Manchester's Hydraulic Power System

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  • Опубліковано 15 вер 2024
  • This video concerning the History of Manchester and the Industrial revolution. From 1894 to 1972 Manchester Corporation generated Hydraulic power. This power was used by many factory's and warehouses in Manchester including the town hall, the Manchester Guardian and Smithfield Market. The Hydraulic power was pumped in up to 37 miles of pipes around the city and provided power to the then cottonopolis. The last pumping station is now the peoples history museum. I try to explain the system and conclude with its eventual decline in the late 1960'. We also take a look at a preserved Lancashire Boiler.
    Music:
    The Mighty Kingdom by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (creativecommon...)
    Artist: audionautix.com/

КОМЕНТАРІ • 292

  • @jimallen9442
    @jimallen9442 3 роки тому +2

    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.

  • @MarkJT1000
    @MarkJT1000 5 років тому +10

    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.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому +4

      Thats sounds fascinating Mark. I wish I had seen that demonstration. And that old lift sounds fab !!!!

    • @drewthompson7457
      @drewthompson7457 5 років тому

      Thank you. I Wondered what kind of pressure was in so thick a pipe.

  • @wideyxyz2271
    @wideyxyz2271 5 років тому +16

    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!

  • @GeraldineJayne
    @GeraldineJayne 6 років тому +16

    The Steampunk/art reference was the cherry on the top! Great video!!!! x

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому +3

      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 😀

    • @GeraldineJayne
      @GeraldineJayne 6 років тому +1

      Martin Zero when you're passionate about something, and you share it, it shows and makes a video more watchable and inspiring. Xx

  • @Biffo1262
    @Biffo1262 5 років тому +9

    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.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому +1

      Was it the high pressure Steven ?

  • @J4cko999
    @J4cko999 5 років тому +3

    Learnt more about my home town in the three months since discovering your channel than in the preceding 48 years.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому

      Thanks Mark. So much is buried and lost

  • @darkstatehk
    @darkstatehk 4 роки тому

    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!

  • @user-ox3mw9kc1k
    @user-ox3mw9kc1k 9 місяців тому

    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

  • @IcelanderUSer
    @IcelanderUSer 6 років тому +5

    NYC still provides steam power throughout the city. Businesses use it for heating and cooling and other uses.

  • @Dan23_7
    @Dan23_7 5 років тому +10

    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

  • @elizabethannferrario7113
    @elizabethannferrario7113 5 років тому +1

    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!

  • @michaeldutsonlandscapephot2184
    @michaeldutsonlandscapephot2184 6 років тому +16

    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..

  • @tonyhumphreys9127
    @tonyhumphreys9127 6 років тому +3

    Another belter Martin, I've learnt a lot about Manchester since I started watching your videos, thanks for the great work you put in.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому

      Thanks Tony very much 👍

  • @alanholifield3725
    @alanholifield3725 5 років тому +35

    Why isnt your channel a program on tv?????

  • @davidmunro1469
    @davidmunro1469 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you Martin . That Lancashire boiler is art work.WOW.

  • @ianhudson2193
    @ianhudson2193 Рік тому

    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....

  • @neilwilliams2409
    @neilwilliams2409 5 років тому +1

    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.

  • @dianapatterson1559
    @dianapatterson1559 5 років тому +1

    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.

  • @sparkyprojects
    @sparkyprojects 4 роки тому +1

    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.

  • @schwadevivre4158
    @schwadevivre4158 5 років тому +1

    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

  • @Nathan.Manchester
    @Nathan.Manchester 6 років тому +6

    I love how I always learn about Manchester from your videos- I popped a like as usual 👋👋👋

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому

      Hi Nathan thank you much appreciated 😀

  • @harrowtiger
    @harrowtiger 5 років тому +1

    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.

  • @shopdog831
    @shopdog831 4 роки тому +1

    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.

  • @CabrilloTV
    @CabrilloTV 3 роки тому

    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.

  • @brianartillery
    @brianartillery 5 років тому +1

    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.

    • @aytonbob
      @aytonbob 5 років тому +1

      brianartillery the company I worked for made the hydraulic system for tower bridge in London. It was Armstrongs of Newcastle

  • @3000Rico1
    @3000Rico1 5 років тому +1

    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... 🙂

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому +1

      Thank you very much, you are very kind. Regards to Germany 👍🏼

  • @simonkirkbright5197
    @simonkirkbright5197 6 років тому +2

    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.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому +1

      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

    • @presbyterosBassI
      @presbyterosBassI 4 роки тому

      @@MartinZero There is still a system like this in Philadelphia, PA, USA. And yes, homeless people will sleep there.

  • @Hairnicks
    @Hairnicks 3 роки тому

    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.

  • @billbixby6411
    @billbixby6411 5 років тому +1

    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.

  • @Qugar666
    @Qugar666 5 років тому

    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.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому +1

      Thank you, yes this is a fascinating little find

  • @michaelgamble296
    @michaelgamble296 4 роки тому

    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!!

  • @snowmandanselzer7738
    @snowmandanselzer7738 5 років тому

    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.

  • @davidberlanny3308
    @davidberlanny3308 2 роки тому

    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

  • @leeboglazersout1958
    @leeboglazersout1958 2 роки тому

    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
      @MartinZero  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks very much Leebo 👍

    • @leeboglazersout1958
      @leeboglazersout1958 2 роки тому

      @@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 👍🏻

  • @rickywright1264
    @rickywright1264 3 роки тому

    Quality as always Martin. Fascinating video!

  • @nickraschke4737
    @nickraschke4737 5 років тому

    Here in Newcastle New South Wales in Australia our wharf cranes were powered this way in pre electricity days.
    Great video

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому

      Thanks Nick and thanks for the info

  • @turbo.panther
    @turbo.panther 5 років тому

    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.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому

      Yes its an incredible bit of Engineering I never knew existed

  • @PetervanderLinden
    @PetervanderLinden 5 років тому

    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.

  • @siennamayh
    @siennamayh 4 роки тому

    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 :-)

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  4 роки тому

      Thanks Nick. I think I used to go to that gym many moons ago

  • @phillnick5664
    @phillnick5664 5 років тому +1

    Amazing as always...I knew about a pump house but not its use..as always you make history fascinating with your enthusiasm!!!
    A1as always..

  • @fhwolthuis
    @fhwolthuis 3 роки тому

    Very interesting, I never was aware of this technology at all!

  • @johngray2594
    @johngray2594 5 років тому

    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.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому

      That sounds interesting John

  • @totherarf
    @totherarf 5 років тому +1

    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!

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому

      See latest vid Dave 👍

  • @alistairshaw3206
    @alistairshaw3206 5 років тому

    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.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому

      Thanks Alistair, I walk in Fred's Shadow

  • @robertl606
    @robertl606 5 років тому

    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.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому +1

      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.

    • @robertl606
      @robertl606 5 років тому

      @@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
      @MartinZero  5 років тому +1

      Cheers Robert. Best regards to everyone there, whereabouts are you ?

    • @robertl606
      @robertl606 5 років тому

      @@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.

  • @stevetamburello
    @stevetamburello 6 років тому +1

    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.

    • @stevetamburello
      @stevetamburello 6 років тому

      I have a couple of photos to hand if you want them.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому

      Hi Steve yes that would be great thanks. Id love to see the original pipes as they were

    • @stevetamburello
      @stevetamburello 6 років тому

      Martin Zero I posted a few that I could find on Instagram and tagged you.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому

      Got them 👍

  • @nigelmorris7855
    @nigelmorris7855 5 років тому

    Yet another great video. Thank you Martin.

  • @hyper2high
    @hyper2high 5 років тому

    Steam punk is exactly what i was thinking! I never even knew this system existed till now! Thanks Martin

  • @Pommy381125
    @Pommy381125 6 років тому

    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!

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому

      Thank you Mr P. Wasn't sure about the steam punk reference but glad I included it 😀👍

  • @lescampbell3462
    @lescampbell3462 4 роки тому

    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

  • @HenrysAdventures
    @HenrysAdventures 3 роки тому

    Another very informative video!

  • @gingerbread6614
    @gingerbread6614 4 роки тому

    We always enjoy your videos. Thank you so much.

  • @AndyBilham
    @AndyBilham 6 років тому

    I had no idea that Manchester had such system - great video with loads of education and research - thank you Martin!

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому

      Hi Andy, yes apparently London, Glasgow and Hull had similar systems 👍

  • @g1fsh
    @g1fsh 6 років тому

    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.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому +1

      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 👍

  • @Teddystream.
    @Teddystream. 5 років тому +1

    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. .

  • @MerciaMoto
    @MerciaMoto 5 років тому

    Every time I watch another of your videos I learn something new and fascinating. Totally get the link with the steam punk genre.

  • @vicmansfield4873
    @vicmansfield4873 4 роки тому

    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.

  • @charlotteh71
    @charlotteh71 6 років тому +1

    Another brilliant film.

  • @grimreboot
    @grimreboot 3 роки тому

    Very interesting video Martin, I hope you revisit something along these lines again in the future :)

  • @simonholliday9874
    @simonholliday9874 5 років тому

    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....

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому

      Great stuff Simon. I hope you do. Some of the stuff is not easy to find however

  • @muja28
    @muja28 5 років тому

    loved this video did not know anything about this kind of power now i do thank you

  • @LSD123.
    @LSD123. 4 роки тому

    00:30 What a beautiful bridge.

  • @bobbowling2979
    @bobbowling2979 3 роки тому

    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.

  • @hamilcarbara6549
    @hamilcarbara6549 6 років тому +6

    Once more I realize that though I've been born and bred a Mancunian, my knowledge of Manchester is superficial.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому +3

      Hello, you and me both. Until I start looking into these things I never know or know very little about them. Making these videos has educated me as well 😀Thanks for commenting 👍

  • @oddwad6290
    @oddwad6290 5 років тому

    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 !

  • @stephencleaves
    @stephencleaves 6 років тому

    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 !

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому

      Hi Steve thanks very much. I loved doing this video such a joy to learn about this system thanks 👌

  • @johnrooney1860
    @johnrooney1860 4 роки тому

    Great video Martin thanks. John

  • @rogerbarton497
    @rogerbarton497 5 років тому +5

    Great! Some of London's pipes are still in use - they carry cables & fibre for the Internet, I bet the Victorians never thought of that one!

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому

      Hi Roger. great info. They would be thrilled I reckon 👍

  • @allangibson8494
    @allangibson8494 5 років тому +2

    The water power pipes in London were used for internet cabling by Mercury Telecoms.

  • @meetgreen
    @meetgreen 6 років тому

    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

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому

      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

  • @timewareCommunity
    @timewareCommunity 5 років тому

    Stumbled across your channel last night - excellent, great work Martin!

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому

      Hello, and thank you very much. Am glad you found me 👍

  • @pipersson39
    @pipersson39 5 років тому +1

    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?

  • @bobpedley8609
    @bobpedley8609 6 років тому

    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.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому

      Hi Bob, I would of loved to go in those places you worked. Can you go in the Ellen road Mill ?

  • @Dan23_7
    @Dan23_7 5 років тому +3

    8:20 Fred Dibnah had one of those boilers in his front room

    • @normanyates6735
      @normanyates6735 4 роки тому

      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.

  • @lawrenceflanagan5037
    @lawrenceflanagan5037 5 років тому

    Learning something new every day,love it.

  • @stevem1863
    @stevem1863 5 років тому

    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.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому

      Hi Steve thanks very much. Yeah i'll take a look at that

  • @lewiscox4712
    @lewiscox4712 5 років тому

    Every day's a school day. Great vid mate

  • @HelenaMikas
    @HelenaMikas 6 років тому +1

    Great video Martin ..Everything was made well then and made to last... Makes you wonder why we still use electricity when water power was so very good .Amazing long life for pipes since the water is all so soft and not full of calcium ..btw when you go back to the Irwell the CanadaGeese are shouting hello to me ..Thanks for this as well Martin Really enjoyed it so big like * and have a great week , Helena :)

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому

      Hi Helena, thank you, my friend and I let his dog swim down there the other day and a Canada goose came out shouting at him, must have had a nest nearby, quite a bold one he was

    • @HelenaMikas
      @HelenaMikas 6 років тому

      Now that is a great Canada Goose They are such amazing protective parents and very territorial .:)) Love them to bits . Am missing the geese a lot :) We have a few here but what's special with those in Manchester is they even honk in mancunian ...Make a great sound track too .Have a lovely week , Helena .

  • @dodgydave9002
    @dodgydave9002 6 років тому

    another brilliant video pleasure to watch as usual martin , keep them coming.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому

      Hi Dave, many thanks 😀

  • @davidclark3603
    @davidclark3603 5 років тому

    Absolutely brilliant! I had no idea? Fascinating!

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому

      Nor me until I made this video. Thanks David

  • @benters3509
    @benters3509 5 років тому

    Great video. I loved the steampunk reference to the Tardis. I never drew that parallel myself, but you are right.

  • @markwng
    @markwng 5 років тому

    I had no idea reticulated hydraulics existed. The idea has never occurred to me. Talk about learning something new every day..

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому

      Cheers Mark. I have no Idea what Reticulated Hydraulics are

    • @markwng
      @markwng 5 років тому

      @@MartinZero Turns out it may be an australian term, but anything thats piped to your door, such as gas and water or in this case 1100 psi of hydraulic pressure..

  • @rossdtool
    @rossdtool 5 років тому +1

    We had a hydraulic power system here in Melbourne, Australia also.

  • @TheGreatest1974
    @TheGreatest1974 2 роки тому

    I know a lot of people will disagree with me for many reasons, but when I see those old photos, I can’t help but feel the world or at least Britain was a better place then. Mostly everyone had a job, the pace of life was much slower, I presume crime was much less etc and I think people were happier than they are today. I can’t help but think that every time I see the old photos. Maybe I’ve lived before I don’t know. What I do know is that far too much of the past is lost forever, and where we used to be self sufficient in everything we needed as a nation, we now rely on other countries for absolutely everything. 👍

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  2 роки тому

      Some of those photos were taken around the time of the moors murderers. Poverty in many of the inner city locations. Life wasn’t slower. Knife crime particularly in Gorton was rife. People had as many problems as they do now. Children and women had no voice. Countless kids abused in care as we have since found out. Alcoholism was common place. Girls that got pregnant out of marriage sent to institutions for which there has since been apologies. I never look back with rose tinted spectacles. Society has always had its problems and there was never a time when people were “happier”

    • @TheGreatest1974
      @TheGreatest1974 2 роки тому

      @@MartinZero thanks Martin for putting me right. I guess I do look back with rose tinted spectacles. Great videos though mate I love them. It seems sad so much is lost- yet you find so much evidence of what is still around after all the years that have passed. 👍

  • @jasonfazackerley
    @jasonfazackerley 3 місяці тому

    Great video - thanks

  • @gilgammesh1
    @gilgammesh1 6 років тому

    I always like before even watching. I have complete confidence in these great vids.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому

      Hello, thank you very much, for watching and your support I appreciate your comment 👍

  • @brianfox1980
    @brianfox1980 6 років тому

    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

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому

      Hi Brian yes it was really interesting when the power was generated independently and locally

  • @alanvarrechia6338
    @alanvarrechia6338 6 років тому

    Yet another excellent video. Keep up the good work.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому

      Thanks very much Alan 👍

  • @delwatts
    @delwatts 6 років тому

    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.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому

      Its staggering the the engineering projects they took on and succeeded👌

  • @joanhesketh9419
    @joanhesketh9419 6 років тому

    Another brilliant video Martin thank you .x

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому

      Thanks Joan, hope your enjoying the sunshine 👍

  • @dannytighe2660
    @dannytighe2660 5 років тому

    I love your videos about Manchester. in Birmingham we have Carl chin talking about the past the victorians were ahead of there time , I wonder what they would have thought about today’s engineering

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому

      Cheers Danny is Carl on UA-cam ?

  • @grahamsawyer831
    @grahamsawyer831 2 роки тому

    I have recently been wondering if this kind of system would be a good fit for renewable energy generation, to balance supply/demand and store 'surplus' energy. remember seeing the huge cranes at the Albert Dock in London before the redevelopment - any system capable of supplying such a tremendous amount of power should not be forgotten

  • @texhow1
    @texhow1 6 років тому +1

    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.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому +1

      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 👍

    • @texhow1
      @texhow1 6 років тому

      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.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  6 років тому +1

      Brilliant, I bet you know our streets well

    • @texhow1
      @texhow1 6 років тому +2

      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.

  • @gee1502
    @gee1502 5 років тому

    Excellent work buddy
    Awesome video as always 👍

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому

      Hello, thanks very much 👍

  • @amacca2085
    @amacca2085 5 років тому

    Need to get to these museums great video

  • @empireofnoise2200
    @empireofnoise2200 5 років тому

    briilliant martin x

  • @paulgrimshaw6301
    @paulgrimshaw6301 5 років тому

    4:11 - Kingfisher flying right to left along the river. Good sign of a healthy river.

  • @johngoy9375
    @johngoy9375 6 років тому

    Nice one Martin - keep ‘em coming 👍👍👍

  • @robertbilling6266
    @robertbilling6266 5 років тому

    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?

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому

      Not sure Robert, my knowledge is limited

  • @droptuned83
    @droptuned83 5 років тому

    Very steam punk , or very Wallace and Gromitt. Nice video Martin.

    • @MartinZero
      @MartinZero  5 років тому

      Thanks, deffo Steam Punk