Manchester's Lost Island of Pomona

[@mickydub3]

LOVE THE PASSION FOR THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER ................. " GREAT JOB "

[@stephensomersify]

Very well researched - professionally presented - If only history were taught like that in my school days

[@gilgammesh1]

These videos always make me wish i could go back and just see these sights in person.

[@MartinZero]

Me to, me to. I long to see it.....😩

[@MrDegsy69]

Grass Mask Ovelord i did manage to see it one time in my life from a glass roofed tourist barge similar to ones in Amsterdam sometime around 1970 on a school trip when i was in infant school. The view of the working docks was truly awe aspiring and has stayed with me for the rest of my life. I am 57 years of age but just wish our family could have afforded a roll film camera back then.

[@clarenicola1]

Sounds like it definitely left it's Mark on you.

[@johnturner45]

Martin you are probably the best producer on KZbin the work that goes in to making your videos is better than anything on TV. My friend you are the most informative and entertaining person on KZbin. You bring history alive. Keep up the good work

[@jamie7056]

Fascinating film Martin,you put such a lot of work into these.Thanks for making,much appreciated-better than the telly anyday

[@MartinZero]

Mike thank you so much, means a lot 👍

[@thedr.feelgood]

YES .... These clearly take a lot of planning , and carrying out. Informative and enjoyable, just great !

[@petemoore6590]

T.V. Is doomed with this quality of video, who needs them, well done Martin.

[@davidmg1925]

exactly

[@rossmercer8894]

Fascinating but unfortunately i sence all bull shite. ...your guy didn't build the palace, it was already there. ..n your factory explosion story, with its walls clearly still intact, damaged the nearby palace structure? THE MASSIVE SOLID STONE PALACE, r u kidding, but the "smaller" Albert Hall survived the blitz? Come on pal...all cos door men wouldn't let him in a party, ha. And where's your photographic evidence of him building his palace, where's the statue to this great man, know ones never even heard of him. Surprised Brunel didn't build it. Ha ha. So I wonder the real reason it got demolished? eerrrrm...cos it doesn't fit in, cos it doesn't make any sense, cos it was to good architectural looking..cos we dont know who constucted it and what it was realy for ....cos stuff needs reseting..., cos a guy smoking his pipe? cos we carnt build anything nearly as good these days ...cos it doesn't fit the time line. Dunno... it's a mystery not history. It's clearly a made up story and was demolished on perpose, just like Dresden. And as long as people belive in this fancy full nonsense will get know where. Apart from that, great manc video. peace.

[@nicksmith3704]

Martin,it was my uncle Albert who owns it, I worked on it in 1975 76, it used to have the kitchens at the back, all the waste got thrown out of the port holes. You could see rats running round the edge. At xmas when it got busy you could feel the boat rocking. They had a barge at the side for beer bottles and barrels it was my job to go down and bring them up, one night I had to go down and fetch grates I opened the trap door went down hearing the rats squealing ran backup up the stairs when I gust of wind Closed the hatch on my head, I broke all the bottles, lifting it up I found nails protruding through, to this day cannot believe I mist all the nails , I still remind myself after 50 years. Great times.

[@kenlowe3673]

Thanks for the video. I knew the Pomona Docks well in the 1960s and 70s. These docks were built to accommodate smaller ships, - those engaged in coastal and Irish Sea trades, as opposed to the larger ocean-going ships which berthed in Salford Docks (Docks 6 - 9) downstream and around the corner. The shots from 'A Taste Of Honey' were filmed at Barton Bridge and Salford Docks and the ships shown in the film were too big to come up to Pomona Docks. During the late 60's / early 70s, No 3 Dock was adapted for roll-on / roll off heavy lift traffic, where big electrical transformers and the like from Ferranti and GEC etc were loaded on to specially-built ships for shipment round the coast to power stations etc. Another interesting traffic was Guinness from Dublin which came in their own ships up to Cornbrook Wharf, just upstream from No 1 Dock. I sailed from No 1 Dock a few times in sand barges, which used to bring sand and gravel dredged from the River Mersey off Liverpool / New Brighton. The docks finally closed in 1982. The 'North Westward Ho', by the way, was berthed at Slate Wharf, upstream from Pomona, in the early 1970s.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Ken for the Info. Very interesting. I would of loved to have seen the Docks as they were in the 60's Thank you

[@kenlowe3673]

Yes, I find it quite sad to see the old Pomona Docks area as it is now. I'm hoping one day to compile a book about the Ship Canal and its shipping, (if I can convert my old slides to digital). If any time you have any questions about the Canal or the Docks, please let me know. - [e-mail]

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Ken. You must do the book and let me know. Slides to digital I think is easily done. I am interested in The Bridgewater and Rochdale canals

[@MartinZero]

James Brindley's weir

[@cubicinches18]

Ken do you remember the stench from the soap works???

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

The video editing is sublime in this one, really top class documentary style. Had me engrossed as usual, thanks.

[@johnhankinson1929]

fantastic video Martin , I live in swinton and watch all your great vid's about Manchester and surrounding areas, I used to court a girl called linda , who lived on Almond close in Pendleton and we used to go to pamona night club back in the late70's and a great time was had . Good luck with the rest of your video career and i'll keep watching

[@lawrencelowe193]

Hola Martin. Towards the end of this video. Which I loved. I was HOPING you were going to match the film locations with the video portions of A Taste of Honey. On another video where you went up stairs near a railway from the same film. That matching was so right on. The match up of The Top Centre Mooring was perfect. Thank you..We love you in California..

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Lawrence

[@peterfryer9615]

i watched this first in 2018 i have been hooked on your documentaries ever since

[@MrPreston1179]

Great videos Martin. After watching this one, I set off on a little journey on foot from Wigan to Pomona Island via the Leigh branch of the Leeds Liverpool canal and onto the Bridgewater canal, to do a little exploring. It was a long trek and the light was fading on arrival, so I went back to the Lost Island of Pomona again the following day with my daughter. This time in the car, with a shorter walk from Stretford. Thanks for educating me about this place. Keep up the good work. Cheers!

[@elizabethannferrario423]

Hi Martin remember the ship disco boat with its red engines , my hubby took me there before we married and my gosh the fun we had ! We loved it but I believe it sank ! Great video Martin .

[@MartinZero]

Oh the Westward Ho. Sounds fab

[@sandykenuk]

It didn't sink, it went to Liverpool then ended up on the themes. I was a dj there, glad you enjoyed it.

[@ianwebster3489]

My Dad just discovered your work. Keep on it! We're from Middlesbrough but I moved to Manchester in 2010. Absolutely fascinating history and I love that you're putting this stuff out there. Dad loves to come to Manchester and see the hidden history of the place. We're going to have a lot more to explore because of these videos.

[@matthewriddioughboylan2630]

Absolutely love this, keep up the great work and great to see a local lad bringing the history of the city to life and with such passion too. 👍👍👍

[@richhough6093]

Things come and things go . Thanks Martin for bringing to past back for us .

[@stephencooper350]

Brilliant, I remember going to the ship pub in the early 80s, it was a decent place but the walk to it from the main road was grim, down dark semi derelict streets.

[@MartinZero]

Yeah the place is a bit threatening now at times. Cheers Stephen

[@heavenshuskywarriors3473]

I'm so greatful that you made this video. I had the oppertunity to visit here recently and your video gave me clear bearings to where I was. It's badly over grown now and nature is deffinately reclaiming it although they are building homes there now, it has a haunting feel about it when you see the disused office block and stairwells, over flowing litter bins and broken street lights. It's sad they never placed a memorial to those lives lost.

[@johnrooney1749]

Thank you so much for a insight of old Manchester. As I am Manchester born brought up in moss side worked for NCl delivering parcels for British rail old Watson St deans gate. Then transfered to Mayfield St. A lot of the places you have shown I remember takes me back with a nice smile thanks again. Of Chester Rd near the Manchester regiment pub there is a long set of arches railway ones there is the arch going to the Guinness dock as you drove through the arch on the right hand side there was a reproduction copy of the rocket.made by apprentices at longsight British rail work shops I seen it 1971 with a driver as I was a van lad.it was fully rusted up wondering what happened to the rocket.

[@deborahrobertson7900]

I'm from Worsley, and live in Scotland now, with my dad. I watched and loved the Pomona Island movie. Dad remembers so much than me, of course. I'll look for more, now. Genuinely loved this in its entirety. Debbie :-)

[@holliesfriend4104]

Sir - your informative historical videos just keep getting better and better. That one has left me speechless. The aerial shots and the haunting music...pure genius

[@MartinZero]

Thank you, yes I did love using that music

[@karaloca]

Great viddy, I live 2 minutes walk from here and just a few things I’ve learnt are: 1. The Cornbrook River ends by falling into the docks at Pomona. It travels under the Bridgewater Canal, remains covered and the only sign of it is a hole on the side of the dock in which it pours out. 2. There are many tunnels under Pomona which were used whilst the area was used as a dock, I’d be interested to see if any of the recent development has uncovered these tunnels. 3. From Pomona if you follow the Irwell towards the city, you get to Hulme Hall Road, named so because once there was a great Manor House, Hulme Hall on the banks of the Irwell. It was destroyed to make way for the canals and railways.

[@MartinZero]

Hello, I do know of the tunnels unfortunately one of the entrances is now a building site. The Cornbrook also makes a brief appearance at the side of the Bridgewater canal at James Brindleys weir. Great info thanks 👍

[@karaloca]

Martin Zero I only know the tunnels existed, I have no idea where the entrance was. Do you think the developments will disturb them are are they deep enough to remain intact?

[@MartinZero]

I think they have already disturbed them, I dont think they were that deep.

[@Ryan-py9lj]

Absolutely adore this channel, only recently found. Learning some of this lost history of my city is great, gives me great pride. Thank you Martin!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Ryan 👍🏼

[@JudyEvans-i6l]

Wonderful !! - thank you so much for this. You have done an excellent job. My father was born in Salford in 1934. He always maintained that he learnt to swim in the Pomona Docks.! He met and married my Mother and they moved out to South Cheshire. After he passed away my husband and I thought we'd bring some of his ashes back to the docks to scatter. So one rainy day in Manchester in 2020 we managed to locate the docks (I'd never seen them before) and "broke in" over the fencing, making our way to the last existing dock. - just around where you were filming - so it was great to see it on a sunny day. Not sure what to bring his ashes in we opted for an inconspicuous paper bag. We got to the waters edge to perform our ceremony. However, as we gently threw the bag of precious ashes into the river Irwell, we were horrified to suddenly find below us, appearing from nowhere, a flotilla of ducks and swans - who had obviously mistakenly took my father's ashes for a bag of something more delicious ! Fortunately as the mass of birds closed in, our paper bag and its contents sank. - and so narrowly avoided their imminent attack. Relief all round ! Though I rather think my father (a massive wildlife fan all his life) would have been laughing at ill thought plan, and the possibility that he could have ended up consumed by the eager waterfowl. On the downside, your video also served to remind me that I wished that I'd asked my father many more questions about his Salford, and dockland days, before he had passed away. Thank you again for this interesting background history all the same..

[@learningto-ir8no]

What a great video. Best by far great pics and great drone shots.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Kyle mate 👍

[@donsuccone]

I've watched quite a few of your videos over time and I must say the footage and presentation is excellent and highly informative! Well done, keep up the great work!

[@simonprice8737]

What a sad story....thanks Martin,and the docks, and Taste of Honey, amazing another winner sir !!!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Simon, yeah it is a bit of a sad story really

[@patsy4023]

I find the history fascinating Martin. Makes a big difference to videos with just music, really enjoying watching and listening to all your videos.

[@nigelblair2182]

Love catching up on your vids. So much historical info. A few of my cousins worked at Colgate Palmolive in the 70's and I think 80's. They brought home so much soap etc. I have never been so clean and fresh smelling. Especially now at 64 😊

[@brendankershaw2808]

Another great informative video mate. Superb stuff . Great background music also. Keep em coming . Regards.....Brendan...

[@davepfizer]

Another brilliant appraisal of our recent history that you just can't find in books with the guided tour that enables you to picture and place that history. Many thanks Martin.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@mikegreyfromnz]

Always an education from you Martin. Thanks again. Well worth the watch

[@countesscable]

Absolutely brilliant. Well researched and beautifully presented

[@davedear929]

Just found this video. So interesting and brilliantly presented.. Martin you are the man. Catching up with all your videos now. Thank you.

[@blueheart1946]

Fantastic, thanks, Martin, you're a star.

[@cjw2661]

You are wonderful at explaining things. And make things very interesting. Thank you.

[@christopherwhittaker2620]

This wax absolutely fantastic. Thanks

[@robertdavenport1109]

So fascinating. TOP VIDEO. Loved all of it told some friend. I’m in withington I love all your content Martin.

[@barrybutler6375]

WOW, What a great Video, i enjoyed every bit of it, I now live in the New Forest but was born and raised in Ashton -Under-Lyne, with relations in Manchester, Grandma and granddad, you took me back in time and gave me loads of interesting information about mine and Lancashires past. ive subscribed to your Vlog and hope you keep up your fantastic historical work, History needs people like you, Well done, Great Job , Hope you can manage to keep up your great historical work, FANTASTIC JOB. Live long and prosper, Regards Barry :)

[@Cheeseatingjunglista]

Loved this one, Ive watched it three times.... thank you mate!!!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@amandabrown3946]

Martin love your videos,lived in manchester in the early eighties,with my then very young manchester husband, i was from london. We woud walk some sundays through manchester looking at the old buildings,getting drunk in some of the old pubs,crawling home at teatime.i will never forget my time up there i am 60 now manchester has a part of my heart.thankyou martin.

[@Nathan.Manchester]

Like no.4 I love seeing the history of our great city - your videos have me watching from beginning to the end - well done - 👍👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very Much Nathan as always for your support 👍

[@lazydazy5159]

Yet another fantastic video. I love Manchester and the history of Manchester. You bring it alive.

[@llauncher5170]

Well done Martin, you are a worthy chronicler of the history of the fine city that is Manchester... thank you.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@christinecallow8588]

I have only just discovered your videos Martin. So very interesting and enjoyable. I don’t know Manchester at all but even so, I find the information you uncover fascinating, especially when backed by old maps and photos. Thank you so much.

[@sandmanjono1239]

Martin this is really superb interesting & well shot video. Well done mate 🏆

[@RingwayManchester]

Mate your best video so far, fantastic! Great story, great presentation and easy to follow!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much 😀

[@anthonykeaveny8860]

And what about the 'Cornbrook' video ? I change trams there and never knew the story of the brook and how the metro station gets its name. Fascinating

[@bmphillips15]

Brilliant mate. Love your work. Love Taste of honey. Manchester is always changing, pride in is past present and future.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Bernie

[@brianaveriss7972]

Fascinating video, thank you Martin.

[@marilynfauguel5655]

An absolutely fascinating video. Left me wanting to see more. Thank you so much. 🙏 !!!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Marilyn

[@Drivershell53]

brilliant. you tell an excellent story. huge thanks. Very much enjoyed watching this video.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@49thorpe]

Thank you Martin absolutely brilliant not lived in Manchester since 1961 but a real home person that I miss it so much I grew up in Old Trafford when Trafford Park was booming still would love to come home again and live if I will look you up, thank you again

[@The_Original_KL]

Imagine if they rebuilt a botanical garden on Pomona island, instead of boring flats.

[@MartinZero]

It would have been a brilliant opportunity. So much wildlife around there

[@petemcr]

But instead, they're just going to rebuild Picadilly gardens, like that will keep unsavoury characters away

[@EXPLORINGWITHMEDAVE]

Loved this Martin so good,onwards.👌💪💪

[@addynuff2311]

This man Martin Zero, what a brilliant historian, he certainly does his homework, what a brilliant presenter, i watched one of his video's on youtube about Cadishead railway station, i lived just around the corner from that station and was amazed what was there, What are you playing at Granada television !!!!!!!!!! snap this man up and give him his own series on the history of Manchester to which you Granada tv are part of. Tremendous well done from me to Martin Zero, i will be watching your other vids, keep up this facinating work.

[@raven19702003]

wow so amazing ..the history on my door step ..thanks martin :)

[@2e0rdu1]

Another great manchester production, Cheers Martin 🐝🐝

[@MartinZero]

Hello John and thank you 👍

[@judithappleby6199]

An interesting, well-researched and presented piece of history.

[@MartinZero]

Hello Judith thanks so much

[@Nikki_Holland]

Well researched and very interesting. It must have been fabulous in its day. Thanks Martin

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Nikki, yeah would have loved to seen it

[@iainbullock]

Excellent video Martin, I've since visited after watching this, thanks for the idea

[@bettyswallocks3540]

Hi Martin, another fascinating video, many thanks.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much as always 😃👍

[@kennethdougall5141]

Just watched your video about pomona island in 2020,so its probably a bit late to see what you saw,good video really enjoyed it,i wish i could have seen this video earlier,stay safe❤👍

[@dalehibbert]

That was very special to watch, thank you Martin for taking the time to research and create such a fascinating piece.

[@rosshilton]

What a bloody excellent video. Really really interesting. Well done....

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Ross 👍

[@RetroRatz]

Lovely video! Well put together! 100% educational and entertaining. Thank you 😃

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much ✌

[@ianbrown9108]

Very interesting video. I've used the tram from Piccadilly to Media City many times and often wondered about the origin of the name "Pomona".Loved watching this.👍

[@yvettev.warburton3585]

Absolutely fascinating! A beautifully produced and incredibly well-researched documentation of a place I've lived in close proximity to (Clippers Quay) for almost 15 years, yet (until now!) knew so little of its history! So happy to have found your channel - thank you!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@antohosm43]

Brilliant video of a unique place! You set a very high standard.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much

[@jezswallow9801]

Brilliant video. Loved it!

[@bartvanderveere7592]

Hi Martin, so far I have been watching your movies in random order, apart from the Medlock sequence. My plan now is to watch them all. You remind me of my history reacher at high school who was so inspiring that I wanted to study history myself. What I like is that you take a lot of time to inform us about what has been, what’s left, sometimes nothing, but most of all that your stories and footage really create a kind of ‘feeling’ of the things that where there, once. I think I sense you are being sorry sometimes for what has been lost, and happy about what is still there, sometimes just the tyniest traces of history, and that you are truly happy, or even emotional about it. Say ‘river Tib’ and we viewers sense you just love it. Thank you very much.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Bart. I think you very much summed up how I feel about these videos to be honest. Thank you for watching

[@marshjacqueline07]

So interesting. Used to go dancing on the ship. Never realised the history! Thank you.

[@simonhayton5072]

Allways brilliant Martin sad but brilliant thanks 😊

[@carpetbagger1000]

Nice touch Martin with Image,History and music.,

[@dchalkie]

Great video Martin, I am sure you could get a spot on tv showing your videos. Thank you👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks David 👍

[@thedr.feelgood]

Brilliant... I loved this and shared it with a few friends too . Subscribed straight away , looking forward to more great .... well thought out and filmed content...

[@nickraschke4737]

Your films remind me so much of the history of my town, Newcastle NSW, Australia.. We made steel here for a hundred years. All gone now. Just toxic pollution and government neglect to remember it by. The black and white photos you include here are like a time warp back to my childhood. Keep up the great work mate.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much Nick

[@andygrayson7485]

Truly amazing !! great research , what a story , well done .

[@michaelwalters7333]

Very Interesting, Very Awesome

[@garthhanson7923]

Nice easy going little film,immensely interesting,TV should snap this guy up as he shows his passion for the area.a weekly programme like this would be a hit.!

[@MartinZero]

Hi Garth many thanks. Its an amazing place when you know its history 👍🏼

[@georgiegemmell3992]

One of the things the me struck about this video is how the history of Pomona is largely missing from the Manchester history books I have. Where it is mentioned it is a reference to Bellue Vue as competition. How strange some of Manchester leading authors of Mancunian history simply gloss over The Royal Pomona Palace. The significance of this island is huge. Of course watching this video made it really hit home. There is nothing structural left to indicate how vast the palace was. Also I love all three songs you have in the video it sets the mood and really makes it and whimsical very nostalgic.

[@gingerbread6614]

Very interesting. Thank you

[@profpep]

Lovely work Martin. one of your best yet.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Mike

[@trevorwright6165]

beautiful film and so much has gone on where you were loved it cheers from trev

[@davidelliott7936]

Wow absolutely fascinating stuff martin.cracking film that!

[@chrismarshall3972]

a very different video from the wonderfull Martin Zero but i watched every second with interest, very informative. Excellent to watch and absorb all the history of this almost forgotten place.......

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Chris

[@davepowell1521]

Brilliant and fascinating video mate! When I left school in 1984 my first "job" was on a YTS for Henry boots building which was at Pomona docks!

[@marilynfauguel5655]

Very interesting and amazing video, also very sad.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Marilyn yes its an incredible story

[@robertwhiteside4483]

great piece on manchester history

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Robert 👍

[@emilygrae]

I love watching your videos so much! I've just played quite a few of them in a row! Honestly, out here on the Canadian prairie, there isn't a manmade structure older than 130 years (and that's stretching it) within hundreds of miles!

[@philtimson5449]

Another fantastic vid Thank you Martin

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Phil

[@floor993]

Every new video is fascinating to see and hear, because of the way it's filmed and the knowledge and comments, cheers man!!

[@bertaga41]

This is brilliant. Thanks so much!!

[@oscarwylder]

fascinating series - found by grand design yesterday and been watching since 6am this morning :-) I love Manchester and it's history and you do it justice - Kudos to you.

[@venessascott_uk]

Amazing video - A really useful local history resource #fab

[@helenkeenan74]

Great film A Taste of Honey

[@settenor1963]

I have been looking forward to this video Martin.A great video as usual,thank you for sharing it

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Mike, much appreciated

[@andrewmegginson5553]

Brilliant, really interesting video. Didn’t know even where Pomona Island was even though I’ve walked past that lock and mooring point 3 many times on the Bridgewater Canal. Many thanks

[@AlexLaw_Qld]

Love your work. Your boundless enthusiasm for your place.

[@georgeedwardscott7159]

A taste of Honey is a fantastic film, one of my fav. I think Martin should be made an ambassador for Manchester. Thumbs up if you agree!! Nothing I like more then a few glasses of vino and a martin zero vid binge. Love it. I don't even live in Manchester or anywhere near but Martin makes Manchester a fabulous place to visit with an amazing history and culture which Martin brings to life with every vid. Cheers dude. Love love love it. You are a very special bloke. Keep it up. Xx

[@MartinZero]

Thanks George your very kind. Really appreciate the support and am glad your liking the vids. Where are you from

[@georgeedwardscott7159]

@@MartinZero I'm from Newcastle upon Tyne which is a lot smaller then Manchester but has a lot of history and places to explore. Its a fab city but I may be biased lol

[@badbrian09]

great video lad, i used to play around the plane and boat when it was there, my dad and his business partner had a garage in one of the arches on hume hall road number 55a, called them selves Bell and Donnelly. was tradeing for many years until they both retired. some great memories.........