When I started working in 1974 on King Street, my Dad would sometimes give me a lift into town and he'd park in Watson Street car park. A few years later l used to park in the old Central Station after the tracks and were filled in, obviously. There are so many little corners of my home town that I never knew about. Thanks for another gem Martin.
You sir are BRILLIANT Thank you for your ability to follow through with your curiosity. Your story telling is captivating. Cheers from your fan club in Peru
It's so amazing that someone else is like me I'm always looking around for old ruins or tunnels etc. It's just little things like this that people would pass up and would never know that it played an important part in history. Keep up the amazing videos
One of my favorites so far. I remember reading about the rediscovery of the underground wharf of the Manchester & Salford canal. That was in the 1970s or 1980s I think. Just imagine what a gaslit underground canal tunnel must have looked like. Spooky! Again, brilliant work Martin!
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I dont live in Manchester, visited many times down the years but your videos are SO good, you're making me want to move!!!!
I went on that underground tour as well. It's amazing the size of the spaces under Manchester. People just don't realise what's under their feet as they walk around.
I love your vids Martin, thank you for keeping me so entertained. I know of your other career as my missus has worked with you (she works in Bury normally but has spent time at your place) I admire your dedication to these videos on top of your other work 👍👍👍
Thank you Martin for this brilliant video. Have been watching all your work whilst in Lockdown and we go out every day and find something new with your help. Today we are going to try and retrace the route of this lost canal (as far as possible). I think that the Granada Studios are now blocked off sadly, but we will try and see what we can. Keep up the fantastic work - we LOVE it!
Martin, Spent a week in Manchester with a resident that hated his city! I am seeing and learning so much from you, wish I could visit from Virginia again!
I remember seeing a video from the late 80s or early 90s that showed the rediscovery of the tunnel from the basement level of the Granada building. Fascinating to see the subterranean wharf down there. Yet again, another brilliant and educational video with great production work and spot on music.
Amazing! Never knew about this link between Rochdale canal and the Irwell. In 1979(-ish) we took a narrow boat onto the Irwell via Hulme Locks (they had been restored). There was a festival of boats on the Irwell as it became navigable once more to as far just before the Salford crescent curves. We stopped at the bricked up arches that were high up on the wall near Manchester Cathedral (they were to do with the Victorian ferry boats I think). We got a ladder and went inside the arches, just lots of debris, toilets, blast doors, etc, seemingly once used as air raid shelters although some old posters there were from 1960s.
@@MartinZero when I do my history of the msc I'd be honoured if you would collaborate on the Salford quays episode and help me decide where to stop you know the maze of waterways and canals in Manchester better than most....
Fascinating. I can’t wait to go to Manchester again soon. I’ve watched your latest videos but now starting from the beginning. I’ll certainly see Manchester in a different light. Thank you so much for the really informative videos. Love your enthusiasm.
It always amazes me that all the old warehouses were 6 or 7 stories high, it must have been lots of work getting the goods to and from the top floors. Nowadays the containers are just put on the floor, and are carted off by lorry a.s.a.p. Nearly every local town had multi story warehouses.
Martin, I have been in the tunnels under the Northern Warehouse as well. The piers and timber in the barge repair area are still there like you say. I went on the tour about 6 years ago or more. Alot of the tunnels are flooded now that lead up to Granada studios and they bricked the outlet up
Martin Zero the building is called Barborolli square- it was the glass one at 3.15 in your video - I didn’t see any clues that the canal used to be there - I always learn things from your videos well done 👋👋👋
So much history in Manchester (& the UK in general) & you do an excellent job of imparting it. I thoroughly enjoy your videos, thank you Martin, you're the toppermost of the poppermost! ;-)
Fascinating story excellently researched and presented. Quite dramatic with great use of music. Some fascinating old photos. Helps to relate the Manchester of today to the lost Manchester of the past.
I could kick myself for not taking pics and video when I went down there 😡 I know what you mean with claustrophobia am not too bad as long as I can spread my arms out. Check out 'Medlock VI' for tunnels 😀👍
I did that tour along that stretch of the canal .I remember he shone his torch up too the top of the vaulted roof and pointed out a man hole cove that was at the entrance or exit to the GMEX car park if I remember correctly .Not sure if it was on the Watson street side .A fair old drop from the Mosley St canal level.Loving the videos.Had similar fun trying to find the full route of the Salford /bolton/Bury canal on my bike.
It's actually easy to tell which of the tunnels led to the canal, Martin. Years ago there was an exploration and a few bricks were knocked out at about head height so that they poked a camera through. I've actually seen a video about it on here. That patch of replaced brick stands out and can easily be spotted. That is the canal tunnel.
Hi Martin. Followed the route earlier today. Really enjoyed exploring the hidden history on this tour thanks to your vlog. The rear of the Georgian houses on camp st are v interesting! The exposed Stephenson's bridge looks fab. Found a wealth of info on the web, including this guide which shows the possible route under the car park arches. www.canalscape.net/M%20&%20S%20J%20Canal/M%20&%20S%20J%20Canal.htm Oh & yes, did get lost a little!
Hi Martin. Did some searching on 28dayslater website. There's some awesome photos of all these underground networks. Amazing that people are willing to get waders on and discover! Searched for 'humpty' 'medlock' 'optimus prime' & came up with loads of great images. Keep up the great work : )
Im not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet, but on your old map where the canal goes into the tunnel is marked as "Alport Flow" - Alport Town was a district of Manchester that included over 300 houses. It was effectively wiped out by the construction of the Great Northern Warehouse and its ancillary buildings and roads in the 1890s
BTW, just wanted to add, I'm one of your new subscribers from the Trap Door vid... As not Manchester born & bred, but now living here, Im loving your vids nearly caught up to date now :) Keep up the amazing work & if you & Connor ever need a hand, I'm certainly in!
Nice video, Martin. The Manchester & Salford Junction Canal originated in the days when the Mersey & Irwell Navigation and the Bridgewater Canal were separate competing undertakings. The Mersey and Irwell wanted it's own connection with the Rochdale Canal and and secured their Act to build the M & S J in 1836, the link being completed in 1839. However the Bridgewater Canal had built their own link to the Mersey and Irwell, (Hulme Locks) in 1838. Most of the traffic then went via Hulme Locks (seen at the start and end of the video) and the M & S J was little used. When the Manchester Ship Canal was built, the Ship Canal Co. purchased both the Mersey and Irwell Navigation and the Bridgewater Canal so these became part of the same organisation. There was now no need for the separate connection via the M & S J and that is why it finally became disused around 1922, (not because of railway competition).
Thanks Ken I kinda say some of that in the video not in as much detail. But do you not agree by late 1800's the railways were serious competition for the canals ??? Is it not due to the railways that the canals became defunct. Is there not perhaps a shred of truth in what I say ?????
@@MartinZero Hi Martin. Believe me, I would not wish to criticise your excellent video but am just trying to add a little clarification on the historical aspects. (I have been interested in canal and railway history for many years). It is a commonly - held myth that the railways killed off the canals. Although it is true that many rural canals without any heavy industrial traffic went swiftly into decline following the building of competing railways, generally speaking the canals which did carry heavy bulk traffic between industrial areas, and to and from major ports, were little affected in traffic volume by the coming of the railways. A number of them reached their peak years around, and following, the start of the 20th Century, several decades later. Among these were the Bridgewater Canal, Leeds & LIverpool Canal, and others in the North-West. They had the advantage (for instance) that import cargoes could be discharged from ships overside into barges which could then proceed direct to the mills or factories, (often alongside a canal), or vice versa. Not many industrial premises had their own sidings so railway traffic often had to be carted to or from a railway goods yard. The opening of the Manchester Ship Canal Canal provided a further boost to canal traffic in the Manchester area. It was the development of cheap road transport, (particularly after WW1, when many army surplus lorries were sold to private operators), that started to seriously damage canal traffic levels (and also railway traffic levels) in industrial areas like the North-West. Of course there is truth in what you say about the railways in the video but I thought I'd just try to add a little perspective. Keep up the good work! Best regards, Ken
@@kenlowe3673 Thanks Ken. I think I read your comment at 06.30 in the morning and took it the wrong way. Sorry to come across a bit sharp. But the passion in the videos spills out sometimes. Many thanks for the info. You are a good source to know. My regards Martin 👍🏼
Excellent video Martin. It's worth also making clear that most (all maybe?) of the black and white photos at the end of the video are of Hulme locks rather than the M&SJC.
Another utterly fascinating video! I worked on Deansgate in the early to mid 80s in a shop opposite St John Street and never knew ANY of this, especially the tunnels under the shop. A few things I remember (all from memory so I stand to be corrected). All the shops along Deansgate below the goods warehouse, they all had cellars. In our shop in the corner of the cellar we had an enclosed toilet cubicle and sink. Next to the sink was a small grid, and this grid was forever over flowing from use of the toilet and sink. We had a plumber that would come around now and again and he would state that it was to do with the main sewer pipe along Deansgate not sunk deep enough thus not allowing waste water to drain properly especially when it was heavy rain outside (could it be because of the hidden tunnel running across Deansgate stopping the sewer pipe from been dug deeper?). Next, long before the GMex and everything else came along, sometimes me and a mate would take our lunch breaks exploring the back of our shop between the goods warehouse. I swear there was rusting iron pipes protruding from the ground and one was just the right height to put your head over and listen, and there was the sound of running water...! Its all changed around there now. The AMC cinema was just derelict ground 1981 - 1985 when I worked there. Full of rubbish and pigeons. It annoys me now, in 2018 that I didn't take pictures, documentary evidence of a long gone hidden history. Anyway, well done Martin, another great video.
Hello thats great info. Yes possibly the reason the main sewer wasn't deep enough. We will never know. The amount of times I wish I had taken pics in the 80's early 90's OMG we live and learn. thanks for the comment much appreciated 👍
I remember those cellars, when I was little in the late 70s my dad worked at a car carpet place on that row. Bit different than the restaurants, estate agents and posh furniture shops of today
@@bcegerton - My boss circa 1983 went to view one of the shops opposite St John Street that had been closed for a few years, and ex car spares shop. He wanted more premises to expand the business. I went along with him to view this shop, the estate agent gave him the keys and told him to view whenever he liked. We entered the front of the shop and was greeted by an empty room albeit covered in old crumpled up newspapers scattered around the floor. There was no stairs up to the first floor, they were missing!! So we walked around this room, life on Deansgate passing by, and noted a trap door on the floor, yes, an cellar, had to be, they all had one. So we opened it and was greeted by the sight of what I can only say was an Aladdin's Cave of car parts, all piled up in a heap below the trap door, kind of like 'we're closing the business, but can't be bothered selling on or dumping the contents of the shop, what shall we do'? Everything got thrown down into the cellar. Me and the boss climbed down and spent over an hour cherry picking all sorts of car spare goodies! Everything from little pine air fresheners to car tyres. Needless to say, the boss didn't take the tenancy, but months later, a print company did, and we were surprised to see one day a skip arriving and the contents of this cellar emptied into it (with some bemused looking work men also cherry picking!). The 1980s and 1990s, the best time I think to live in Manchester. The hardship of Thatchers Manchester in the 80s. The changing times of the 90s. The music and the fashions. And of course, all this lost history.
Martin, back working in Spinnyfields for the week with a view of the old Granada complex again, back in April I said there seemed to be a void under water street where the canal went, well it seems now that they could have in covered some of the coveted part of the canal a little further in. If I remembered I'll bring in my camera tomorrow and get pics and post on your fave book page
Another great video Martin!. I’ve been on that tour myself that you went on. It’s very interesting down there. It’s a lost world. Look forward to your next video 👍
Yeah it is a shame. I think it was with the river and canals trust or something like that who we booked with. I think it would be good if the council could open all the underground tunnels and what not up to the public, but I don’t think that will ever happen.
I would like to see these series evolve into a PBS series one-day . Connecting urban , municipal , commercial , and industrial development history . This could start with Manchester and move on to other early industrialized cities . Move over Ken Burns , let's see the early industrial economic engine that drove the whole of modern history up to WW 2 .
Loving all of your videos. Really interest content, I've learnt a lot about my hometown. Please keep up the good work and sorry to hear about your drone. All the best!
The area under what is the railway warehouse and the end of Deansgate was called Alport. There were a number of little streets, presumably slum housing in that area cleared to build the warehouse.
Hi Martin great video interesting that the tunnels are still in use for modern forms of transport car park entrance and exits but only your videos reveal this information who would have known this without your vids Cheers Andy
I was born at 23 Byrom Street, 15th August 1958. I believe Camp Street and Artilary Street wihich straddle St. John's street are named due to the military camp that was there in the English Civil War, Manchester being a Cromwell strionghold. My sister and brother would play in St. John's gardens.
Another interesting video Martin, we don't know what,s underneath our feet, I went to The Manchester College of Building in Hardman St in 1965 which wasn't too far away.
Excellent video martin. Pity that the tours cannot be restarted. Also not far away you will no doubt have heard of Victoria arches on the banks of the irwell, that will surely be a worthwhile video on the current theme. There is so much of historical interest underneath the city just waiting to be discovered. Cheers. Nik.
Martin,me and my boyfriend have been watching your videos for months. You should go up-to 20 Stories rooftop bar! Amazing view of the whole of Manchester. You would love it!
Fascinating stuff Martin, I love the history of our canals. there is a very old widebeam working boat moored at Worsley that I cannot find anything about, its name is Weaver.
@@MartinZero I took a pic of it Martin and walked past it but I cannot find any info on it. It has been there about a year. We pass it on the way to Trafford Centre and like to walk around there.
Have you heard about the Concrete barges just off the ship canal in Lymm? Look at the M6 crossing the ship canal and follow to the right, there is a section coming south off the canal and you will see the barges! They are aground and one has been there so long, a full sized tree grows from the middle of it. Wood and steel were scarce during the war so they built barges out of concrete - or Ferrocrete. Yes, they floated! 3 are visible but there are another two hidden by trees.
Interesting! Have seen a few snippets of the canal before but had no idea about the tunnel under Lower Mosley St with its towpath stones intact. I'd love to go on one of the tours if they resumed. Wonder who ran them? The map shown approx 4 mins also shows an arm from the basin heading towards Oxford Rd then south to Bridgewater St. plus the 2 arms on the east side of Oxford Rd. Gawd I love old maps!
Fascinating, must have a look next time I'm in Manchester. BTW , who are the 6/8 people who always dislike your videos? I wonder if it's the same people each time?
Hi Martin, I presume You've seen Ken Howarth's video on the same subject? He's the guy they called to go down there in 1974 and it shows some great photos of the air raid shelter in particular
I used to work for Man City Council, one of the blokes I worked with parked his car adjacent to the tunnel which goes under Lower Mosley Street ..............caused quite a stir it was just before one of the Party Conferences at City Central (GMEX) he was lucky as it was being looked at by the bomb squad with a view to a controlled explosion.
Wow, Ive seen some old photo's of when a lot of the above ground bit was still around fascinating stuff disused tunnels, and like you say much of it near Gmex
No half of the canal is now filled in. Only the part around where I talk about the old Granada studios still has water in. Thats the final bit underground I couldnt show you
When I started working in 1974 on King Street, my Dad would sometimes give me a lift into town and he'd park in Watson Street car park. A few years later l used to park in the old Central Station after the tracks and were filled in, obviously. There are so many little corners of my home town that I never knew about. Thanks for another gem Martin.
You sir are BRILLIANT Thank you for your ability to follow through with your curiosity. Your story telling is captivating. Cheers from your fan club in Peru
It's so amazing that someone else is like me I'm always looking around for old ruins or tunnels etc. It's just little things like this that people would pass up and would never know that it played an important part in history. Keep up the amazing videos
Thanks Michael
One of my favorites so far. I remember reading about the rediscovery of the underground wharf of the Manchester & Salford canal. That was in the 1970s or 1980s I think.
Just imagine what a gaslit underground canal tunnel must have looked like. Spooky!
Again, brilliant work Martin!
You're a natural. The BBC needs to hire you. You're gold. Thanks for the videos! :)
Yeah. That would be a great show. 👍😊
@@marvinsmall5002 I agree. Would rescue the BBC I'm sure!
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I dont live in Manchester, visited many times down the years but your videos are SO good, you're making me want to move!!!!
I went on that underground tour as well. It's amazing the size of the spaces under Manchester. People just don't realise what's under their feet as they walk around.
As always...really enjoyed that. Fascinating!
I love your vids Martin, thank you for keeping me so entertained. I know of your other career as my missus has worked with you (she works in Bury normally but has spent time at your place) I admire your dedication to these videos on top of your other work 👍👍👍
I'd still love to make a virtual tour of old Manchester and new modern Manchester and different decades
Another great video. I wish they'd start those tours up again!!
Thank you Martin for this brilliant video. Have been watching all your work whilst in Lockdown and we go out every day and find something new with your help. Today we are going to try and retrace the route of this lost canal (as far as possible). I think that the Granada Studios are now blocked off sadly, but we will try and see what we can. Keep up the fantastic work - we LOVE it!
Martin, Spent a week in Manchester with a resident that hated his city! I am seeing and learning so much from you, wish I could visit from Virginia again!
Thats a shame Ken. You should come back
I remember seeing a video from the late 80s or early 90s that showed the rediscovery of the tunnel from the basement level of the Granada building. Fascinating to see the subterranean wharf down there. Yet again, another brilliant and educational video with great production work and spot on music.
Thank you Peter
Thank you Martin for this video presentation of Manchester`s Lost canal i enjoyed it
Amazing! Never knew about this link between Rochdale canal and the Irwell. In 1979(-ish) we took a narrow boat onto the Irwell via Hulme Locks (they had been restored). There was a festival of boats on the Irwell as it became navigable once more to as far just before the Salford crescent curves. We stopped at the bricked up arches that were high up on the wall near Manchester Cathedral (they were to do with the Victorian ferry boats I think). We got a ladder and went inside the arches, just lots of debris, toilets, blast doors, etc, seemingly once used as air raid shelters although some old posters there were from 1960s.
Wonderful video Martin really dig your passion and boundless enthusiasm really cheers me up in these strange times
Thanks very much Jimmy
@@MartinZero when I do my history of the msc I'd be honoured if you would collaborate on the Salford quays episode and help me decide where to stop you know the maze of waterways and canals in Manchester better than most....
Great work
Thanks for the memories.
I grew up in Manchester and your videos remind me of those days in the 1960,s.
Thank you very much.
Thanks David
I so hope they reinstate tours below The Great Northern Warehouse, would absolutely go in a heartbeat.
I went tahts the annoying thing. No camera 🙁
Just the most recent in a brilliant series of videos, thanks!
Thank you Simon
Amazing documentary, and beautifully produced - thank you..
That was fascinating Martin, another gem in Manchester
Cheers Craig
Fascinating. I can’t wait to go to Manchester again soon. I’ve watched your latest videos but now starting from the beginning. I’ll certainly see Manchester in a different light. Thank you so much for the really informative videos. Love your enthusiasm.
Thank you very much Judith
It always amazes me that all the old warehouses were 6 or 7 stories high, it must have been lots of work getting the goods to and from the top floors. Nowadays the containers are just put on the floor, and are carted off by lorry a.s.a.p. Nearly every local town had multi story warehouses.
Still catching up!!! Love the hidden histories that you "dig up", I think I know more about what's below than above, absolutely fascinating.
Thanks Bob
Very interesting martin hope there's more to come.
Thanks Jon, more to come
Brilliant, thanks a lot Martin. Dont go to Manchester nearly as often as i should and your tours / adventures are a real eye-opener! Take it easy.
Hello thanks very much. 👍
Nice one, Martin, always interesting
Martin, I have been in the tunnels under the Northern Warehouse as well. The piers and timber in the barge repair area are still there like you say. I went on the tour about 6 years ago or more. Alot of the tunnels are flooded now that lead up to Granada studios and they bricked the outlet up
I would love to go back, but apparently no one can get in now
You should be in a university or classroom for historical sciences. Your passions for history are contagious...
Thanks Christopher
Excellent Video one of your best 👋 I worked in the building 3.15 in last autumn- well done 👍 I liked
Thanks Nathan. Did you see any clues ?
Martin Zero the building is called Barborolli square- it was the glass one at 3.15 in your video - I didn’t see any clues that the canal used to be there - I always learn things from your videos well done 👋👋👋
So much history in Manchester (& the UK in general) & you do an excellent job of imparting it. I thoroughly enjoy your videos, thank you Martin, you're the toppermost of the poppermost! ;-)
😀😆Thank you Mike stay tuned then and I'll continue to try and be the Poppermost !!!😆
Fascinating story excellently researched and presented. Quite dramatic with great use of music. Some fascinating old photos. Helps to relate the Manchester of today to the lost Manchester of the past.
Thanks Aidan, I do find this canal particularly fascinating, obviously its the underground aspect that we all love 😀
Yes, I didn't go on the underground tour myself. I find tunnels a bit scary, I feel claustrophobic!
I could kick myself for not taking pics and video when I went down there 😡 I know what you mean with claustrophobia am not too bad as long as I can spread my arms out. Check out 'Medlock VI' for tunnels 😀👍
Pure belting!
An outstanding amount of knowledge and research must go into your videos
Thank you, yes I do like to fact find
I did that tour along that stretch of the canal .I remember he shone his torch up too the top of the vaulted roof and pointed out a man hole cove that was at the entrance or exit to the GMEX car park if I remember correctly .Not sure if it was on the Watson street side .A fair old drop from the Mosley St canal level.Loving the videos.Had similar fun trying to find the full route of the Salford /bolton/Bury canal on my bike.
Ahh yes I think I remember that. Such a good tour shame they stopped it
Lovely stuff Martin!
Thanks Ed 👍
It's actually easy to tell which of the tunnels led to the canal, Martin. Years ago there was an exploration and a few bricks were knocked out at about head height so that they poked a camera through. I've actually seen a video about it on here. That patch of replaced brick stands out and can easily be spotted. That is the canal tunnel.
I needed you at the time Brian
@@MartinZero You need me? Ha! I walk in your shadow, sir.
Watched again Martin thanks worked at Watson st NCL parcels 1969.john
Love this one Martin, great stuff as usual
Great video Martin. Following these routes on my lunchtime walks. Cheers for the education
Hi, Jo thank you. Don't get lost in them tunnels 😄
Hi Martin. Followed the route earlier today. Really enjoyed exploring the hidden history on this tour thanks to your vlog. The rear of the Georgian houses on camp st are v interesting! The exposed Stephenson's bridge looks fab. Found a wealth of info on the web, including this guide which shows the possible route under the car park arches.
www.canalscape.net/M%20&%20S%20J%20Canal/M%20&%20S%20J%20Canal.htm
Oh & yes, did get lost a little!
Hi Jo. Hope you didnt get too lost, I did to be honest around the exit from the carpark. Its a good resource that website 👍
Hi Martin. Did some searching on 28dayslater website. There's some awesome photos of all these underground networks. Amazing that people are willing to get waders on and discover! Searched for 'humpty' 'medlock' 'optimus prime' & came up with loads of great images. Keep up the great work : )
Hi Jo, ahh yes the big Humpty thats on the Medlock isnt it. That website is great 👍
10 Australian thumbs ups on this magnificent video
Im not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet, but on your old map where the canal goes into the tunnel is marked as "Alport Flow" - Alport Town was a district of Manchester that included over 300 houses. It was effectively wiped out by the construction of the Great Northern Warehouse and its ancillary buildings and roads in the 1890s
BTW, just wanted to add, I'm one of your new subscribers from the Trap Door vid... As not Manchester born & bred, but now living here, Im loving your vids nearly caught up to date now :) Keep up the amazing work & if you & Connor ever need a hand, I'm certainly in!
Thanks very much Jesus 😃
Fascinating stuff! Thanks for putting this together.
Thanks Jonathan
Nice video, Martin. The Manchester & Salford Junction Canal originated in the days when the Mersey & Irwell Navigation and the Bridgewater Canal were separate competing undertakings. The Mersey and Irwell wanted it's own connection with the Rochdale Canal and and secured their Act to build the M & S J in 1836, the link being completed in 1839. However the Bridgewater Canal had built their own link to the Mersey and Irwell, (Hulme Locks) in 1838. Most of the traffic then went via Hulme Locks (seen at the start and end of the video) and the M & S J was little used. When the Manchester Ship Canal was built, the Ship Canal Co. purchased both the Mersey and Irwell Navigation and the Bridgewater Canal so these became part of the same organisation. There was now no need for the separate connection via the M & S J and that is why it finally became disused around 1922, (not because of railway competition).
Thanks Ken I kinda say some of that in the video not in as much detail. But do you not agree by late 1800's the railways were serious competition for the canals ??? Is it not due to the railways that the canals became defunct. Is there not perhaps a shred of truth in what I say ?????
@@MartinZero Hi Martin. Believe me, I would not wish to criticise your excellent video but am just trying to add a little clarification on the historical aspects. (I have been interested in canal and railway history for many years). It is a commonly - held myth that the railways killed off the canals. Although it is true that many rural canals without any heavy industrial traffic went swiftly into decline following the building of competing railways, generally speaking the canals which did carry heavy bulk traffic between industrial areas, and to and from major ports, were little affected in traffic volume by the coming of the railways. A number of them reached their peak years around, and following, the start of the 20th Century, several decades later. Among these were the Bridgewater Canal, Leeds & LIverpool Canal, and others in the North-West. They had the advantage (for instance) that import cargoes could be discharged from ships overside into barges which could then proceed direct to the mills or factories, (often alongside a canal), or vice versa. Not many industrial premises had their own sidings so railway traffic often had to be carted to or from a railway goods yard. The opening of the Manchester Ship Canal Canal provided a further boost to canal traffic in the Manchester area.
It was the development of cheap road transport, (particularly after WW1, when many army surplus lorries were sold to private operators), that started to seriously damage canal traffic levels (and also railway traffic levels) in industrial areas like the North-West.
Of course there is truth in what you say about the railways in the video but I thought I'd just try to add a little perspective. Keep up the good work! Best regards, Ken
@@kenlowe3673 Thanks Ken. I think I read your comment at 06.30 in the morning and took it the wrong way. Sorry to come across a bit sharp. But the passion in the videos spills out sometimes. Many thanks for the info. You are a good source to know. My regards Martin 👍🏼
Excellent video Martin. It's worth also making clear that most (all maybe?) of the black and white photos at the end of the video are of Hulme locks rather than the M&SJC.
Amazing video Martin. Unbelievable when you think of da engineering to construct da canals and tunnels back in da day👍
Yeah plus incredible to think most of it is still there under Manchester
Brilliant work, many thanks! Anyone else commented so far about it being ALPORT TOWN at 8:55? All the Best!
Hi Bob many thanks for subscribing. No, but thanks I couldnt' figure that one out 👍
F.e.a.r -brilliant and supreme video -brickwork, canals and river irwell rules methnks!
Getting better every time.
Thanks very much James 👍
Another utterly fascinating video! I worked on Deansgate in the early to mid 80s in a shop opposite St John Street and never knew ANY of this, especially the tunnels under the shop. A few things I remember (all from memory so I stand to be corrected). All the shops along Deansgate below the goods warehouse, they all had cellars. In our shop in the corner of the cellar we had an enclosed toilet cubicle and sink. Next to the sink was a small grid, and this grid was forever over flowing from use of the toilet and sink. We had a plumber that would come around now and again and he would state that it was to do with the main sewer pipe along Deansgate not sunk deep enough thus not allowing waste water to drain properly especially when it was heavy rain outside (could it be because of the hidden tunnel running across Deansgate stopping the sewer pipe from been dug deeper?). Next, long before the GMex and everything else came along, sometimes me and a mate would take our lunch breaks exploring the back of our shop between the goods warehouse. I swear there was rusting iron pipes protruding from the ground and one was just the right height to put your head over and listen, and there was the sound of running water...! Its all changed around there now. The AMC cinema was just derelict ground 1981 - 1985 when I worked there. Full of rubbish and pigeons. It annoys me now, in 2018 that I didn't take pictures, documentary evidence of a long gone hidden history. Anyway, well done Martin, another great video.
Hello thats great info. Yes possibly the reason the main sewer wasn't deep enough. We will never know. The amount of times I wish I had taken pics in the 80's early 90's OMG we live and learn. thanks for the comment much appreciated 👍
I remember those cellars, when I was little in the late 70s my dad worked at a car carpet place on that row. Bit different than the restaurants, estate agents and posh furniture shops of today
@@bcegerton - My boss circa 1983 went to view one of the shops opposite St John Street that had been closed for a few years, and ex car spares shop. He wanted more premises to expand the business. I went along with him to view this shop, the estate agent gave him the keys and told him to view whenever he liked. We entered the front of the shop and was greeted by an empty room albeit covered in old crumpled up newspapers scattered around the floor. There was no stairs up to the first floor, they were missing!! So we walked around this room, life on Deansgate passing by, and noted a trap door on the floor, yes, an cellar, had to be, they all had one. So we opened it and was greeted by the sight of what I can only say was an Aladdin's Cave of car parts, all piled up in a heap below the trap door, kind of like 'we're closing the business, but can't be bothered selling on or dumping the contents of the shop, what shall we do'? Everything got thrown down into the cellar. Me and the boss climbed down and spent over an hour cherry picking all sorts of car spare goodies! Everything from little pine air fresheners to car tyres. Needless to say, the boss didn't take the tenancy, but months later, a print company did, and we were surprised to see one day a skip arriving and the contents of this cellar emptied into it (with some bemused looking work men also cherry picking!). The 1980s and 1990s, the best time I think to live in Manchester. The hardship of Thatchers Manchester in the 80s. The changing times of the 90s. The music and the fashions. And of course, all this lost history.
Thank you again. Really enjoy your films. I was brought up in the black country so I especially like the canal films. 😊
Very very cool! I'm loving finding out all this history about my city that I never knew about, thanks Martin!
No problem thanks for watching 😀
Martin Zero no problem buddy! Keep up the quality content! 👌
I would so love seeing beneath the warehouse,Great Northern,as you were able to do. Hope they reinstate the tours.
Brilliant video! I had no idea this canal had ever existed!
Thank you for all the hard work you must have put in to Make this video, I am from Manchester☺
Hi Kevin, thanks. I do enjoy it so its not that hard, but thanks for watching 👍😃
Martin, back working in Spinnyfields for the week with a view of the old Granada complex again, back in April I said there seemed to be a void under water street where the canal went, well it seems now that they could have in covered some of the coveted part of the canal a little further in. If I remembered I'll bring in my camera tomorrow and get pics and post on your fave book page
I think I know where you mean, I was there today with my camera
Brilliant video ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hi Martin I also went on one of those tours and have always wandered if there is anything left under the Granada studios thanks Geoff
Excellent video dude, great content, great history. 👍🇬🇧
Another Brilliant video Martin
Thank you Neil 👍
Excellent work...more please!
Hi Owen, thank you. More to come 👍
Fantastic video Martin. I'm going to visit the tunnel next time in Manchester.
Hi Maria thank you, yes its good to trace the route 👍
Another great little film Martin you are a font of all knowledge I’ve been to locks at the Granada and often thought why they were there no I know
Cheers Brian, its an odd little canal.
This is a great video Martin. nice one!
Thank you very much
Another great video Martin!. I’ve been on that tour myself that you went on. It’s very interesting down there. It’s a lost world. Look forward to your next video 👍
Such a shame they stopped it, cheers
Yeah it is a shame. I think it was with the river and canals trust or something like that who we booked with. I think it would be good if the council could open all the underground tunnels and what not up to the public, but I don’t think that will ever happen.
Really interesting stuff mate, thanks for doing this. Imagine going back in time!
Cheers Pal 👍
I took my oldest grandson on the Manchester Underground tour early in 2011. Who knows, we might have been on the same trip as you!
I would like to see these series evolve into a PBS series one-day . Connecting urban , municipal , commercial , and industrial development history . This could start with Manchester and move on to other early industrialized cities . Move over Ken Burns , let's see the early industrial economic engine that drove the whole of modern history up to WW 2 .
Loving all of your videos. Really interest content, I've learnt a lot about my hometown. Please keep up the good work and sorry to hear about your drone. All the best!
Hello Umar. Many thanks for watching and supporting me. Really pleased you enjoy the video's. The drone met a watery grave, never mind lol 😆
The area under what is the railway warehouse and the end of Deansgate was called Alport. There were a number of little streets, presumably slum housing in that area cleared to build the warehouse.
Thanks for sharing
Hi Martin great video interesting that the tunnels are still in use for modern forms of transport car park entrance and exits but only your videos reveal this information who would have known this without your vids
Cheers
Andy
Hi Andy, thanks mate, I just so wish there were more clues along the upper route or we could get beneath the Great Northern. Thanks 🙂
I love your videos man. Very interesting finding out all the secrets of Manchester :)
Much appreciated, thank you
Great educational video 👍😊
Wow this was really informative. Always wondered why that bit by GMEX was a dead end
Cheers Jim
Wow stunning detective work...
I am working in the bridgewater hall soon I will have a look around...
Yeah you should. Its right on top of it
another great video martin.
Thank you Dave 👍
Ive been down under the Great Northern on a tour and my other halfs been under Manchester Central it's all still there
I was born at 23 Byrom Street, 15th August 1958. I believe Camp Street and Artilary Street wihich straddle St. John's street are named due to the military camp that was there in the English Civil War, Manchester being a Cromwell strionghold. My sister and brother would play in St. John's gardens.
Another interesting video Martin, we don't know what,s underneath our feet, I went to The Manchester College of Building in Hardman St in 1965 which wasn't too far away.
Hi Terry, Thanks very much, yep thats just round the corner isnt it ?
LOVED this video!!!!! This stuff fascinates me!!!
Hi Thanks very much. Me too love underground stuff 😃
Excellent video martin. Pity that the tours cannot be restarted. Also not far away you will no doubt have heard of Victoria arches on the banks of the irwell, that will surely be a worthwhile video on the current theme. There is so much of historical interest underneath the city just waiting to be discovered. Cheers. Nik.
Hi Nik thanks again. Yes I know of the Arches, I have seen vids exploring them but need to get the details if I do a vid.
Great video ..
Thanks Maxwell
Martin,me and my boyfriend have been watching your videos for months. You should go up-to 20 Stories rooftop bar! Amazing view of the whole of Manchester. You would love it!
Hello Orla, hey thanks for watching. I haven't heard of that bar, ill google it and try it thanks
Great video and very interesting 👍🏻
Thanks Garry
Great informative video Martin👍
Thanks very much, I love that Canal 👌
Fascinating stuff Martin, I love the history of our canals. there is a very old widebeam working boat moored at Worsley that I cannot find anything about, its name is Weaver.
Hi Philip not been to Worsley I really should, If I see that boat I will get a pic for you
@@MartinZero I took a pic of it Martin and walked past it but I cannot find any info on it. It has been there about a year. We pass it on the way to Trafford Centre and like to walk around there.
Nice work, another great video. I like just about all of your videos, but this one was especially interesting
Thanks very much
Have you heard about the Concrete barges just off the ship canal in Lymm? Look at the M6 crossing the ship canal and follow to the right, there is a section coming south off the canal and you will see the barges! They are aground and one has been there so long, a full sized tree grows from the middle of it. Wood and steel were scarce during the war so they built barges out of concrete - or Ferrocrete. Yes, they floated! 3 are visible but there are another two hidden by trees.
Thanks Nick I think a visit that way is due
@@MartinZero I'd be happy to show you round! Google Bignickb concrete barges and my pics should show up.
Interesting!
Have seen a few snippets of the canal before but had no idea about the tunnel under Lower Mosley St with its towpath stones intact.
I'd love to go on one of the tours if they resumed. Wonder who ran them?
The map shown approx 4 mins also shows an arm from the basin heading towards Oxford Rd then south to Bridgewater St. plus the 2 arms on the east side of Oxford Rd. Gawd I love old maps!
Yeah me to. Love old maps, those streets as well gone forever. Cant remember who ran the tours, but easy to book at the time
Interesting video as always Martin, thank you for making them. 14:19 - did you say Grape St or Grave St? Not heard of that place before.
Fascinating, must have a look next time I'm in Manchester. BTW , who are the 6/8 people who always dislike your videos? I wonder if it's the same people each time?
I think it could be Stephen 😄
top video again mate - thanks :D
Thank you
LOVE IT.
Thanks James 👍
Brilliant again. Have you looked at Wilburn Basin (near where Trinity Way crosses the River Irwell)? What was it used for?
More more video's mate you've found your talent ,😉👍
Thank you very much
Hi Martin, I presume You've seen Ken Howarth's video on the same subject? He's the guy they called to go down there in 1974 and it shows some great photos of the air raid shelter in particular
Would be excellent if they could do a virtual reality tour of these canals as they were back in the day put the headgear on and walk these canals
I used to work for Man City Council, one of the blokes I worked with parked his car adjacent to the tunnel which goes under Lower Mosley Street ..............caused quite a stir it was just before one of the Party Conferences at City Central (GMEX) he was lucky as it was being looked at by the bomb squad with a view to a controlled explosion.
Wow, Ive seen some old photo's of when a lot of the above ground bit was still around fascinating stuff disused tunnels, and like you say much of it near Gmex
IS there still water "running" under the concrete pavment or has the canal been completly pourred with concrete?
No half of the canal is now filled in. Only the part around where I talk about the old Granada studios still has water in. Thats the final bit underground I couldnt show you