Five hidden historic gems ?

In this weeks video we find five hidden historic gems that are still in place after the passing of time. A historical journey. Located in Manchester these five historical artefacts have managed to survive, We find a lost waterway the Clayton Dingle now culverted in a pipe. We see some wooden cobblestones put in place by an 19th century hospital so the horses and carts did not make too much noise and disturb the patients. We then see an old factory chimney from an old works by the river Medlock. Then we find an old canal towpath bridge still surviving long after the canal has been filled in. It was on the stockport branch canal in Manchester. Finally we visit the Cadishead railway viaduct. A remarkable piece of railway architecture. This video is a historical journey around Manchester looking at some amazing architecture from the victorian era and the industrial revolution.

[@pwhitewick]

Love that trip on the viaduct... my legs would have had a right wobble on!!

[@MartinZero]

Oh yeah, good to finally get on to it after our trip a few years ago. But definitely concerning to walk over with all those rusty bits

[@stephenedwards7896]

I was born May 1953 in Rusholme. I really enjoy these videos. I left Manchester in 1976 and now live in NZ

[@marcomcdowell8861]

I've been binge watching this great program. Americans don't care to admit it, but the history of the UK is a part of the history of the USA. It's fascinating to see buildings/ infrastructure built a century/centuries before, still in use or preserved versus being dug up or knocked over.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Marco glad you enjoyed

[@theurbanlegenduk1760]

Martin should have knocked on my door for a cup of tea and a slice of cake 🍰 that was a bridge over nowhere 💯💖👍

[@TalesOfWar]

My "that's ruddy high! DO NOT WANT!" instincts kicked in when you showed the rusting viaduct deck.

[@janettetaylor8760]

I always cycle on the towpath of the canals and it's beaks my heart as I love history about our country

[@Phil-M0KPH]

The “Five Things” videos are a great way of showing items of interest that don’t warrant a video of their own. Keep up the good work.

[@redsteadyon]

Fantastic, Hidden Industrial History, World Building Grandparents.......👣🛠

[@SJFrzrbrn]

If you're not getting grant money for the stellar, top-notch quality, educational and entertaining documentary videos you're making from the various departments and governments in the areas you film it's freaking crime against humanity.

[@peterstecks7660]

5 survivors and 2 heroes. Thanks guys.

[@roytabberer7427]

Absolutely loved the 5 little historical survivors that you have shown us today. Thank you.

[@thewizard_22uk52]

The old tested by time wooden cobbles outlasting the modern, Always amazed me. Local councils love their tarmac, Then residents complain of cars speeding (Never would have that problem with cobbles) I guess the old is win win situation Martin :)

[@nigeldewallens1115]

That was utterly delightful to see those little nuggets of history and as you said! survivors 😊😉👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👌

[@jools1978]

Here in Vancouver there are a number of streets in the older parts of the city that were paved with wooden blocks, and you can still see them through the asphalt when it breaks down. In this case I believe it was done just because there was so much wood available, and stone cobbles were only used on hills that were steep enough that the horses needed the extra traction.

[@Aengus42]

I'm a brit & I visited Vancouver in 2000. I was in Stanley Park I think & it said "This way to the heritage building." How could I resist! So I followed the signs. Past what I thought was the gardener's shed & I carried on. I found another sign pointing backwards. I thought someone must've turned the sign around. Still no old buildings so I carried on. Then I got to another sign pointing back the way I came. So thinking I'd missed something I turned around & started back. Same deal? Aaargh! Past the storage shed for the gardeners (I guessed) tge signs started pointing backwards. I saw two Mounties on mountain bikes. "Ahaa! I'll ask for directions." I explained about the signs & everything and they looked a bit miffed... One of them said "It's not the gardener's tool shed. That's the heritage building! Bugger! I think I upset them. It was made of wooden slats painted green. Over here it would've been a perfect gardener's tool shed & shelter when it rained. I realised I'd have to adjust what I thought of as old while I was in BC. I wish I could apologise to those Mounties! I really didn't mean to upset them! I think it was the old tram shed... If they hadn't painted it in British Racing Green that we now use for park benches & sheds maybe I wouldn't've made such a mistake! My host laughed her socks off when I got back to her house in N.Van. 😳

[@allangibson8494]

Wooden blocks were also commonly used on tram lines to ease track maintenance…

[@lesbendo6363]

I'm from Vancouver, where are the wooden cobbles? I know Venables east of Victoria has the old stone cobbles with the tram lines in place. 🇨🇦

[@jools1978]

@@lesbendo6363 generally east of Main and north of Hastings, scattered about here and there, but I know I've seen a bunch along Alexander. Used to wander around there a lot doing photography, haven't in a while though...

[@MrZcar350]

For wooden roads, you also have the plank roads which popped up in Canada and the United States in the first half of the 19th century. IIRC, Danforth Avenue in Toronto was one such plank road.

[@devilman1976]

The cadishead viaduct I was on the team about 10-15 years ago repainting the concrete filled containers that are "supposed" to stop people accessing the structure.

[@4623620]

An interview with Geoffrey Ashworth (the person, his book and other things) with pictures and video fragments from places discussed would be quite interesting ❗

[@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF]

I agree, an informal chat with Geoffrey would be fascinating and thanks to him for letting you refer to his book.

[@4623620]

@@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF Your idea of an informal chat is even better than an official interview ❗ A chat, a brew an some cones. 👌😉👍

[@richardborrell443]

It is tricky finding the location of this "Clayton Dingle" on the old maps. What I do find in the OS 25-inch maps, roughly in the same location, is Sunny Bank Brook. This makes me think that Clayton Dingle is actually the wooded area through which the brook flows. Another very interesting video Martin.

[@jetsons101]

Martin, you have so much history and little historical "GEMS" all over the Manchester area, you'll be busy making videos for years. At 17:07 The River Medlock was so wide, amazing how narrow it is now. James is a man of few words...... Thanks to the team for another great watch.

[@davidmunro1469]

Thank you Martin. I like that chimmney. That rail bridge made me feel like holding on😂😂😂

[@Urbexy]

Great little finds. That bridge in the middle of the modern estate was brilliant. If anything it will secure its future. The chimney is lucky. Fred Dibnah would have taken that down for £100, a pint and some cheese sandwiches. 🙂

[@adambrown2626]

Love it....cobbles taken in dry conditions......but still wet, all the best from the lucky country (Australia).

[@mileshigh1321]

The Clayton DIngle...lest we never forget!

[@MartinZero]

We will never forget The Dingle

[@ronm3245]

Every time my seborrhea flares up, a little peace and quiet clears it right up.

[@navigator902]

Lovely, Now when I look at a chimney, I'll think of screw stoppers.... Cheers Gents, Loved the video, and the brew.

[@followthetrawler]

Felt physically sick at the last shot down to the MSC so thanks for that! Some great finds there.

[@ianhudson2193]

Shame that hospital was demolished.... Thanks for some more little gems....

[@alecoldroyd6213]

Love the way that Google maps lists the Cherry Avenue bridge as "temporarily closed"!

[@AndrewG1989]

That steam locomotive in green is just gorgeous. Brilliant video once again.

[@brianberthold3118]

Nothing better then to have a stress filled week of fixing and reinstalling Windows on a PC for a week and as soon as you finish you see a new Martin Zero vid ... PERFECT TIMING!!!!

[@SeahamV2]

Your videos are better than any history lesson at school.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks 😀

[@SeahamV2]

@@MartinZero Dude I'm 40+ lol. These will go way beyond mate.

[@lygase]

Seeing that Chimney in the woods reminded me of Cheesden Lumb Mill in Rochdale. There is a bloody massive Chimney further up the valley stood lonely in the woods, well worth a visit Martin.

[@BombsGaspan]

Great to see some uncelebrated history of our lands being documented. Cheers Martin!

[@paulshut34]

Interesting... Who'd of thought we'd have hidden gems around Manchester 👍

[@elizabethannferrario7113]

Hi Martin ,Amazing , History under your nose ! fabulous guys thank you for showing us these remarkable treasures which i doubt will be around for much longer , but great to see , my regards love liz xxxx

[@havingalook2]

So enjoyed that Martin, always a pleasure too to see your James. Favourite - hump bridge to nowhere in the new build. Beautiful construction. Well done.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers 👍

[@garybuck7684]

Enjoy your videos. I live in the American desert and have limited temporary mobility so your vids mean a lot to me. Thanks for you efforts. The chimney in the woods was intriguing.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Gary

[@pauloconnor2980]

What a beautiful old chimney @ 18:22!!!!

[@jennythescouser]

Love it. I have a sneaking suspicion that the wooden cobbles may have been installed for the reason 'Artilery Street' has it's name and not because of the hospital (we're talking about a time when small kids where sent up chimnies, so I doubt they'd re-cobble a whole street for skin patients). I think the wooden cobbles may have been to prevent sparks being generated (if there was a gunpowder factory nearby). Just guessing. ... and OOOOOO get her.... nearly at 100K ... Sooner or later someone will have to do something about Cadishead and Latchford viaducts before some poor boat owner finds half a bridge on his deck.

[@bobmcdermott9535]

The bollards look like they were redundant canons! Many London bollards are canons turned upside down!

[@steamingalan]

My thoughts exactly

[@garywyse3904]

That makes more sense Jenny, they would probably be more concerned about a coal product going in or residue of some volatile chemical coming out.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Jenny. There wasn’t a gunpowder factory nearby. The wooden cobbles are there for the reason mention in the video. I see your reasoning though. Artillery street related to Bonnie Prince Charlie using the area as a gun park. The wooden cobbles came way after that.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Gary it doesn’t “make more sense”. See the answer I gave Jenny above

[@darren6531]

I'm sure we used to call that yellow brick road as a kid, where the canal towpath is. Being brought up in Openshaw I find this so fascinating. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@walterlangston4484]

this is the best time of year to go to old mining towns and railway towns and just film what's left of McKendree hospital deep in the woods fun back story about that one

[@paulnightingale9956]

Another excellent video bud I'm a Stockport lad living in Wales it's great to see the old sites More remains of the Stockport branch can be seen in reddish and at nelstrop mill Stockport

[@lotty468]

This 'close ' history keeps me reminded of the transience of human life's brief span.

[@brettjones5041]

love the old stuff mate keep it alive for generations to see and wonder top vid .

[@UsualmikeTelevision]

Fantastic video. I really enjoy watching your videos as I find the history around Manchester very fascinating.

[@petefrys545]

The stoppers you show as Ebionite look like the old stoppers they used on bottles of Tizer in the 50s/60s. Great vid as usual.

[@wowwowwow1795]

I love the atmospheric music at 4:20 it’s beautiful and haunting at the same time.

[@mikeperry5838]

love you vis martin takes me back when i was young living around the area , we use to call that part of the river medlock the red river because it was next too philips park cemetry

[@toomdog]

You showed us the bridge over nothing, but here about halfway between Davenport and Muscatine Iowa, we have a former bridge over nothing. A rail line ran north/south. A road came through running east/west, so they built up earthen ramps and a concrete bridge over the rails. After some time, the railroad closed and the tracks were removed. It then became a bridge over nothing. After more time, they came through with a new east/west road that passed south of the bridge over nothing within visual distance. Once the new road was in service, they demolished the old road and the bridge, but left the earthen approaches. So it’s now a former bridge over nothing.

[@brianwatson3705]

"5 things" could a great series for your channel

[@alanlake5220]

Future generations will have so much to thank you for in years to come Martin, for filming and documenting Manchester and surrounding areas, Industrial history and past, and who knows if enough people find out what is left, it may help it being preserved and not pulled down or built over. Thanks .

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thank you another walk down the past times in England. Always and interesting trip. Cheers to you both! See you on the next!

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Martin

[@wacholder5690]

I'd had liked the chimney too. Stands out a bit lonesome in that area. But: still standing. Thanks again for sharing !

[@MartinZero]

I cant believe I never saw it in summer

[@caz-nbgalatea1528]

Love the vlogs. Love all The old waterways you unearth that has been forgotten.

[@sputumtube]

Another great video. I very much appreciate the old photographs of the places you visit as it makes them all the more real (and a bit sad that they've gone). However, if you say "without further ado" one more time, I'm going to blow up a church..!!!! ;)

[@dtb2654]

some great snippets of lost history Martin, great video again, thanks 😁👍

[@esdeekay4344]

Interesting video. It's a shame the old buildings were replaced. In my country, they are renovated and converted into apartments or lofts .

[@Jimyjames73]

Hiya - Chapter 1 - Your sure it wasn't paint being chucked down the dingle??? 😀 Chapter 2 - Now I'm intrigued about that new building 🤔 Chapter 3 - Interesting how things have changed over time 🙂Chapter 4 - A Random Chimney in the middle of the woods - ok 🙂Chapter 5 - Yes I remember that bridge vid you did with the Whitewicks 🙂🚂🚂🚂

[@DF.303]

Hi Martin, I regularly walk along Byrom Street and didn't know that! I was amazed when I investigated the pot holes ans seen the wooden cobbles! Keep up the great videos.

[@uppyraptor49]

I noticed the A57 on there have you ever thought of following the run of trunk roads, the A57 went fom liverpool to lincoln going thru my home town of hyde? It has changed so much especially since the M67 was built!👍👍

[@earlt.7573]

Fantastic stuff, as always !!! Don't worry Martin, you are not the only one who gets excited over these types of finds, I think there's real magic in finding and appreciating these clues to how things used to be. Direct links to the people of those times and their everyday world. THANKS !!!

[@nablicman]

Love this series Martin and i am total with you that chimney is fabulous.

[@MartinZero]

Hello ✋ you ok

[@nablicman]

@@MartinZero Champion thanks.😁

[@shirleylynch7529]

Fantastic. Absolutely brilliant. Going to watch the vlog with the whitewicks you mentioned, Thank you.

[@dulciemargaretcolton145]

That was really interesting Martin, we loved the little lonely chimney. We used to have a Impriel Leather soap factory in Nottingham, when it was all demolished they left the chimney which now stands all alone lol

[@mileshigh1321]

5 fun fact filled segments! I think I started watching the Whitewicks after your collaboration with them back in 2018 !

[@MartinZero]

Yeah they were fledglings back then 😆

[@hrothgar2002]

So enjoy watching your videos! As a ( long) exiled Manc it is great to be reminded and often re- educated (!!) about some of the fascinating history of the city and its environs! You really should have your own TV show!!

[@mlfett6307]

Lovely! Thanks for sharing - from Ottawa, Canada.

[@darreno9874]

Hi Martin you have got to get a camera along the piped Clayton Dingle, maybe mounted on a radio controlled car or use drain rods attached to a 2 wheel truck. I would love to see if it connects to the mine. Love the video. God bless

[@richardross7219]

I'm a retired Civil Engineer and am interested in history. I really enjoy your videos. Well done. Good Luck, Rick

[@raybeaumont7670]

Cheers lads. Another assortment of little gems. Please keep 'em coming - and the spoon handy.

[@michaelbolt4530]

Amazing video i need to visit Manchester without wife kids so I can look at old stuff

[@jimhammond6395]

Love you 2 you make a good double act is James your long lost son ha ha keep safe you 2

[@MrLargePig]

Absolute gems, there, Martin.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@lescampbell4196]

I liked the stopper works, my dad used to get bottled beer from Ash and Nephew off licence in Flixton in the 60s,and they always had those stoppers in, like a very hard rubber

[@peterkilvert2712]

Just seen this and enjoyed it very much. Good research about the Clayton Dingle. That chimney was a great find. That footbridge over the arm of the Stockport branch is also a great find and a big thank you to the people who decided to keep it. There is a similar bridge at the north end of the Stockport Branch where it meets the Ashton Canal. Also the bridge where Ashton Old Road goes over the filled-in Stockport Branch. Re Cadishead viaduct: on the the Partington side of the MSC there are still some stone abutments of the original low-level railway bridge that went over the River Mersey. (Hopefully they are still there). Enter from Manchester Road along side the high level embankment and Saica paper works. About 300 yards along the path. Many thanks for sharing. Pete

[@davidclark3603]

Incredible and intriguing. The antiquity value is priceless. Valueless to the vulgar. Absolutely brilliant, again! Thanks!

[@wideyxyz2271]

I love the signal garden at the end! And a great video as always!

[@mrbillmacneill]

Very interesting ! It took a bit but I found the chimney on Google earth. it casts a nice shadow. I honestly believe i could find my way around Manchester now... or at least along the canals and the rivers. Thanks for the trip!

[@sarahduffy3118]

Bloody loved this video, thanks Martin! Its right up my street.

[@christophernorton33]

Very interesting video Martin. The fact they used wooden cobles next to the hospital is an amazing find. I wonder what sort of wood Maybe Oak or elm. Very enjoyable video thank you.👍😃

[@stephenw2992]

They used to export Blue Gum slabs to Britain for paving roads from down here in Tasmania. That is a proper hardwood.

[@carlbentley80]

Fantastic, very interesting. I love the chimney.

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

Beautiful steam locomotive in the background. Special facts, such as the wooden street near the hospital.

[@daystatesniper01]

Cracking video ,the canal bridge is a amazing survivor !!

[@gavinstirling7088]

Really loved every minute of this video and all your other ones too. Excellent work putting them together.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Gavin

[@pilpelet100]

Thanks Martin. That was great. I remember the railway and the Cadishead viaduct from my childhood, travelling to see relatives in Glazebrook. Long ago!!

[@nikbennett4894]

Superb. Really enjoy these 5 things video, Martin. Cheers for doing them!

[@DILITANTE]

visited the spur/maintenace depot, schooltrip from Varna Street school about 1955.it was in use at that time.

[@brianartillery]

I love your 'portmanteau' videos, Martin - like a bag of Woolworth's 'Pick 'n' mix' - lots of nice little bits to enjoy. 'Clayton Dingle' sounds like the name of a 'resting' stage actor, or a character from a P.G. Wodehouse novel. Nice one.

[@Dave64track]

Great vlog these little gems you keep finding are really interesting when you show the place on a map along side an old map it just tells a real story of how these places have changed I like that. Autumn is a great time to explore like James said it's just a different world with all the bracken and weeds dying back you can see a lot more.

[@normanwallace7658]

I grew up in Paddington London when they dug up the Tram Tracks along the Harrow Road the tracks were set in Wooden Sets!! free firewood full of Bitumen to extend the London Smog?? also the Gateshead Viaduct by the way it's decaying must be made of Wrought Iron ?? love the Vids your a group after me own Heart!!

[@mansdaz]

Thanks for the upload Martin we enjoyed watching.

[@steveheslop553]

Hello Martin. Love watching your videos . One you've done a few days ago about Cherry Avenue brought a child hood memory back to me. My grandfather had his coal business were Cherry Avenue is now, back in the 1930's it was a railway yard with coal wagons coming in from the link at Gorton Station. You say in the video that Cherry Avenue is in Clayton but it's in Gorton. Also the canal was a link into Stockport passing through Debdale Park and Gorton Lower Reservoir. I also know what the rusty pipe into the River Medlock is for and the chimney stood on it own you came across off Bank Street. Also something you will be interested in a faw miles up the River Medlock is the old Airplane dump that was still there up until the mid 1980's I have photos of the Airplane dump from the 1950's and 1970's Regards. Steve H.

[@spitfire1962]

Keeping the history of the Industrial Revolution alive. Great video.

[@rstormo68]

Its quite smitting to see your enthusiasm over the small everyday things..

[@Sweetjudiblueyes]

Love the music & every thing about your videos! My forebears came from there (Macclesfield) to Paterson, NJ to the Mills so found you that way! Many thanks!

[@davidahugill9614]

We’ve got wooden setts in Lancaster up Penny St . At the bottom of Penny St there is Horseshoe Corner , reputed to be where John O Gaunt ‘s horse shed a shoe on the way up to Lancaster Castle . Cheers DaveH

[@lairdstephenrousek.r.o.6505]

Love to go back in time

[@sgresh8549]

Very informative as ever love these little snippets of history

[@derelictmanchester8745]

Cadishead...awesome...👍👍🏆I think Connor did this one, but just a snipe shot..

[@l30njam3s]

That was mint... dear POP can you make a James with a bru a spoon and a spare one 😆

[@crazyblindguy]

VERY AMAZING VIDEO WELL DONE AND KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AND I LOVE LISTENING TO YOUR VIDEOS