Manchester Underground Tunnels Rivers and Railway Arches (River Medlock VI)

[@ardcapture3D]

"Not too many maps" - love the maps! Great series Martin.

[@tonycosta5802]

Wow! I just turned 74 a few days ago and you tend, at this age, to think about the past quite a bit. I was born and lived in Chorlton on Medlock in New York Street near the Manchester Museum. I was recently thinking about how when we were walking out of the city centre - I must have been about 9 - we came across this river with a small drop that created white water. It was so incongruous and threatening being in the cĺity centre so to speak. I had no idea where it was then quite by accident I watched a few of you videos and learned that it was at Pin Mill Brow. Brilliant! Thanks so much for that. The videos are great.

[@stephenkelly6301]

I have just watched all six of your Medlock videos back to back. You, sir, have genuine talent as a filmmaker.

[@richardbidinger2577]

The brick work along the way was incredible, but that last bit totally blew my mind. I can't even imagine the number of men and total of man hours required to build that. I've also got to wonder just how many bricks are in those walls and tunnels. An absolute testament to the engineering skills of the men that built that.

[@MartinZero]

Incredible that arch wasn’t it 👍

[@sputumtube]

This is incredible. It's like stepping back in time to the early industrial revolution. If you didn't make these vids, nobody would ever know - massive thanks for posting. :)

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Paul. I will never forget that walk in the River on a hot summers day 👍

[@yorkiepudd7404]

This video alone was worth the price of the waders, i remember watching documentary some years ago stating parts of Man city was 90ft + in places from it`s original level. Walking down the Medlock seeing how the walls have formed over the last 300 years of industrial revolution from bedrock to large stone, and then the different styles of brickwork over the years. All the tell tale gems of past windows, doors, drians and loading dock / walkways are tales of what came in too or out of Manchester, to build it in to the city we know now. champion work by the three of you , cheers ken (YP)

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Ken, yes it was absolutely fascinating. I noticed the bedrock whilst watching it back I should of mentioned that

[@davidroberts9477]

yorkie pudd youve worked it out as well mate. Manchester was a basin with connectable high points, it could be in the future a hydro clean city.

[@jokaja03]

These videos need to be on a mainstream Tv channel, absolutely fascinating, well presented, engaging and educational. Martin you are very knowledgeable, easy to listen to and passionate about your subjects on Manchester. Keep up the good work mate.

[@PAppMundo]

This stuff is 10x better than the crap the BBC has broadcasting to the nation in recent years!

[@krnlg]

The number of bricks in that end part... Jesus Christ! Great video, this channel is a real gold mine!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much. Yes I wouldnt like to hazard a guess as to how many bricks 👍

[@holdfast7657]

@@MartinZero The facing bricks are a fraction of the bricks behind. The arches can be many bricks thick.

[@lescampbell3462]

Better looking than concrete which is what they would do now

[@Seat1AJoe]

Thank you, Martin, for taking us with you on your journeys. Magnificent. A cathedral!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Joseph

[@oddwad6290]

It's a part of history that seldom gets told . Our industrial heritage ! Lost to more modern modes of transportation , neglect , fire , graffiti and then urban renewal . I'm glad to the old buildings repurposed . Thanks for your efforts to video this important historical story .

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Montie

[@jayh3563]

I'm hoping he tells another story a Tartarian story

[@sidewaysbobdog]

It’s a shame to see all that Japanese Knotweed growing everywhere there, it will eventually topple those lovely brick walls :(. Top class videos, I’m hooked!

[@robertwoody9367]

Need to go back and check out that little tunnel! 💪🏽

[@MartinZero]

I know. I still wonder about that

[@wantmot]

@@MartinZero at a guess its a cso with the mist and the smell you describe then the roar of water in the distance also next to it at another guess is a manual pen-stock valve which would have been opened/closed at street level yet again sewer related ,Me and my son have river Medlock walked more or less were you stopped all the way back through Phillips park then onto to park bridge in A-U-L

[@MartinZero]

Wow did you wade in the water ? thats very impressive. I realise know what it was and thanks for the info 👍

[@garyburke5761]

Martin, there's an excellent book that might be of help:-: Underground Manchester, Secrets of the lost city revealed, by, Keith Warrender (2007)- available from Amazon. Carry on with your work, greatly enjoyed.

[@JohnnyX50]

I love this video series, didn't realise it was a year ago but that smelly tunnel could be a CSO, the clanging you heard would be from the large manhole cover on Crane St. there is another lid in the ground on the opposite side of that square building, from there I am guessing at its path as another lid is on the cobbled triangle island between A635 and Fairfield St. There is what looks like a sewer manhole cover in the yellow box junction quite close by.. Just guesses though :) Stunning work, that clang in the smelly tunnel would have had me crapping myself. You can see the top of the sluice rod in the yard with metal gates and a pile of tyres on Crane Street. Please say hi to Connor for me and thanks to the pair of you for being so brave and adventurous :)

[@MartinZero]

Thank you, I think the clang was some guys up top in a yard. But yes fascinating

[@Wolfyjinny]

I'm not from Manchester but I love your videos and your passion, I am however glad you didn't go into that tunnel without a gas analyser, it may be worth getting one if you carry on getting into less used spaces, I have seen too many people drop within 15 feet of someone then the other person goes to their aid and drops also. Stay safe and keep doing what you do.

[@Biffo1262]

Last time I was in the Medlock the water looked like Brown Windsor Soup! We used to pump from the Medlock quite frequently on the numerous large fires we had around there. Happy times at Philips Park fire station.

[@uknumberthree1330]

Yet another 1/2 an hour well spent. I'm a manc born and bread but live in the USA. God you make me homesick And I didn't know those places existed the only rivers I knew were the Goyt and the Mersey. Thanks Martin keep up the good work

[@MartinZero]

Hello, thanks very much. Yeah the Medlock is a lesser known river

[@fusilier9276]

Amazing upload, I used to play in the Medlock in the 70’s. Lived off Rylance Street

[@carlbentley80]

Fantastic, I really like the old factory walls, its really quite beautiful.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Carl

[@CHRISDJS72]

Awesome channel, love this sort of thing

[@trevorwright6165]

wonderful martin and team cheers trev

[@BLINDEXPLORERASIFMUHAMMAD]

Very amazing and I love how you describe stuff and well done and I love listening to your video's as i am blind and i am a white cane long cane user

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Richard.

[@BLINDEXPLORERASIFMUHAMMAD]

Martin Zero you are most welcome mate

[@helenkeenan74]

really enjoyed this film ty martin n team brilliant

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@terryalmond8777]

Hi Martin afraid I'm playing catch up fantastic stuff reminds me of the time me and my mate paddled a dinghy on the river alt through the culvert under switch Island Maghull Merseyside it was good fun but no way near as interesting and brilliant the way you present your adventures.....Big thank you for being so inspirational....Nice one.

[@Raffles666]

thanks again for showing me the bits i can't see for myself :)

[@spiceypeach72]

Came across this video by accident & loved it.But the waterways ppl could do with doing a clean up of it. Loved seeing how the different brickwork came together.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Jo thanks for watching. I loved doing that vid, a very hot day in July. Amazing journey

[@nickbarran1771]

Another excellent video - thank you. There is a lot of japanese knotweed down there (see the pointy ended leaves at eg 13:10) an invasive species, but not harmful to you. I have not seen any on your clips, but if you are around the Irwell, watch out for giant hogweed - you definitely don't want to come into contact with that.

[@MartinZero]

Yeah I have heard about giant hogweed !!

[@lockout1bikes]

Great video yet again Martin. There is a lot more history with the medlock if you come the other way from phillips park. Even a lost village.

[@MartinZero]

Really, I might have to do a series going that way as well

[@auntiejingles3905]

Yeah, I've heard about the lost village too, somwhere near Daisy Nook?

[@AndysDiary]

Auntie Jingles lost village sounds cool!

[@lockout1bikes]

Let me know if you do and I'll show you a few places.

[@nickindroy]

The Crime Lake myth?

[@MrYabbie]

Wow that looks like a fantastic place to explore and experience. That side tunnel must be calling you to explore.

[@kennethdougall5141]

Very good video lads ,well done,i must try that some time😁❤👍

[@Seat1AJoe]

I’m spending my days at home sheltering in place due to the corona virus. Thank goodness for your shows, Martin. I feel like a million bucks watching.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Joseph, glad your enjoying

[@thomasrice4078]

Yes, another triumph! Thanks for such a well rounded and instructional video

[@danieltoth-nagy5097]

I have to agree with all the others, this is absolutely incredible, terrible effort, fantastic editing. Those brick walls and arches everywhere, 90ft history below our feet everywhere in Manchester. Thank you!

[@floor993]

Wonderful and very special this, it's amazing the enormous amount, and often beautiful brickwork, they produced during the victorian era!

[@MartinZero]

Yes it was amazing the stuff we found

[@martinstevenson7462]

Exciting stuff Martin and Connor really enjoy the videos you make keep up the good work Martin.

[@timstephenson4520]

Another of the back catologue ticked. very enjoyable

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Tim

[@localchap31]

Awesome as always. The archs in blue brick definately look railway related. Kind of match the arches at the old nottimgham victoria site and the cast iron bridge is a giveaway. Dont think alot of places used Staffordshire blue bricks for general construction except the railways. Got afew lurking in my garden from random explores.

[@oddwad6290]

Many thanks for showing the world your old and neglected !

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Montie

[@stephenanderson5262]

JUST FOR THE RECORD MARTIN, AND YOUNG CONNOR, YOUR VIDEOS ARE "ACE"--TOP--NOTCH--EDUCATIONAL,-AND AS SOME ONE ELSE SAID, SHOULD BE SHOWN, ON MAINSTREAM T.V.---WELL DONE MATE.

[@oddwad6290]

Massive display of public works to make trade and manufacturing on such a large scale possible . It took an equally large GDP to pay for it . Thanks for showing the world the effort , of the parts shown , it took to build . Nice Job !

[@rheingau2011]

Amazing series, thank you very much! I love your content! 😀😁

[@jayd1974]

Superb instalment again.Its amazing how da engineers and builders of da day built these bridges without heavy machinery 👍

[@MartinZero]

I loved being under that massive arch, amazing stuff

[@SuupOnYT]

Great Video Martin Better than the telly

[@MartinZero]

Hello, thanks very much 😀👍

[@davidberlanny3308]

It 30th December 2021 as I go through the Martin Zero video collection. What struck me about this video was the absence of birdsong compared to the previous section. Glad you didn't enter in to that brick side culvert, I was on the edge of my seat for a moment!!

[@HenrysAdventures]

Amazing video! I've always wondered what its like under Piccadilly.

[@MartinZero]

Yeah this is just a bit further down from piccadilly but all the trains go over it

[@Isabellaacapella]

My favourite of all of your videos! Fascinating stuff.

[@1849ad]

Loved this series of videos. If you'll excuse me I'll be opening google earth now to look up and explore Manchester... :p

[@davebeckley2584]

Fasinating. I'm in the U.S. and here they tend to destroy and rebuild bridges while re-routing streams and rivers wiping away the history. I'll bet that was a gate at 17:40. There was very likely a pipe or brick tube the gate was blocking. Above that where you saw brick is where the gate would be parked when it was open. The rod that went to ground level was most likely geared or threaded to open it. Thanks for sharing.

[@FilthyTheDog1]

Cracking stuff, Martin. As a Manc who now lives in Canada, I'm loving your videos about parts of the city I wish I'd checked out when I was living there. So much rubbish along that river though - could do with a good clean up!

[@bellelise.]

Haha! Like that t-shirt. That's pretty cool on a hot day.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you 😃

[@kraggman]

Just found this video. Amazing job. Two things I find fascinating. The way they kept widening bridges over old ones is crazy. Like counting the rings of a tree. And the amount of brickwork is mind boggling. Incredibly labor intensive, not to mention beautiful. Be careful out there !!!

[@tonyhumphreys9127]

As usual, fascinating stuff Martin. I was wandering as I watched if there was any wildlife in and around the Medlock, then you mentioned you could see some small fish. Great stuff, keep uploading to keep your fans amazed and fascinated :)

[@MartinZero]

Hi Tony the previous I was checking out the entry point and there was a small black duck with a red bit on it lol It looked a bit unusual 😮

[@clive.r1414]

Amazing! You are an inspiration Martin. What isn't seen is the amount of time you spend on research and putting all these films together, again thank you!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Clive

[@davidroberts9477]

Fantastic that, blown away with it, cant believe you found that cavern, cathedral, but fair play to you and your mates. I,d of kept that tap though. :)

[@MartinZero]

Thanks David. We both keep thinking about the tap and how we should of kept it 😩

[@kw1984]

It's good to watch this in December to remember what summer looks like. Great videos Martin.

[@MartinZero]

Yep very good memories of that video

[@carneyalan]

Another brilliant video. Very entertaining and informative. Great perspective of Manchester than most people do not get to see. Keep up the good work lads.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Alan

[@stevelong6358]

Awsome video martin..

[@jamie7056]

Fascinating stuff Martin,as a Mancunian I didn’t know all this history was hidden away literally beneath our feet.Newly subcribed,thanks for making and sharing

[@MartinZero]

Mike thanks very much. the more I look the more history I find. thanks very much for subscribing 👌

[@melcooke2198]

Fascinating. Thanks for your time and effort in making these great videos Martin. Love them all!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Mel for watching and supporting me 👍

[@jammyone100]

Hi Martin, another great video thanks for making it. I'm amazed at the brickwork and wonder how they were built back in the day., incredible engineers.

[@MartinZero]

Hello yes an incredible feat and underrated thanks for watching

[@doingstuffoutdoors3002]

Just found your channel..subbed straight away... 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thank you, very much appreciated

[@bettyswallocks3540]

Another fascinating video, thanks Martin keep up the good work.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much Betty 😆👍

[@settenor1963]

A great video as usual Martin,thank you for posting,very interesting

[@MartinZero]

Hi Mike, thanks very much 👍

[@jayh9529]

Nice one mart

[@jonathanlanglois2742]

There are many examples of blind shone arches similar to those you show at 6:30 out there. They are a way to give support with less material then a full thickness wall.

[@MartinZero]

I think they are amazing Jonathan 👍

[@NOMADCREATIVESOLUTIONS]

Defo should have a TV show about this stuff. When you look around Leigh and Wigan and switch between old railway and new on railmaponline you will see just how much railway we lost - there are good viaducts near Bolton, one up near Rawtenstall and one near Great Harwood near Blackburn for sure, these were the Bury to Bolton line, Bury to Accrington Line and the Great Harwood loop in Lancashire

[@davidclark3603]

That was absolutely better than brilliant! I’ve only just discovered your channel and I’m glad I did. Thanks!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks David glad you enjoyed 👍

[@gamesessions]

Love this series - very inspiring :)

[@chrismccartney8668]

Superb well done Waiting for the summer sequel **Beaches of the Medlock**

[@andrewschmitz9707]

Have watched The Medlock Series again, and man I give you guys credit for perseverance. The size of Megatron is impressive, guess back in the day it was bearing heavy weight. Thanks again to both you ,Connor,and Gary.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Andrew

[@spenstrangward5126]

Helmet street 😂😂😂. I love Martin's video's..

[@learningto-ir8no]

Great video and good work get to the 1 ware the cattle bridge is why the rivers at its low carnt wait to see in that one 👍😎

[@MartinZero]

Still thinking on that one lol

[@michaelmooney3369]

all the freaking brick work is just incredible, one at a time.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Michael yeah and when you consider thats just one arch. there are about 20 on the run into Manchester Piccadilly. Its astounding 👍

[@johngoy9375]

Great video Martin - all that unseen history exposed for all to see. Fabulous brickwork, especially in the unexplored tunnel... good effort 👍👍👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks John, loved the steps in that tunnel 👍

[@peterbaldwin9511]

Loved it.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Peter 👍

[@peterbaldwin9511]

You even managed to entertain and fascinate a Yorkshireman!

[@cliverobinson8421]

Really enjoyed your River Medlock journey. I used to work for the Calico Printers Association and am sure that they had a works on Pin Mill Brow but couldn't find anything on line. What I did find that there was a Hoyles calico print works opened in 1782 on what is now the site of Mayfield station and there is also a Hoyle Street.

[@MartinZero]

Wow that’s interesting Calico printing was big wasn’t it at one time

[@cliverobinson8421]

@@MartinZero St James's Buildings on Oxford Street was built by the Calico Printers Association (CPA). It's worth Googling. I worked there for a time after a spell at Buckton Vale Printworks in Carrbrook Village near Stalybridge. The village was built for the workers and is worth a look. There is also the site of Buckton Vale Castle close by. I could bore you for ever! If in the area have a look at Hartshead Pike near Mossley close to which was a pub called the Colliers Arms so must have been a mine in the area.

[@markmatthews7401]

Another Epic explore, Those waders were a good investment

[@MartinZero]

They certainly were mate 👍😃

[@steveowhite4370]

Great video once again Martin learning more and more about the history of this great city we live in

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Steveo, glad you enjoyed it. It was great doing it too

[@markanthony4655]

Another great video Martin, enjoyed watching it.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Mark 👌

[@GLK-London]

Fantastic, well done chaps!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Broderick 👍

[@chrismccartney8668]

Superb !

[@grahamtanner559]

Very much enjoyed thank you

[@MartinZero]

Thanks a lot Graham 👍

[@Alcochaser]

lol, it's all fun and games, until the river gets deep enough to douse the crown jewels... I have to admit as a caver that gave me a chuckle. Love all your videos

[@Thailandescapades]

just love watching your videos martin,most imformative..keep up the great work

[@MartinZero]

Hello thank you very much 👍

[@gavincross358]

Brilliant video let history take its course and your the one take in us on it 👍🐝

[@MartinZero]

Ha, fab !!! Thanks Gavin 👌

[@stephencollins2723]

loved this series many thanks wis I did the river len when fit in Maidstone kent

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Stephen, I bet its nicer than the Medlock

[@MikeyManchester]

Loved this video the Arches off Temperance St AMAZING!

[@MartinZero]

Hi Mike, yes Ive looked at those arches from the street and thought they were amazing. So to be under them was fantastic, Thanks mate 👍

[@MikeyManchester]

@@MartinZero very welcome. So much more to manchester that youve shown. And do amazing when i use to walk into manchester when i lived on West Gorton I'd stop.just under Mancunian way nr what was then the huge BT building and there is a culvert for the Medlock and used to spend many a time just looking down into the water, you had the hustle and bustle of M57 above, and London Rd behind and kind of hidden from the roads this River just flowing by. And just above the bend was a derelict building am guessing now cleared with the words SKOL graffittied on top. Think now adays with councils desperately for money, and developers with plenty to flutter they are usually always guaranteed to get permission to demolish history or cover it over with square boxes and everywhere looks the same no character and a lifespan of 20-30years. But in 5years of construction its dated. Unlike those from centuries before

[@MartinZero]

@@MikeyManchester I know where you looked into the Medlock near the Mancunian way 😉Stay tuned it may feature

[@kennethainsworth1716]

Martin, you are getting better by the video. Medlock no. 6 is stunning. The top operated lazyrod (which ran up the brick wall from river level to top of wall) with an alcove at water level is probably a remote operated ( operated from way above the gate via linkage) sluice gate. This may have been used to dump dirty water or chemicals into the river from a processing plant above it. As we all know, this was a frequent occurance. Question for you - what is the music you play as background. I would like to get it. Keep them coming buddy. Next step up from waders is a drysuit, that way you can go in deeper water. Or if you have heavy rains get a kayak. Having the dry spell over there was great, allowing you shalower water to go through. Take care and stay safe.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Kenneth. I thought it was some kind of mechanism, never knew it was for dumping stuff, thats a shame. If you look in the description section underneath the video you can see what the music is and yes its beautiful. Its also available on KZbin. Yes a boat or actually am looking at more Sturdy waders 👍

[@kennethainsworth1716]

Martin Zero right on brother!

[@kennethainsworth1716]

Afterthought - maybe if you could find the location on the surface above the sluice, you will be able to determine what building was there in the past. Also the smell inside the tunnel with the steps inside, could have been hydrogen sulphide, (killer gas). Best stay out of them Martin, we want to see more videos.

[@MartinZero]

It was something Nasty indeed

[@daveflick12]

Absolutely loved it. I really didn't want it to end. I definitely wanted you to go in that tunnel with the stairs. Hope you took that tap as a souvenir it looked really old. Well done to the both of you. Keep them coming.

[@MartinZero]

Hello, might have to re visit that tunnel. Believe it or not we didn't take the Tap. Now Connor wants to go back and get it 😀

[@kollusion1]

The Meddy river means a lot to me, having grown up in Ardwick, going to Medlock Infants & Junior schools, moving house to Droylsden later, having family & friends in & around Clayton, running the school cross country across Clayton Vale, (crossing thru the Meddy), & on & on!

[@Urbexy]

Amazing to think you are in the midst of the city, yet because of the nature of the river and tunnels you could literally be in the middle of nowhere. I think my main fear would be tripping wearing waders. Would hate to have them fill up with water! That section of tunnel at the end was huge.

[@MartinZero]

Hi yes so isolated down there. Yes thats my fear to be honest. That railway arch is a Cathedral 😃

[@Eddiecurrent2000]

I love the red brickwork, reminds me of Birmingham in many ways. Fantastic.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you 👍

[@leeobrien6266]

Your videos are great mate. Keep up the good work

[@MartinZero]

Hi Lee, thanks very much 👍

[@maynotlast]

Fantastic series. (I found your site via the infamous "drainpipe" episode and now I've watched almost every upload.)

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much😀Really appreciate it

[@gavinsenior50]

Brilliant adventure .I bet it made you feel Young 😎

[@MartinZero]

It certainly did. You should try it 😎

[@gavinsenior50]

@@MartinZero .I'll just keep watching your vids then I don't have to get muddy and wet 😉 did you go back in that tunnel that smelled and was a little too deep . Would love to see what was at the end

[@danny2me70]

I'm a stones throw away from clayton vale and the river medlock ,it's amazing the medlock has a amazing history with the Irish imagrants the train workers and the midland hotel .

[@MartinZero]

Hi Danny yeah am heading that way on the Medlock series now am in Town 👍🏼

[@HelenaMikas]

Great video but shame about the debris .Lovely stone bridge at 11:26 and a great day out .You did it !!!! ********** Nice one and well done to the three Musketeers :) Helena

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Helena. That debris awful. We had a good day though. I got your last email. The bridge still isn't opened. I finish work for a bit on 13th. Hope the weather keeps for your visit.

[@brianmoore7910]

Enjoyed great video Martin keep up the good work 👌

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Brian 😀

[@glennstringer2382]

Brilliant waterways tunnels all built years ago y carnt they clean them out use them for cannal journeys or walkways it's good seeing old working

[@Nathan.Manchester]

Like no.50 another interesting video - I’m glad the weather has stayed great - I fully watched 👍👍

[@MartinZero]

Hi Nathan, thank you very much

[@andrewschmitz9707]

Another classic Martin,just loved it. And I also am familiar a tad with Connor from your other vids,definitely fun with both of you there. As you approached what is basically an urban explorer's cathedral,I actually recognised it from your other vids showing the view from what I guess would be Temprance St. That had me laughing hard since I do not live in Manchester. Another reason to have a pint with you guys. I detect a bit of urban exploring in my future! Andrew

[@MartinZero]

It was an amazing explore I loved it and Connors first one. That cathedral is awe inspiring