local history

Canal Street in the 1880s: Ginger Liz, Cockney Jim and Dirty Alf

In the 1880s the Manchester Evening News published a series of articles which were then gathered together in a book called “Criminal Manchester.” One chapter is “Canal Street: Ginger Liz and Cockney Alf.” You can download a PDF of the whole book here, courtesy of Chetham’s Library. And here’s Chapter X about Canal Street: CRIMINAL Canal Street in the 1880s: Ginger Liz, Cockney Jim and Dirty Alf

Tram lines on Peter Street

The water company is digging up the road at the junction of Deansgate and Peter Street. They’re replacing the old Victorian water pipes.

Manchester Then and Now: Sackville Street, St. Luke’s Church, Chorlton On Medlock

In Victorian times, the southern part of Sackville Street was called Zara Street. The road used to run right into the north-eastern part of Chorlton On Medlock and, after crossing Mount Street, was called Rutland Street. Later, Rutland Street was renamed St. Luke’s Street. Then, in the 1960’s, the Mancunian Way (motorway) was built and Manchester Then and Now: Sackville Street, St. Luke’s Church, Chorlton On Medlock

Most Haunted: Coronation Street

On YouTube I found an episode of Most Haunted from 2005 in which they visit the studios and outdoor set of Coronation Street. The studio is built on a former graveyard they claim. This is not the 1960’s Granada block but a studio that was constructed next to Lower Byrom Street in the late 1980’s. Most Haunted: Coronation Street