The Lost rivers of Manchester. The Cornbrook Part 1

[@leemorris3805]

Brilliant!!!! Back to classic Martin Zero territory, Manchester rivers, bridges, culverts, syphon, maps, mud and brews. Your films will one day be an invaluable record of our industrial past. Thankyou...George🙂.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks George (Lee ? )

[@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF]

Got to echo these sentiments entirely. Brilliant watch. Especially the legacy they leave.

[@leemorris3805]

You're George!!! With that new moustache, straight out of George and Mildred😁

[@ahaveland]

@@leemorris3805 Way to insult somebody!

[@leemorris3805]

@@ahaveland it wasn't an insult. It is a reference to an earlier joke I had with Martin on Instagram. Im not in the business of insulting people. I have utmost respect for Martin's work.

[@Seat1AJoe]

Roy deserves a standing ovation for the effort he put into this. And you too, Martin!

[@countesscable]

Absolutely terrifying 😱

[@MartinZero]

Yeah definitely didn’t fancy going behind the Ivy curtains 🤢

[@VoltigeurGT]

Hats off to Roy for being an absolute madlad! Cheers Martin & the team

[@MartinZero]

Yeah good on him for getting that footage

[@ASCIITerminal]

Absolutely fascinating and thanks for taking the trouble to show us. However, I must admit I'm shocked how bad this is. Talk about out of sight, out of mind! Quite frankly, every water company executive should have to follow in your footsteps!

[@thesolidsnakealpha]

Absolutely massive bollocks on Roy. God bless you and the crew mate🙏

[@MartinZero]

He certainly has

[@Tony-xx2vs]

😁

[@jamesmihalcik1310]

You guys are troopers. Hats off to Roy for getting crannies and the nooks. Wow, what a start to the Cornbrook expedition! That sump was amazing, everyone will notice it for sure, when it stops up, if not taken care of properly. Thanks for that, great team work with all the trimmings :)

[@MartinZero]

Thanks James, yeah the sump needs cleaning up and celebrating

[@robmez]

Still amazed at how good these waterways are build , such clever people , shame we can’t be bothered to look after these treasures, people would pay to take that trip if it was cleared up , keep well Martin and keep producing these works of art

[@Randomstuffs261]

I was starting to get really worried, I was about halfway through the video and Martin hadn't had a brew yet... just at that moment, he popped out of his culvert and started brewing away 25:35

[@MartinZero]

Yep James carried the brewing tackle all the way 😀

[@swampthing20]

As ever, can't wait for the next instalment mate. Bloody impressive exploring on this one Martin, and what an absolute trooper Roy is to get that footage 👍

[@MartinZero]

Yeah, he was a trooper in that hell hole

[@davidgibbon1020]

absolute legends and going back for a second time is beyond dedication

[@MartinZero]

Cheers David

[@glengraham7080]

Fascinating video. Amazing how long the excellent building work done by people in those far off days has lasted .In all of these I find it so depressing to see how much litter there is. Quite a different legacy we in this time are leaving.

[@rheingau2011]

The first 12 minutes alone earn you a "Like". This is better than television, to watch someone with your curiosity and engagement.

[@BiznessCrewAu]

You are truly an ambassador for Manchester. I never gave Manchester a second of my time, until I watched your videos. Now, I am seriously planning my first every trip to England from Australia with the intention to visit Manchester. You have made me truly respect the beauty and history of this classic city.

[@raymondbamford7558]

a friend of mine told me about this two part video as i live in the area and worked on the bridgewater canal back in 90s renovating the banks and bridges i was born on city road next to cornbrook road and now live just over at the back of stretford road near cornbrook grove and cornbrook way as a kid we heard lots of stories of the cornbrook it's good to actually see the brook we heard of as kids i can see the flats where ena stood from my back garden thank you for taking the time to study the history of our canals and brooks and putting these documentaries together

[@theparkyarms1694]

Best part of the evening, a brew, some chocolate hobnobs and another zero video. Cheers Martin...... Also love the tash.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Rob you have good taste

[@lorrainemerry8661]

Chocolate hobnobs. Yummy. My favourite too.

[@philburr4075]

Was waiting for someone to mention the tash

[@robertleach5112]

You might consider getting breathing apparatus for when you do these confined space entries, Martin. When your meter goes off it's already too dangerous to be in there, potentially deadly. Better to be prepared than dead. Perhaps see about a course on confined space entry?

[@MartinZero]

Hi Robert. Fortunately the gas meter never went off. But yes I hear you 👍

[@hamshackleton]

or at least - have an emergency O2 supply.

[@aniwilliams3370]

Martin, if there is huge expense to getting the right equipment or doing a course like Robert suggests, could you put a fundraiser out there so people have an option to contribute to keeping you/James as safe as possible while you do these amazing things for us? I would definitely contribute to something like that. I’m *so* relieved to see you both in hard hats now - naive people may imply ’it’s not necessary’, but the head bleeds profusely from the smallest injury. Wearing hard hats reduces the risk of you having a major medical emergency to deal with that could be completely avoided. I personally would contribute to course or equipment costs that keep you/James safe while producing your amazing VLOGS for us 💕 x

[@m.m.i.9586]

Holy moly, that has to be one of the straight up gnarliest stretches of tunnel you’ve ever attempted. 😯 Its like an ice age tar pit in there. Glad nobody got stuck. I can’t wait to see the next installment of this wild and perilous adventure!

[@MartinZero]

Yeah it was bloody awful

[@Dave64track]

Great video Martin and thanks to Roy for the extra footage that will properly never be filmed again in the black lagoon. These places hold so much history the old brick arches etc just brilliant. I'm looking forward to part two.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks David, yeah I wouldnt recommend anyone going in there

[@catfishkempster]

I live in Calgary, Alberta and I watch your videos so intently, you'd think I was heading to one of these amazing spots tomorrow morning and I was hoping to pick up some tips before I head out - or something like that. Thank you, yet again, for another great video - you freakin' rock!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Lee, its great to know you watch from so far away 👍

[@braveheartz263]

I’m doing the same thing. This reminds me of going underground by an old power plant when I was 14 or 15.

[@auser1484]

Really enjoyed the river series, great work Martin. 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@peteranderton7913]

Well done Martin and colleagues. Never in my life could I have done what you have all done! Martin you have opened up a whole new chapter in Manchester's history. I say again well done.

[@dwarftoad]

Roy deserves a prize for going in there.

[@darriendastar3941]

Every single bit of this is brilliant. From the research, to the filming, to the editing, to the narration. It's a piece of excellence, Martin. It's documentary-making at its very best. You should be *so* proud.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Darrien much appreciated 👍

[@MartinBrenner]

Martin, Roy and friends crawling through the filth to show us history so we don't have to. Fascinating as always!

[@debbiepitcher9806]

It looks like you’ve got James trained at last with the brews, well done to you all 👏👏👏👏👏 thank you for bringing us a long 😁😁 minus the smells 🤣😂🤣

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Debbie

[@AnonAnonAnon]

Always surprises me that you never find anything sinister down there. Great videos, as usual.

[@gerrywoody4301]

I usually watch with a coffee but the vids are every bit as good with horlics nice one Martin

[@MartinZero]

Horlicks is good Gerry

[@RichieWellock]

😀

[@DavE-bh8lz]

That was amazing. You all went above and beyond for this one. Can't wait for the next episode! Cheers Martin!

[@Mark-kh2in]

I can't wait either.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Dave

[@williamwelbourn7932]

That was some extreme exploration. You and the guy's certainly earned your merit badge on this one! Well done, another top video.

[@ledzep331]

Loving the tash, didn't I see you in a film where you turned up to fix a lady's plumbing?

[@timsuttonlovinlife-]

I knew I’d seen him somewhere else before 😂

[@simonholliday9874]

...with a soft Swedish accent. 😂

[@cyberdonblue4413]

I saw that film too. I thought he was fixing the washing machine though ;)

[@EATSLEEPDRIVE2002]

If we’re thinking of the same video, then her plumbing definitely got fixed!😂

[@exileinderby51]

'Sorry but I could not agree with you about the tash. It reminds me of 30's politicians like Lord Halifax and Anthony Eden, so I can't take him seriously,

[@-__-.]

Martin delivers again! Class66 at the end, top stuff.

[@MartinZero]

I was lucky to catch that

[@JBE]

Although I do feel a little claustrophobic just watching these amazing videos of yours Martin, I also can't get enough of them. I only wish I had more time to maybe binge watch a few of them. For me this kind of content is far better than the faff they put on mainstream TV nowadays. Great job 👏 👍.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers, yeah they are fascinating places

[@aniwilliams3370]

Martin, this is just *amazing* and wonderful how yet again you are bringing back to life old Manchester Industrial Heritage. Engineers like Brindley should be heroes able to inspire young people to consider engineering as a career. Unlike other nations, the UK does not value or respect it’s engineers, and you open those doors for that to happen. We ‘just about’ acknowledge Brunel, Telford and Brindley; but we have modern engineers whose achievements are not even recognised. In one of my past-jobs, I worked with the engineers responsible for the expansion of Barton motorway bridge, and I remember the alignments being done with lasers (now taken for granted) - none of those engineers will be remembered. You show the ‘wow’ factor of industrial engineering; and I hope it inspires people to want that career today. … and to engineers reading this, you are amazing heroes! I just wish what you do today could be made more accessible for people to see. Thanks, Martin, and looking forward to the next episodes as the adventure continues 💕

[@natureschild.5380]

Watched the whole programme, fascinating and compelling stuff. Walked near this area when I use to go Gorton few years ago, Thanks. I live in London now but miss Manchester, great city.

[@EATSLEEPDRIVE2002]

Awesome, educational, and entertaining video as always Martin! But I moustache you some thing…

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@RobTaverner]

Superb Martin. Roy is good lad.

[@MartinZero]

He certainly is Rob

[@ahaveland]

Some serious dredging and tidying up needed there - I'd guess that syphon is full of heavy junk and bodies up to 260 years old!

[@misskittysmith]

That moustache is epic Martin!

[@topshot2787]

Great video martin. You fellas get real stuck in to bring us out there through the flowing rivers, culverts, tunnels amongst all the stagnant water and the s**t and can imagine it really stinks at times. Then showing us the history of it all and educating us, whilst we all watch from the comfort of our cosy armchairs with a brew. All the best from lancashire.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you and all the best

[@theusher2893]

Fantastic. And I sympathize about the mud...as a kid, whenever I would explore the spring-fed creeks around my hometown I always dreaded that thick, black, stinking silt...you could never tell how deep it was and it smelled terrible. I used to encounter it in the low bend basins where water would go around in a dogleg curve and all the silt would accumulate in some smelly, black pit. And going around was often not an option because the sides were too high.

[@MLampner]

Martin, you've been many places I would have gladly joined you, this however isn't one of them. Here I am perfectly happy to be a spectator.

[@MartinZero]

I dont blame you Marty

[@psychokeef]

This is brilliant Martin and very fascinating indeed, I can’t wait for part two.👍

[@roytabberer7427]

Really fascinating, A huge thank you to you and the team for doing this for us. Nice to see that you are using safety devices and also good to hear Roy saying that he was OK every so often. I thought that the Cornbrook could have been used as a feeder for the Bridgewater Canal rather than being taken under the canal.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Roy, I think they had enough water as initially the Medlock ran into it

[@nickcaunt1769]

@@MartinZero And the canal drained the Duke's mines at the Worsley end. The Corn Brook, as we can see, is only a very minor source and is below the canal surface level anyway. It would have deposited more mud than water when it flooded as well.

[@shirleylynch7529]

Wow you’re “no feart” as we say up our way. Brave men. But so enjoyed your explore. Well done. Look forward to next instalment. Thank you.

[@manchesterukabriefvideooftime]

Ok Mart my old mucker wow it's so good I can't wait to see part 2. Think you were wise not to tackle the rat mud .. you need cok rover II or the tank cam .. or loose another drone .. but serious love this stuff especially the syphon system

[@jetsons101]

Time for coffee and a great watch.....

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Mike

[@navigator902]

Where's me brew mate..... Oh after the culvert... love the stash mate....Morning James, ready for a cupper. Roy your a Legend.

[@doodlesbug]

This was claustrophobia inducing nightmare fuel. Absolutely brilliant. I sometimes wonder how many infrastructure engineers watch your videos as homework for their own projects.

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. Thanks for taking us so we don't need to. Really enjoyed it.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Chris

[@Phil-M0KPH]

A wonderful start to what is going to be a fascinating journey! This explore’s brew - Primrose tea with an infusion of Panda milk?

[@JammyJan007]

Roy is a trooper. Proper character on the explores. Well done all. Youre all mint x

[@UsualmikeTelevision]

I enjoyed this adventure very much Martin. I am looking forward to part 2. Great Video

[@theburtons49]

Great Work Martin by you and the Team it's a true Labour of Love. I can't wait to see parts 2 and 3. I was born in hr Openshaw and spent a lot of my youth in and around Gorton ,so i will be looking forward to when you reach that area . Keep safe all of you and thank you for filming and documenting this journey through great adversity.

[@martinjames9250]

WOW! --- You guys: Going places so we don't have to! Hats off to you all.

[@jezm1703]

Great work and filming all of you. Seeing and hearing about the build up mud, shouldn't the responsible bodies be thinking about the clearing and 'dredging' of these waterways in these times of increasingly serious flood events ??! Can't wait to see part 2.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Jez

[@haywoodyoudome]

It's almost criminal how few subscribers you have. The amount of research you put into each explore is incredible.

[@maggiefleuriot4427]

I really enjoyed this slosh back in time. That lovely brickwork and no one to see it! I am glad you dont let a good tunnel go to waste. That brew looked so good I felt like diving into it. We got some Brodies Breakfast tea here, it comes from Scotland. Really good stuff, we went into town and couldnt stop giggling. Well, they said it was tea.....🤡

[@waverleyjournalise5757]

I'm near blown away by yours and Roy's dedication to bringing us such filthily glorious content. That half collapsed section was dreadful!

[@David_Owsnett]

This is a really good collaboration Martin. Fascinating stuff.

[@capriman41]

Brilliant video thanks for the entertainment and good to see post10 getting a mention 👍👍👍👍

[@stewartthompson72]

Nice moustache Martin. 😀 A very challenging explore I think. Kudos to Roy for getting the footage of the black tunnel through the mud and rats. It is a shame what we do to waterways in the name of industrialization. I am looking forward to part 2 though.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Stewart, I must admit am glad I didnt go in there

[@richardjellis9186]

13mins in... That was a FANTASTIC old photograph.!🧐😀! MORE PLEASE.!🧐🤣! I LOVE the history of railways. And although I'm from the South Lakes, I'm a bit obsessed with the old rail from the Crewe'ish area in my South, to Carlisle in my North, and from coast in the West, across to Leeds area in my East. I've learned quite a bit from you and your videos, and I THANK YOU for this.!🧐😀🥰! I love the lost and abandoned rail type videos that you do, and what people like Paul and Rebecca, Gordon, Darren(advent me), and even Geoff Marshall do. I could watch you lot all day pal. Thanks for your content Martin, and let's have plenty more.!🤞🤞🤞! Also, the history of Manchester that you brilliantly cover, from the lost waterways, to the top of the Town Hall, I ABSOLUTELY ADORE. This is ALL simply BRILLIANT CONTENT, and crack on with wherever else you can get yourself into eh.!🤣! LOVE THE VIDS.🧐🥰, KEEP'EM COMING.🤞🥰, RICH(UK).😁😋🥰.

[@erikz2754]

Goodday well dun Martin brillant trip every body needs a mow .stay safe

[@chriswhitt6618]

Great stuff. The images from the drone looking back into the city are spectacular.

[@rwalker9644]

Mud mud and more mud - well done martin cheers Rob

[@roosalwaysthesun8759]

Hi Guys, wauw that was à awesome route, with lots of historie in it, thank you so much for sharing. Loved it Roos 🙋🏻‍♀️🌹🥰🤗👊🏻💪🏻👍🏻😁🤩

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Roos all the best

[@roosalwaysthesun8759]

@@MartinZero sweet Martin thank you, you to. 🥰

[@DEAD-DROP]

What a mission so far! Love me some Martin Zero culvert adventures! ♥

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much 😃

[@jennyb1165]

Wow! That was amazing, Martin! Love your videos - I got that book by Geoff Ashworth when it came out and was charmed to think of all those winding waters that once flowed through pastures.. Fantastic to see that old brick work especially, but sad to think of that merry little brook all imprisoned like that. Big thanks to Roy for his bravery also!

[@leedavies3629]

Nice one Martin that music is top and Roy going in brilliant stuff 🙂✌️

[@wideyxyz2271]

Hidden waterways and big pipes! It must be Mario Martin! Martins Mo.....Love it....

[@MartinZero]

Of course

[@bobingram6912]

Another mega interesting journey, thanks to you all. Life goes on above but all that history just below your feet, fantastic. Thought Pomona Island would be well into redevelopment by now, it must be a couple of years since your vid. Bit rude of James to call you a spanner!!!!! Top stuff 👍🏻👍👍👍

[@jimmillward3505]

yet again another superb video thanks Martin and friends.

[@simonholliday9874]

Super Sunday saved. How often did I cross the Corn Brook in the 80s and not know about it? The Rover pics were a treat. Think of the pub and the community it served.

[@MartinZero]

Yeah I never knew about it till recently

[@hoppinonabronzeleg9477]

Well done, I am sure your specialist mates Nick & Roy would agree, 'if you don't feel confident; don't do it!' - There is NO point in over stretching yourself and putting yourself in danger. Discretion is the better part of valour! well done guys! HOABL

[@shenanigan87]

I rejoced at the moment when you said that you'd have to go back and take a closer look at the sump. x) I did initially wonder whether any precautions had been taken in case the sump were to get blocked up by debris, and one can indeed see that there are channels under the towpath for the water to take. Now I'm sure those concrete slabs weren't put there by Brindley, but the idea was probably the same in terms of the brook overflowing into the canal. Thanks for those excerpts explaining that! Though I do ask myself, with the slow flow and all that mud further upstream, how that syphon can stay unobstructed? I would have expected it to silt up quite rapidly! My sincere appreciation goes out to Roy for going into that absolutely disgusting but nonetheless fascinating culvert! From all the footage I've seen from you, this probably comes closes to a horror film, especially with the distant, foreboding rumble of the nearby railway echoing through that hellscape. Thank you so much for going through all of this, and for sharing this obscure and hidden piece of local history! Already looking forward to part 2!

[@ButlinsHistory]

Another great video. Keep your eye on that caterpiller it's eyeing up your brew. 😄

[@MartinZero]

He swam in it

[@peterbrameld696]

Wow! Roy, what a man, that’s the spirit that made this country great. thank you to you all, it’s fantastic to be able to have adventures while I lie here in my bed (I’m in the later stages of prostate cancer) and have such fun watching you guys. I could go on saying how wonderful I think the video was, but to be honest words fail me. I can’t wait for part two, once again thank you to you all, you made an old chap very happy.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Peter. Glad it made you smile. 😀👍

[@garethparr9482]

Tip my hat to you guys really do. Don’t no how you do it but bloody glad you do👍

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Gareth

[@marilynpowell6881]

Thanks Martin, How things change over the years, I can certainly understand that sinking feeling must be awful I'm sure I would be the same. Hope your next journey up the Cornbrook gets a bit cleaner!!

[@MartinZero]

Lets hope so Marilyn

[@peterwilliams8122]

One word, fantastic. Well done to all of you .

[@brentmoyer6618]

I'm from the Tills and the Skitts who used to live on Bolton Street many moons ago..So interesting to see the Manchester sights. Thank you to Martin and the boys sent from Toronto, Canada!

[@boulting1]

Great Part 1 Martin, looking forward to part 2.......BTW there is a dead hedgehog on your top lip mate.🤣😂

[@gogglesguy]

Awesome! I turned off the smell-o-vision plugin for this video and I'm glad I did! Great footage as always.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks, worse place was Roys tunnel

[@martin4787]

I went to bed with a bottle of wine to watch it last night. It was brilliant Martin and a big thanks to Roy, Nick and James.I went past the weir on the Bridgewater Canal towpath 3 months back and I wondered what it was. Now I know, thanks to you guys. 👍

[@JDLeonard74]

Love the video Martin and the team did great. I don't blame you for not noodling out a fish. Catfish will do you up bad. The second part of the tunnel is just full of ook, but fascinating. Thanks for the video 4 sure.

[@RichieWellock]

well worth the wait for . Brilliant

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Richie

[@clairesutherland4868]

Another great vid. Can't wait for the next one.

[@chrisslater3174]

By definition, a brook is a small stream - as it appears to be - and as can be seen from the old maps, it was named Corn Brook. How, when, and why then, the constant 'Cornbrook River' references? Great work by you and the team to present footage such as this to this old Salfordian (oblivious to all these old engineering endeavours)! Much respect.

[@Simon_Nonymous]

International Rescue!!! Yay!!! Well done Martin, facing your fears always gets my respect. I did the Alderley Edge caves after we saw your vids, and I nearly did a chicken panic when they put us through a crawl tunnel less than a metre round.

[@fhwolthuis]

Ha, Movember has started early this year! 🧔🏼😉 Great video again, guys! 👍👍😀

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Frank

[@jonathanchalk2507]

Another great mission accomplished, mud, James's brewups, mystery blood suckling fish. Team leaders Roy & Nick and Commander Martin. More please 🙏

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Jonathan. I think we need to make Nick and Roy Field marshalls

[@GregDaniel78]

I've explored a few horrible tunnels and culverts round Manchester, but the Cornbrook looks pretty minging. Well done for ticking it off your list.

[@MartinZero]

Its definitely a minger Greg

[@BdManus]

Excellent series. Great footage.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@materialsguy2002]

I , for one, will certainly watch all parts of this series. Well done, and thanks for staying safe. 👍🏻

[@nickindroy]

Excellent mate, it's a pleasure to be involved! It does get easier...occasionally. 😁

[@steveblowhole2493]

Great video! Its great to see people taking real pride in our city and its past. Its also amazing to see it done safely and correctly! Well done all!

[@mkendallpk4321]

Wow! What a stinking mess that poor river is in. Wonderful job that Roy did. Surely above and beyond. Martian I had to switch to my big monitor so I could fully appreciate your work. Well done sir! Now you and James both have mustaches. You look good with it. Looking forward to the next segment.

[@garysimpson3900]

Fascinating but frightening at the same time. Thank you for taking the risks for our enjoyment.

[@Hvtesla]

Lost your bottle in the mud eh Martin? - Well most people watching would have lost theirs WAY before you even got that far! Looking forward to more installements, and you all, especially Roy, deserve a medal!

[@drubry1854]

Been watching your videos for a few years and you're STILL putting out amazing new stuff!! I live just near here, so its amazing to know the old Brook runs just under my streets. GREAT WORK MARTIN!!!! (and team)