be used again and again. There are several towers still existing in London, and they all have a similar design, so once you've seen one, you know what to look for. Hydraulic power used to raise the bascules of Tower Bridge. The accumulators are on show there.
These days I like all of your videos when i first start watching it, I know I’m going to like it come the end but most times I’m that engrossed that I end up going on to another video probably without hitting the like, so now to save doing the disservice of not liking the video I do it at the start. Great videos every one of the Martin, a pleasure to watch
@@MartinZero your welcome mate, I’ve lived in ordsall my whole life and never knew I was surrounded by such a rich history, I loved the medlock series and Pomona island, I’ve watched loads of others and thoroughly enjoyed every one, currently working my way through the back catalogue, I’ve gone from watching them on my phone, to iPad and now I watch them through the tele, even the mrs and kids enjoy them. I even try to make myself look real clever by parroting a few bits and bobs I’ve learnt along the way while I’ve been out and about 😂 Brilliant work mate 👍🏻
There was also a steam heating network within Manchester,I can remember the silver lagged pipes which ran along the Rochdale Canal towpath at the Deansgate end. Apparently they were much loved by the homeless community.
Another great video Martin, in various buildings I worked in Bridgewater House, Africa House in Whitworth Street and SolwaybHouse on Aytoun Street , now the front part of the Courts, all had Packing cellars with packing presses powered by that system. Heaton Mills Printing Compaby. Which was where Sainsbury's are now near Heaton Park Middleton had their own bore hole. A good place to see Lancashire Boilers and the steam engine they powered is Ellen Road Mill in Newhey just off junction 21 M62.
Great video, very interesting. The hydraulic systems are covered in the museum of retro technology. Which for all steampunk enthusiasts is well worth looking up
Another fantastic vid, Martin. You draw me in and I'm not even from Manchester. I totally get your references to steampunk - I often think the same thing when I see Victorian and Edwardian engineering.
What a cracking video mate. I quite like the cutting back and forth between home and outside. Nice touch worked really well. I always learn so much from your videos Martin really nice work mate.
Absolutely fascinating ! There seems little art in the electronics of today (though I suppose it is just a different art). I love steampunk. and your comments (and enthusiasm) are great.
Manchester is an amazing city, so much brilliant engineering, Reynolds invented the roller chain in Manchester, as a biker, I am thankful. The Gardener Engine and Beyer Peacock, the Garrett locomotive. Keep up the good work Martin, you're the new Fred Dibnah.
A while ago I went on a spa day with the wife in the Bannatynes facility in Canada house. Looked like an interesting old building with the hoists outside and the pipework inside. We don’t get much that interesting around Blackpool. That’s what led me to your videos in the end , and there it is featured :-)
The rights to the pipe routs in most of the UK major cities was bought by Mercury Telecommunications Ltd , a subsidiary of Cable and Wireless, and used for optical cables linked by a deal with British Railways using their telecom routs to link them up and compete with B T and it was called Operation Mercury. .
As a working Industrial Boiler Engineer I can't imagine what a system like this was like to keep running! I would LOVE to see the drawings for this . What was the the working pressures? Judging by the wall thinness of those pipes and taking into account the metallurgy of the time I would think working pressures of over 1000psi, with transient loads well above that. What were the pressure drops like across the system? What if any water treatment did they use to prevent corrosion? How did the safety relief system work? I can think of so many ways this system could fail spectacularly. I bet there are some great story from the guys who had to run this plant. I like to think that for an American I know a fair bit more about Manchester than the average person on this side of the ocean due to being a lover of the industrial revolution and growing up in a Maine mill town. But your channel is amazing to me. I love your passion for your city and its rich history. It mirrors my own for New England's rich manufacturing history tho I am sad to say I don't have the time to devote to this interest that you seem to have . I find myself watch all your videos and very much enjoying them. I would think a local TV station would find this very popular content. Keep up the great work sir.
Yes Robert i bet there was some great stories. I cant answer your tech questions but if you can get to the Science and Indutry museum manchester there is more info.
@@MartinZero I did not expect you could or you would have in your video I am sure. Those were just the questions I was asking myself as I watched your video. I should have said that in my post. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my comment. Our engineering staff here at the plant is becoming hooked on your channel. It really helps us get through a 12 hour watch and we can relate to much of the tech you highlight from times passed. Times have changed but steam is still steam and at its core it's still the same engineering we use everyday. Just more to go wrong now (computers :/ ). Keep up the great work sir.
@@MartinZero Auburn, Maine. USA. I am Duty Cheif Engineer of the steam plant for a medium-sized manufacturing facility. But our Steam plant is unique in that our steam system and boilers are very larger for a Factory due to the process we use to make our product. It is a very unforgiving yet rewarding career and when all is going well can be very enjoyable. We even have equipment that would be at home in some of your videos still in service today. All our best and we look forward to viewing more of your content.
The pipework from the system was still in place along the canal in the 1980's - black pipes about 6" diameter which periodically had expansion loops fitted to allow for the thermal expansion of the cast iron pipes. I don't suppose they are any left down there now.
All the swing bridges on the ship canal are hydraulically powered. The locks have a water tower containing an artificial head of water controlled by a weight bin so the actual pumps are relatively small. I went to a Barton Cruising club open day in the 80s which included a visit to the bridge workings
Being a person who sells some steam-punk hats, minored in fine art and got a degree in research, analysis, and literature, I loved this whole video. I love all your videos I've seen anyhow, but I appreciated the comparison view from an artistic P.O.V.
This was fascinating. I never knew such a thing existed. Thank-you. It reminded me of Brunel's atmospheric railway concept which is worth looking up if you have not heard of it.
The lifts at Victoria station were powered by water. I remember them well. Did they continue in operation right to the closure of the hydraulic system?
The Peoples Museum supplied the hydraulic power for the lifts in M/Cr Town Hall! As an aside the Electrification of Manchester is also a fascinating topic (at least to me)! When the first "public" generators were installed in Manchester they were steam powered and the Council as part of their remit insisted that a % of the steam generated was sold (as steam) to local factories! This was at the rear of Linley House (Dickinson rd?) .... some of the building was there as well as the sub station visible from their car park!
The pipes are certainly still there. I monitored the archaeology for the Metrolink Second City crossing and we came across lots of the hydraulic pipes, especially on Cross Street. It lead me on the same investigation for the background as you have been on. Often they weren’t very deep. Half a metre down below the cobbles mostly. But yes so thick with massive joints. Definitely deserves to be known about by more people.
You're a bugger, Martin! I'm planning to be in Manchester next year for a reunion. As a result of your videos, I'm seriously considering adding a couple of days to do some exploring and site visits. I say a couple of days....
I used to go in the basement of Canada House back when it was the Powercuts record shop; in their back of store area there were a big set of wooden doors behind which there was said to be a tunnel that ran to Central Library a few hundred metres away! Another great video btw
The bore hole mentioned would have been filled with debris from demolition . This would have decreased haulage and disposal fees . Great video ! I hope your local historical society is taking note of your video archeology . This helps bring history to life !
Another great little film Martin yes lot of large towns and cities had there own power there would have been coal powered electricity station in Manchester and it would of had its own gas works as well
I remember the hydraulic system being used in Manchester in the 60s. Don’t know if I’m imagining it, but I’m sure there was also a hydraulic clock system, where pressure “pulses” were sent through pipes to drive “water clocks” and keep all connected to the system synchronised. I don’t think I’m suffering from substance abuse, but I did grow up in the 50s and now I find the thin line between memory and reality is getting thinner.
Great video again. Did you notice the similarity between the o-ring joint in the pipe and the way the Space Shuttle's solid boosters were assembled? The question that intrigues me is this: Where did the used water go? Obviously it has to be kept out of the foul drain to avoid overloading the treatment plants, but did it go in the surface water runoff, top up the canals, or get reused?
Martin Zero yes I doing good but had a laugh last night I got caught i got busted when I was exploring Mayfield train station manchester check the video out on UA-cam and photo's on instagram
Hi martin, great video especially the part showing the pot street and retail park section. I never get bored of old photos !!! That area, Pot street? i remember mills there i believe. I wish i had been brave enough to venture in and photograph the area. Posh flats are there now. I discovered Bengal street and thew area of the Scuttler gangs. Are you planning a video based on these events?? I recently bought a crime book from Jiohn Rylands Library detailing old characters and pubs. Well worth some research. I look forward to the next video, Martin.
It sure was. there was a guy called joseph hillyard particularly unpleasant, chapel street gangs hope street gang, the bengal tigersrunning battles weapons like belts and buckles, all sorts. I recently walked round the bengal tigers turf and its fascinating to think those streets would of been so dangerous.
Another great Video Martin concerning our passed History, the first I heard about this system was a different type of cast iron stop tap type boxes we came across while altering or reconstructing footpaths & roads around Manchester, I was told from the older workers that it was a system for supplying Hydraulic water power to the Factory or Warehouse Lifts, your video goes deeper when you say it also supplied power to Machines also. These cast iron boxes we came across differed by there shape & smooth top as the usual water stop taps & control valves were all marked with MCWW which stood for Manchester Corporation Water Works which were funded by Manchester Ratepayers which was also the case with the Gas, Sewers & other Utilities all serviced by their own groups, I dont want to delve into the Political side too much but these have now all been sold off to Private Companies who never provided the original funding, I think you know which way I am going so will stop here, Thank you again for another interesting Research Martin & I look forward to your next one.
Hi Terry, so you have come across this stuff, did you work on the roads / construction ? I get what your saying about the politics I am with you on that 👍
Yes Mantin, I worked as an Apprentice Street Mason working my way from a Working to a Walking Ganger, We did Road widenings & alterations all over Manchester including work on Contract at Manchester Airport, I was offered an office job but it wasnt for me, I loved being hands on.
Quite well Martin, although a lot have gone in Demolition, I later transferred to The City Center which was a learning curve on its own with its ever changing rebuilding & one way systems although I loved the work & challenges, Our Apprentice Mason training area wasnt far From Pott St you have mentioned in Little Newton St at our dedicated Depot at the bottom near The Canal.
Great piece Martin really shows how keen the City Fathers were to innovate and improve Manchester with the water piped from Thirlmere giving a constant clean supply and the city power system supplying the industry. Perhaps something the present Manchester Council should be looking towards rather than wasting money on grandiose schemes that are of little benefit to the people of Manchester.
wauw, amazing. I never heard about power distribution via water pressure. Makes me wonder if a similar system have been used in my home town Helmond where a lot of (mainly textile and steel manufacture) industry was between 1800 and 1980... I wonder how the power transfer (from water pressure in pipes to an actual axle) was done... hydraulic motors Victorian style must have been quite the animal...
Its one of those times when I say to myself, how could I be 52 years old and never have heard of this. Amazing stuff.
Learnt more about my home town in the three months since discovering your channel than in the preceding 48 years.
Thanks Mark. So much is buried and lost
They also used hydraulic power to raise the goods wagons up and down both at London Road aka Piccadilly station and at Central station. Both had vast networks of sidings under their arches. These are actually interesting in their own right. When I was doing my nurse training in the early 90s we were based on Piccadilly approach and used to walk under the arches to get to and from lectures/car park etc. There was still lots of track embedded in the cobbles back then and filled in wagon turntable pits. There was a really good example under the arches next to the old Red Star parcels building. I'm not sure if they took their hydraulic power from the Manchester system or if they had their own system in place. Its a fair old drop from the elevated track to street level so they must have been quite impressive wagon lifts although I have never seen any photos of them? historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1283014 Also all the swing bridges on the ship canal are hydraulically powered another point of interest to maybe look at!
Great enjoying your videos very much , my husband was a young police officer in Manchester and told my about the underground roadways and to this day captures my interest in our great city ! Very proud of our heritage!
I was at the Science & Industry Museum recently and they gave us a talk about Manchester's hydraulic power system and we had a demonstration of the pump working. They worked at a very high pressure - 1000 psi (if I remember right).
I worked in the Town Hall Extension for years where it was said the lifts were originally powered hydraulically. I can remember as a kid going there with my mum and dad and getting in the lifts. The lift attendant sat on a tall stool next to a large wheel fixed to the wall of the lift. He'd turn the wheel to make the lift go up or down. When he opened the lift gates if the lift wasn't quite level with the floor he'd turn the wheel a bit more to get it level. The lift would bounce up and down a bit whenever it came to a halt.
That would have been in the late 50s - early 60s.
Thats sounds fascinating Mark. I wish I had seen that demonstration. And that old lift sounds fab !!!!
Thank you. I Wondered what kind of pressure was in so thick a pipe.
On my strolls around Manchester (my office is on Chorlton Street) I have noticed quite a few square cast iron pavement gratings with 'HP' cast into the cover - could these be valves used to isolate the hydraulic power system in event of some broken pipes? Just throwing it out there..
Why isnt your channel a program on tv?????
I second that
Couldn't agree with you more.
Because it's too good.
lol,sorry,i replied to the wrong comment.
He doesn't own a salmon-pink suit? o.o #maaaaybeee?
The Steampunk/art reference was the cherry on the top! Great video!!!! x
Hi Geraldine, thanks so much, I wasnt sure about putting that bit in but it just seemed to fall into place in my fuzzy head 😀
Martin Zero when you're passionate about something, and you share it, it shows and makes a video more watchable and inspiring. Xx
I used to work a Saturday job whilst I was at school at Forsyths on Deansgate. That was 33 years ago. I remember an old old gentleman who had worked there years before I even started my Saturday job telling me that the lift in that building used to be water powered. I didn't make the connection until watching this video just now! Love this channel, keep up the great work!
As a recent subscriber, I am looking at older videos, and I just want to say, Martin, that you are amazing. I am extremely grateful for your research, your efforts in making excellent videos, your thoughtfulness, your curiosity. Thank you.
Another belter Martin, I've learnt a lot about Manchester since I started watching your videos, thanks for the great work you put in.
Thanks Tony very much 👍
Thank you Martin for your great video .I served my apprenticeship as a hydraulic packer working at Orient House on Granby Row.We had a strong trade union whose office was at Sorton Street off Charles Street, as you stated all the packing machines the hoists and cranes were all operated by hydraulic power
NYC still provides steam power throughout the city. Businesses use it for heating and cooling and other uses.
Thank you Martin . That Lancashire boiler is art work.WOW.
I'm amazed like you it was still running until 72'
I'm intrigued to how it all worked, those joints looked substantial but as I was a gas man:plumber for 18 years there's always that one coupling that'll not seal properly. So that systems pressure would have to be drained to fix it ? A huge feat I'm guessing
A great video Martin. Melbourne Australia had a hydraulic power system. They had a rope in the old lifts where you pulled a rope to move up & down.
As a Manchester fireman we had to be careful never to ship a standpipe into a hydraulic hydrant as the results would be devastating. There used to a hydraulic goods hoist in the loading bay of the warehouse where the Bridgewater's Hall now stands.
Was it the high pressure Steven ?
Thank you, Martin, for this excellent descriptive Video. Bore holes. Here in Lewes - Market Town of Sussex - there used to be several Breweries. Only one of those now exists. Harvey's Brewery. It is sited right by the River Ouse - but doesn't draw its water from the river for they made Bore Holes deep into the ground for this, it is not called 'Water' by them, but Liquor. Whenever they are brewing the air of Lewes is redolent with the smell of brewing the Hops. Lovely! Almost as memorable as the smell the Sugar Beet Factories used to exude around Peterborough (when it was in Northamptonshire) - but that was only after the 'Campaigns' (as they were known) or the harvest crops of Sugar Beet, which happened but three times a year in the winter. I am holding an empty brown bottle of Harvey's 'SUSSEX BEST' Bitter. To get a full one, or even a full TUN one must visit the Brewery Shop in Cliffe High Street, Lewes, right next to the Brewery. Now, where did I put that bottle of Harvey's 'BONFIRE BOY' 'A strong ale with a superbly smoky flavour?' Lewes is renowned for its Bonfire Celebrations! - hence the name. Oops! It's now an empty bottle - so I must return it to the shop for a refund - and a refilled bottle! Maybe you can do a Video on a working Brewery? Very interesting - Harvey's give Tours - but they're very popular and need to be booked in advance!!
Never come across this hydraulic power, very interesting and remarkable it lasted until 1972. Great follow up on the Lancashire boiler, great piece of kit. Thanks Martin great content.
Thanks Neil
Quality as always Martin. Fascinating video!
Just going through your earlier videos Martin, just what's needed in lockdown, but boy, I'm so frustrated. Moved from Somerset to Chester just over a year ago and was so excited to have a whole new part of our amazing country to explore, and I love industrial archeology as much as ancient. However, you have taken me to some amazing places that I will visit when we can get out again. Thanks so much for your work.
You mentioned about swimming in the tanks, i worked on an estate that used to get water from a borehole, you could go up on the tanks (exposed at the top of a hill), the water was never cold, during the cold winters you could even se water vapour coming off the water, i think someone said the water never got below about 12C so a little bit of geothermal heating going on.
Very interesting for me an eye opener I was borne in Salford and a lot of the stuff that you bring to UA-cam I had no idea about, thanks for the opportunity to learn more about my home town.
Another gem of information......
I'd heard of hydraulic water systems before in local operations (such as Sheffield's Wicker Goods Depot) and of course the network that once spread around the docks of London....
......but never realised Manchester had such an extensive network....
Round 1972-74, after I moved from Manchester to London I quite often had to use an hydraulic lift rising and falling on a giant shaft. It was quite magical because of the silence and smoothness of the operation
Very interesting video Martin, I hope you revisit something along these lines again in the future :)
Amazing as always...I knew about a pump house but not its use..as always you make history fascinating with your enthusiasm!!!
A1as always..
What a fantastic video. After many many years of interest in all documentary stuff, espacially Edwardian periode. I have newer seen or heard of this. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.
Love your reference to Jeff Waynes War of the Worlds. It was truly from a very, kind of "Romantic Edwardian" period. I have always loved the pictures you showed, and it was one of the reasons to my facination of that period.
Keep up your fantastic work. Always looking foreward to your next videos.
Thank you, yes this is a fascinating little find
8:20 Fred Dibnah had one of those boilers in his front room
Dan23 7 he had a replica of the back head with the water level gauges etc but didn’t have the rest of the boiler behind , some railwaymen had similar with a loco back head with all the controls on but obviously no big boiler behind, one was in Lostock hall area.
Great video Martin thanks. John
Yet another great video. Thank you Martin.
Thanks Nigel
San diego California actually had a very similar system in down town aria. Near the santa fe train station, is the shell of theold san diego gas and electric building which at the turn of the century was known as san diego gas. And what they did was provide steam pressure as well as town gas from that building into a network of tunnels under the streets. And during the turn of the century all the buildings in the down town aria where provided with centralized steam heating and gas from the plant. Also of note the san diego gas company used horse teames to move the coal around and the stable building survives as well as a taxi gradge.
I kept thinking all the way through "this is so steam punk" and then happily you referred to it yourself! Really good and really edutational! Great transitions also btw!
Thank you Mr P. Wasn't sure about the steam punk reference but glad I included it 😀👍
I'm from Germany and I love it to listen your voice and watching your videos... a friend of mine comes from Blackpool... I love it to listen his dialect and his voice too...
And by the way, don't change anything in your videos... there are perfect... 🙂
Thank you very much, you are very kind. Regards to Germany 👍🏼
Hi Martin, another brilliant video ! You present it so well and with such passion, its an absolute joy to watch, can't wait for the next one !
Hi Steve thanks very much. I loved doing this video such a joy to learn about this system thanks 👌
I had no idea that Manchester had such system - great video with loads of education and research - thank you Martin!
Hi Andy, yes apparently London, Glasgow and Hull had similar systems 👍
Stumbled across your channel last night - excellent, great work Martin!
Hello, and thank you very much. Am glad you found me 👍
Your videos are excellent, Martin. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I lived in Manchester for 3 unforgettable years, more than 40 years ago. It was quite a time. I got out with a Computer Science degree, but most of the people around me only had a one way ticket.
Thank you Peter
Every time I watch another of your videos I learn something new and fascinating. Totally get the link with the steam punk genre.
I love how I always learn about Manchester from your videos- I popped a like as usual 👋👋👋
Hi Nathan thank you much appreciated 😀
Very interesting, I never was aware of this technology at all!
Inventiveness is an amazing thing and this was amazing engineering for the time,makes you realise what we are actually capable of.Great video thanks.
Need to get to these museums great video
It's a very clever system - water is pumped into a series of 'Accumulator Towers', which are basically huge pistons, of great weight. The water pushes these pistons to the top of the towers, and are locked in place when they are full. When power is needed, the Accumulator is allowed to slowly fall. This forces the water, under great pressure, through the pipes to where it is required. The water can be used again and again. There are several towers still existing in London, and they all have a similar design, so once you've seen one, you know what to look for. Hydraulic power used to raise the bascules of Tower Bridge. The accumulators are on show there.
brianartillery the company I worked for made the hydraulic system for tower bridge in London. It was Armstrongs of Newcastle
We always enjoy your videos. Thank you so much.
Thank you very much
These days I like all of your videos when i first start watching it, I know I’m going to like it come the end but most times I’m that engrossed that I end up going on to another video probably without hitting the like, so now to save doing the disservice of not liking the video I do it at the start. Great videos every one of the Martin, a pleasure to watch
Thanks very much Leebo 👍
@@MartinZero your welcome mate, I’ve lived in ordsall my whole life and never knew I was surrounded by such a rich history, I loved the medlock series and Pomona island, I’ve watched loads of others and thoroughly enjoyed every one, currently working my way through the back catalogue, I’ve gone from watching them on my phone, to iPad and now I watch them through the tele, even the mrs and kids enjoy them. I even try to make myself look real clever by parroting a few bits and bobs I’ve learnt along the way while I’ve been out and about 😂 Brilliant work mate 👍🏻
There was also a steam heating network within Manchester,I can remember the silver lagged pipes which ran along the Rochdale Canal towpath at the Deansgate end. Apparently they were much loved by the homeless community.
Hi Simon, yes I think I have seen a picture of those pipes. I went to the canal to see them but they had gone
@@MartinZero There is still a system like this in Philadelphia, PA, USA. And yes, homeless people will sleep there.
Another great video Martin, in various buildings I worked in Bridgewater House, Africa House in Whitworth Street and SolwaybHouse on Aytoun Street , now the front part of the Courts, all had Packing cellars with packing presses powered by that system. Heaton Mills Printing Compaby. Which was where Sainsbury's are now near Heaton Park Middleton had their own bore hole. A good place to see Lancashire Boilers and the steam engine they powered is Ellen Road Mill in Newhey just off junction 21 M62.
Hi Bob, I would of loved to go in those places you worked. Can you go in the Ellen road Mill ?
another brilliant video pleasure to watch as usual martin , keep them coming.
Hi Dave, many thanks 😀
Another very informative video!
Great video, very interesting. The hydraulic systems are covered in the museum of retro technology. Which for all steampunk enthusiasts is well worth looking up
Another fantastic vid, Martin. You draw me in and I'm not even from Manchester. I totally get your references to steampunk - I often think the same thing when I see Victorian and Edwardian engineering.
Yes its an incredible bit of Engineering I never knew existed
What a cracking video mate. I quite like the cutting back and forth between home and outside. Nice touch worked really well. I always learn so much from your videos Martin really nice work mate.
Hi Gary thanks. Yes I initially filmed a lot inside but its been so nice I was able to get some stuff done by the river breaks it up 👍
Absolutely fascinating ! There seems little art in the electronics of today (though I suppose it is just a different art). I love steampunk. and your comments (and enthusiasm) are great.
Manchester is an amazing city, so much brilliant engineering, Reynolds invented the roller chain in Manchester, as a biker, I am thankful. The Gardener Engine and Beyer Peacock, the Garrett locomotive.
Keep up the good work Martin, you're the new Fred Dibnah.
Thanks Alistair, I walk in Fred's Shadow
Absolutely brilliant! I had no idea? Fascinating!
Nor me until I made this video. Thanks David
A while ago I went on a spa day with the wife in the Bannatynes facility in Canada house. Looked like an interesting old building with the hoists outside and the pipework inside. We don’t get much that interesting around Blackpool. That’s what led me to your videos in the end , and there it is featured :-)
Thanks Nick. I think I used to go to that gym many moons ago
Here in Newcastle New South Wales in Australia our wharf cranes were powered this way in pre electricity days.
Great video
Thanks Nick and thanks for the info
The rights to the pipe routs in most of the UK major cities was bought by Mercury Telecommunications Ltd , a subsidiary of Cable and Wireless,
and used for optical cables linked by a deal with British Railways using their telecom routs to link them up and compete with B T and it was called Operation Mercury. .
As a working Industrial Boiler Engineer I can't imagine what a system like this was like to keep running! I would LOVE to see the drawings for this . What was the the working pressures? Judging by the wall thinness of those pipes and taking into account the metallurgy of the time I would think working pressures of over 1000psi, with transient loads well above that. What were the pressure drops like across the system? What if any water treatment did they use to prevent corrosion? How did the safety relief system work? I can think of so many ways this system could fail spectacularly. I bet there are some great story from the guys who had to run this plant.
I like to think that for an American I know a fair bit more about Manchester than the average person on this side of the ocean due to being a lover of the industrial revolution and growing up in a Maine mill town. But your channel is amazing to me. I love your passion for your city and its rich history. It mirrors my own for New England's rich manufacturing history tho I am sad to say I don't have the time to devote to this interest that you seem to have . I find myself watch all your videos and very much enjoying them. I would think a local TV station would find this very popular content. Keep up the great work sir.
Yes Robert i bet there was some great stories. I cant answer your tech questions but if you can get to the Science and Indutry museum manchester there is more info.
@@MartinZero I did not expect you could or you would have in your video I am sure. Those were just the questions I was asking myself as I watched your video. I should have said that in my post.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my comment. Our engineering staff here at the plant is becoming hooked on your channel. It really helps us get through a 12 hour watch and we can relate to much of the tech you highlight from times passed. Times have changed but steam is still steam and at its core it's still the same engineering we use everyday. Just more to go wrong now (computers :/ ). Keep up the great work sir.
Cheers Robert. Best regards to everyone there, whereabouts are you ?
@@MartinZero Auburn, Maine. USA.
I am Duty Cheif Engineer of the steam plant for a medium-sized manufacturing facility. But our Steam plant is unique in that our steam system and boilers are very larger for a Factory due to the process we use to make our product. It is a very unforgiving yet rewarding career and when all is going well can be very enjoyable.
We even have equipment that would be at home in some of your videos still in service today.
All our best and we look forward to viewing more of your content.
Yet another excellent video. Keep up the good work.
Thanks very much Alan 👍
The pipework from the system was still in place along the canal in the 1980's - black pipes about 6" diameter which periodically had expansion loops fitted to allow for the thermal expansion of the cast iron pipes. I don't suppose they are any left down there now.
Learning something new every day,love it.
All the swing bridges on the ship canal are hydraulically powered. The locks have a water tower containing an artificial head of water controlled by a weight bin so the actual pumps are relatively small. I went to a Barton Cruising club open day in the 80s which included a visit to the bridge workings
Being a person who sells some steam-punk hats, minored in fine art and got a degree in research, analysis, and literature, I loved this whole video. I love all your videos I've seen anyhow, but I appreciated the comparison view from an artistic P.O.V.
Thank you very much
This was fascinating. I never knew such a thing existed. Thank-you.
It reminded me of Brunel's atmospheric railway concept which is worth looking up if you have not heard of it.
Hi Steve thanks very much. Yeah i'll take a look at that
The lifts at Victoria station were powered by water. I remember them well. Did they continue in operation right to the closure of the hydraulic system?
The Peoples Museum supplied the hydraulic power for the lifts in M/Cr Town Hall!
As an aside the Electrification of Manchester is also a fascinating topic (at least to me)! When the first "public" generators were installed in Manchester they were steam powered and the Council as part of their remit insisted that a % of the steam generated was sold (as steam) to local factories! This was at the rear of Linley House (Dickinson rd?) .... some of the building was there as well as the sub station visible from their car park!
See latest vid Dave 👍
Another brilliant video Martin thank you .x
Thanks Joan, hope your enjoying the sunshine 👍
The pipes are certainly still there. I monitored the archaeology for the Metrolink Second City crossing and we came across lots of the hydraulic pipes, especially on Cross Street. It lead me on the same investigation for the background as you have been on. Often they weren’t very deep. Half a metre down below the cobbles mostly. But yes so thick with massive joints. Definitely deserves to be known about by more people.
I have a couple of photos to hand if you want them.
Hi Steve yes that would be great thanks. Id love to see the original pipes as they were
Martin Zero I posted a few that I could find on Instagram and tagged you.
Got them 👍
You're a bugger, Martin! I'm planning to be in Manchester next year for a reunion. As a result of your videos, I'm seriously considering adding a couple of days to do some exploring and site visits. I say a couple of days....
Great stuff Simon. I hope you do. Some of the stuff is not easy to find however
Another brilliant film.
Thank you Charlotte
I used to go in the basement of Canada House back when it was the Powercuts record shop; in their back of store area there were a big set of wooden doors behind which there was said to be a tunnel that ran to Central Library a few hundred metres away!
Another great video btw
Hello thank you. Its incredible, the stuff we dont see. I will try and remember that one and see If I can find out more
VERY INTERESTING Martin well done.
Hi Mark, hope your well. thanks a lot mate 👍
ive only gone and bought another DRONE so thats 3 ive got now its a DJI PHANTOM 3 with camera just required a new motor
OMG !!! Brilliant, you say you have 3 ? I had a Phantom 3. What are your others ?
2 phantom 2's and ive just got the phantom 3
ua-cam.com/video/DjkKhn4_azA/v-deo.html my 1st one filmed this before i bought it
The water power pipes in London were used for internet cabling by Mercury Telecoms.
Nice one Martin - keep ‘em coming 👍👍👍
Thanks John 👍
00:30 What a beautiful bridge.
Excellent work buddy
Awesome video as always 👍
Hello, thanks very much 👍
Great video. I loved the steampunk reference to the Tardis. I never drew that parallel myself, but you are right.
Steampunk is great 😃
briilliant martin x
Great video - thanks
loved this video did not know anything about this kind of power now i do thank you
Thank you
The bore hole mentioned would have been filled with debris from demolition . This would have decreased haulage and disposal fees . Great video ! I hope your local historical society is taking note of your video archeology . This helps bring history to life !
Thanks Montie
4:11 - Kingfisher flying right to left along the river. Good sign of a healthy river.
Another great little film Martin yes lot of large towns and cities had there own power there would have been coal powered electricity station in Manchester and it would of had its own gas works as well
Hi Brian yes it was really interesting when the power was generated independently and locally
We had a hydraulic power system here in Melbourne, Australia also.
I remember the hydraulic system being used in Manchester in the 60s. Don’t know if I’m imagining it, but I’m sure there was also a hydraulic clock system, where pressure “pulses” were sent through pipes to drive “water clocks” and keep all connected to the system synchronised. I don’t think I’m suffering from substance abuse, but I did grow up in the 50s and now I find the thin line between memory and reality is getting thinner.
That sounds interesting John
I always like before even watching. I have complete confidence in these great vids.
Hello, thank you very much, for watching and your support I appreciate your comment 👍
Great video again. Did you notice the similarity between the o-ring joint in the pipe and the way the Space Shuttle's solid boosters were assembled? The question that intrigues me is this: Where did the used water go? Obviously it has to be kept out of the foul drain to avoid overloading the treatment plants, but did it go in the surface water runoff, top up the canals, or get reused?
Not sure Robert, my knowledge is limited
Every day's a school day. Great vid mate
Thanks `Lewis
I'd love to know what it was still powering up to 1972 when it was decommissioned?
Very amazing video well done mate
Thanks pal, hope your well 👍
Martin Zero yes I doing good but had a laugh last night I got caught i got busted when I was exploring Mayfield train station manchester check the video out on UA-cam and photo's on instagram
Oh no, ok will do
Martin Zero thank you so much hope that you like them
Hi martin, great video especially the part showing the pot street and retail park section. I never get bored of old photos !!! That area, Pot street? i remember mills there i believe. I wish i had been brave enough to venture in and photograph the area. Posh flats are there now. I discovered Bengal street and thew area of the Scuttler gangs. Are you planning a video based on these events?? I recently bought a crime book from Jiohn Rylands Library detailing old characters and pubs. Well worth some research. I look forward to the next video, Martin.
Hi Martin, yes wasn't Bengal street home to the Bengal Tigers, famous scuttler gang
It sure was. there was a guy called joseph hillyard particularly unpleasant, chapel street gangs hope street gang, the bengal tigersrunning battles weapons like belts and buckles, all sorts. I recently walked round the bengal tigers turf and its fascinating to think those streets would of been so dangerous.
Yeah , I bet they were a right bunch of thugs we tend to look back with Nostalgia but I bet they were truly bad , serious violence
Steam punk is exactly what i was thinking! I never even knew this system existed till now! Thanks Martin
Thanks very much
Another great Video Martin concerning our passed History, the first I heard about this system was a different type of cast iron stop tap type boxes we came across while altering or reconstructing footpaths & roads around Manchester, I was told from the older workers that it was a system for supplying Hydraulic water power to the Factory or Warehouse Lifts, your video goes deeper when you say it also supplied power to Machines also. These cast iron boxes we came across differed by there shape & smooth top as the usual water stop taps & control valves were all marked with MCWW which stood for Manchester Corporation Water Works which were funded by Manchester Ratepayers which was also the case with the Gas, Sewers & other Utilities all serviced by their own groups, I dont want to delve into the Political side too much but these have now all been sold off to Private Companies who never provided the original funding, I think you know which way I am going so will stop here, Thank you again for another interesting Research Martin & I look forward to your next one.
Hi Terry, so you have come across this stuff, did you work on the roads / construction ? I get what your saying about the politics I am with you on that 👍
Yes Mantin, I worked as an Apprentice Street Mason working my way from a Working to a Walking Ganger, We did Road widenings & alterations all over Manchester including work on Contract at Manchester Airport, I was offered an office job but it wasnt for me, I loved being hands on.
Brilliant, I bet you know our streets well
Quite well Martin, although a lot have gone in Demolition, I later transferred to The City Center which was a learning curve on its own with its ever changing rebuilding & one way systems although I loved the work & challenges, Our Apprentice Mason training area wasnt far From Pott St you have mentioned in Little Newton St at our dedicated Depot at the bottom near The Canal.
Great piece Martin really shows how keen the City Fathers were to innovate and improve Manchester with the water piped from Thirlmere giving a constant clean supply and the city power system supplying the industry. Perhaps something the present Manchester Council should be looking towards rather than wasting money on grandiose schemes that are of little benefit to the people of Manchester.
Its staggering the the engineering projects they took on and succeeded👌
Very interesting
I had no idea about this technology, amazing
Me niether Lee. Amazing when I found out about it
wauw, amazing. I never heard about power distribution via water pressure. Makes me wonder if a similar system have been used in my home town Helmond where a lot of (mainly textile and steel manufacture) industry was between 1800 and 1980...
I wonder how the power transfer (from water pressure in pipes to an actual axle) was done... hydraulic motors Victorian style must have been quite the animal...
that wAs great martin all that power from the water thanks from trev talking of water time for a cuppa tea trev