No water at the Nob end canal locks

This video is about the history of the Manchester Bury Bolton canal. We take a look at the disused Canal locks at Nob end or the Prestolee locks as they are otherwise known. We look at the famous Meccano bridge placed in 2012 and also the old lock basin. Finally we look at some beautiful historic architecture in the Prestolee aqueduct built in 1793 in the Georgian period at the height of the canal building frenzy and the start of the Industrial revolution in Britain. We also look at an old Pack horse bridge one of the latest ones built in Britain. This is a historic canal adventure.

[@JenniferEKirk]

It’s a really interesting area. I’m hoping the canal society do manage to restore it all. Always enjoy a Sunday night Martin video!

[@DR-xr8so]

Far from a Nob End, James is looking super sharp this week!

[@dawnlovejoy8917]

😂

[@jean-lucpicard5510]

I thought he was doing a video of Boris Johnson from the title.

[@totherarf]

Just to make you pucker up at the thought, I'll tell you how they used to "Cap" those old pits! 1. Cut a suitable tree down leaving the branches on. 2. Drag the tree to the pit. 3. Drop the tree into the pit trunk first. 4. Get someone to push the tree as far down as you can compressing the branches. 5. Fill with stone chunks. 6. Hope nobody stands on top of it after the tree has rotted. Not an Elf or a Safety to be seen!

[@MartinZero]

Sounds good to me

[@JackFowlesJF]

My new greatest fear is walking over one which hasn't been fenced off...

[@totherarf]

@@JackFowlesJF There is nothing sure, but not walking in circular "dips" in otherwise level ground is a good move!

[@Charstring]

Researching my family tree I found that a relation died falling down a disused pit in 1842 (just a kid, he'd been running backwards trying to fly a kite). The paper said two other people had fallen down the same pit and been killed, so the owner was thinking about maybe capping the shaft.

[@Tom_Bee_]

Surely, a little bit of a fence and a sign that says "danger of owwy slow painful doom. Please don't" would work better at a fraction of the effort and expense?

[@geoffdecorator307]

All this and no more than ten minutes from my place too ,surrounded by unseen history i am .

[@Peter-MH]

Great stuff as always! Never get tired of seeing impressive old engineering feats that are now abandoned and left in ruins - especially when there are old photos of them in their glory days! Love it!

[@cassandrade-wolfe6926]

This is where I used to play as a kid. Love this video. I'm now going to have to binge watch all your videos to catch up. Fabulous 👍

[@MartinZero]

Hope you enjoy Cassandra 👍

[@JohnSmith-zv8km]

Was at University in Salford until 1980 and was completely unaware of all this interesting stuff. Really wish we had the internet in those days. Thanks for doing the work to bring this to us, much appreciated.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks John

[@gerrywoody4301]

Great to see the mecano bridge thanks Martin i worked in mecano during my apprenticeship and i still have and use an original mecano kit spanner but i dont think it will fit the bolts on the new bridge 👍🖖

[@matthewphillips3144]

Another great vid. Cheers guys! The brick arches on a stone bridge/aqueduct reminds me of Cefn Coed viaduct in Merthyr Tydfil. Apparently the stone masons went on strike and the ironmasters called their bluff and brought in brickies to finish the job...

[@robertfletcher3421]

I just love the Meccano bridge. It is fascinating how that was done.

[@haydenluck]

I really appreciate your passion. As a Canadian with absolutely no connection to Manchester or area, you have made me interested and high up on my bucket list is to visit locations like this. Cheers!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you, hope you get to visit

[@darrenarnold6061]

Let me know when you’re over! I’ll buy you a pint in my local, The Horseshoe, which is in Prestolee/Ringley.

[@mkendallpk4321]

Martin, thank you for the wonderful video. I agree that the suspension sewer bridge is an eyesore. Too bad that someone with taste did not understand that a bridge that blended in with the aqueduct and pack horse bridge would have been the right choice. I hazard a guess that cost over esthetics played a large part in using a suspension bridge.

[@steverpcb]

Love the out takes at the end :) I am suprised that James May has not featured that Mecano bridge !

[@MartinZero]

Oh yeah hes a toy freak isnt he

[@steverpcb]

@@MartinZero He Built a Mecano lifting bridge.

[@MrThorp1]

I LOVE all these old canals and the old industrial infrastructure you still have. By the time the US was industrialized we had trains and the land to build rail. Very few canals. I watch so many narrowboating channels and then to add old/abandoned lines, damn,, id be in heaven

[@DanielleWhite]

The US had several canals in the Northeast but because that's very hilly ground the favorable grade of the abandoned canals was often used for roads. as an example a portion of US RT 6 in the extreme northeast of Pennsylvania runs on the old Delaware and Hudson Canal which occupied a narrow bit of level ground between hills and the Lackawaxen River.

[@MrThorp1]

@@DanielleWhite several... not a lot, like I said. So thanks. We had absolutely nothing like these English canals.

[@wacholder5690]

My favourite way to end a sunday: watching Martin's video. And even the outtakes are entertaining. Thanks again for sharing !

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@bobsrailrelics]

Great old flight of locks and then to top it off with an aquaduct, great finds.

[@mixu3184]

Great video again. I grew up in Little Lever, so this area was our playground. Spent 100's of hours around there. A bit further up heading towards Bolton you'll find 2 more basins, the top one next to Hall Lane definitely has a old sunken barge, but sadly no longer visible.

[@PaulaXism]

and across the road where they have taken the aqueduct away.. in the woods.. amazing amount of stuff in there. . that huge embankment and all the way to the small bridge in Darcy Lever and the site of the removed aqueduct at Lever Bridge. I lived over that end and used to walk up the canal route often

[@stephenhunter70]

The top basin along with the locks was cleaned up several years ago now there's no barges in that one!

[@nesleinf]

Another splendid video from Martin and James (and a mystery anonymos cameraman in the background?), packed with interesting historical facts. I just love it. Love from Denmark

[@robertfletcher3421]

I agree with you, who is the cameraman?

[@Tekwyzard]

@@robertfletcher3421 And why did he think that walking really slowly and obviously would somehow make him invisible???🤣

[@TheNapalmFTW]

These videos make me homesick and happy in equal measure, regards, from the colonies

[@diggmore1362]

We visited that area a few years back and I have to say my wife loved Nob End

[@MartinZero]

I bet she did 😉

[@slots1407]

Fnarr fnarr.

[@simonmcowan6874]

That was brilliant, and the brick at the end, for us plinthologists was a bonus.

[@MartinZero]

Why Plastic on it ?

[@simonmcowan6874]

I found Enfield Plastic Accrington, seems to be an advertising move for thier bricks, usual Victorian over estimation of the product. Nice to see, also I notice the red brick is only a two tier soldier course on the face, not all the way through the arch, no idea why, but a great video, throughly enjoyed it.

[@simonmcowan6874]

I notice you and adventure me walk over bricks, names on them of the makers are an amazing insight in that where did they come from, I'm in West Wales, a stroll around and a look in yards, skips, and when out houses are being demolished will reveal a trove of foreign bricks, here we have domestic buildings and a major railway station made with bricks from all over the place, some by sailing ship from North Wales, some by rail from there and England when the railway came here, so basically each brick has a history, why is it there is the big question, I've over 250 named bricks each with a history, so the next time you trip over one, wonder where it came from, it will add to your story.

[@jetsons101]

Ah, the TV van and now a tea van. Great intro. The colors on the Meccano bridge have a Medieval feel, bright and garish. Again, your narration and information presentation are top notch. James it's always good to see you in a video. Glad that was a old iron nail and not a old piece of poo left over from the sewer. Thanks to Martin and his team for this fine watch....

[@GerardMarsh-bw1lg]

Brings back memories. I have 3 photos of the sunken boats with coal boxes inside them taken in circa 1978. Another cracking video from Martin Zero.

[@adrianstansfield]

Another great video Martin & James & bringing so much history & knowledge back to life well done boys

[@martinc9215]

Very interesting video. It never dawned on me that people would take day trips on canals all those years ago.

[@MartinZero]

Yeah it was a very new thing for them

[@bobmcdermott9535]

@@MartinZero did they call them packet boats because they packed the passengers in! 😂

[@dtb2654]

always made me laugh seeing Nob End when looking at the map, great vid Martin, thanks

[@MartinZero]

Fab name

[@nicklowe536]

Another amazing video. Loved on the northwest all my life and never knew this was here

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Nick

[@markparden5440]

I grew up in Kearsley and this brings back memories. Used to hang around the canal and river as kids. Loved climbing on the sewer bridge and exploring the area. My grandad also taught me loads on the local history and the canal collapse. Great video!

[@martinmarsola6477]

A nice video you and Jimmy put on. See you on the next! Cheers mates! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🙂👍🇺🇸

[@thesolidsnakealpha]

I'm always staggered at the amount of workmanship that must have gone into building these structures, the undertaking of which must have seemed huge in comparison to today's methods. Thanks, Martin🙏

[@hamshackleton]

Labour was cheap, and labourors plentiful, though!

[@johnstilljohn3181]

Brilliant...! I love that Meccano bridge. It would be good to see the canal back in use...

[@MartinZero]

The MBB Canal society are trying to sort it John

[@johnstilljohn3181]

@@MartinZero I'll have a look at their website...

[@robertleach5112]

Before my parents and us kids moved to Australia we lived in Kearsley. When you were standing at the basin and pointing up toward the locks, It appears you were standing at the same spot my Dad used to take me fishing in the canal, pretty sure it was where the coal basin entry was. Lots of good memories along that canal. Thanks for all your efforts Martin.

[@neilmartin3220]

I'm extremely ill at the moment. Seeing your video pop up has given me a smile. Thank you so much.

[@lone8869]

Sorry to read that. Hope you are feeling better very soon.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Neil. Hope you well soon all the best from Martin & James

[@richardstuart325]

Lovely idea of the day trip on a boat with a stop at the tea rooms. Simple pleasure that would apply just as well today.

[@ken-austin]

Good stuff. Love the canals, active and not so active. Glad you shared a few outtakes too. Cheers.

[@UKAngryAthiest]

I attended an open day for the opening of the Mechano bridge and someone from the canal society gave a talk about the locks. Apparently the boats from Salford would turn around at the marina and passengers walked up the wide track off to the side of the locks and board another boat at the top to travel on to Bolton. It simply took too much time and effort to move the boats up and down the locks.

[@michaelcarter1963]

You and James are creating some great memories! Great job today mates! Stop running Martin! You’re gonna hurt yourself!

[@colin5296]

I love bridges too .Its personal Thing ! Like the bloopers ,once the giggles start that's it.

[@MartinZero]

Yeah, I couldnt talk right that day 😯

[@CarlosCorreia77]

The bloppers are truly a nice Easter Egg, keep it up! 😄

[@davidallen2058]

Thanks for this guys. You showed a few details that other videos have missed.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks David

[@EATSLEEPDRIVE2002]

Another awesome video Martin. It was funny to see the bloopers at the end, and honestly it kind of made me feel better. I’m shooting videos on the Morris canal here in New Jersey, USA and I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from your style of videos) and even though I’m doing them all on my own, it usually requires many different takes, all the while I’m thinking “why are they good at this like Martin is!“. So I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one 😅

[@MartinZero]

Nah I constantly balls up. I used to do em alone but I like to bounce off James. Keep it up

[@raybeaumont7670]

Nice one, boys. You must have some fun while bringing us these interesting vlogs. Keep 'em coming. And take good care of James - an outing without a brew just wouldn't be the same!

[@jennytoole5276]

Love it, love learning more about round here,

[@martin4787]

Thank you Martin, James and Danny. Loved it guys.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Martin

[@briwire138]

Great video as always. Drones certainly give a different view.

[@MartinZero]

Yeah despite my crap drone skills we got some nice shots

[@Me..D.S]

It's good to see another fantastic video from you Martin (and James). The last bit was 🤣. Thank you for making me smile. 👍🏼

[@Wedgedoow]

Amazing how the Georgians and Victorians took the pleasure craft to Manchester for a day out. Love the meccano bridge and table, thanks for posting.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Pete, hope to meet up soon

[@Wedgedoow]

Hi Martin, back from holiday in Yorkshire, I'll be looking at bees once a week from now until September it is all weather and temperature dependant. Above 12 degrees, not a lot of wind, I will DM you on Instagram, I'm not expecting you to drop everything and come over. You can tell me if you are free. I have two bee smocks just arrived today, I can put my hands on another as well.

[@Electobat]

Can I than you for your continued enthusiasm, it is infectious. Thank you so much.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@havingalook2]

So glad to see James back - hair cut and all!!! Delightful video Martin. Well done. I nearly pissed me self when your Martin said "What you call me" when you said Nob End. I was waiting for something to come up. Then I nearly pissed me self again when your James whipped out Mr, Kiplings marked down. Oh the number of those I have bought over the years - marked down of course. Hilarious. I so appreciated this video and I needed those couple of laughs out louds!!!

[@MartinZero]

Some would call him thrifty. I call him a tight bastard

[@patriciataylor1111]

Amazing ariel footage, so close to my home in bolton. A historical scar on the land.

[@mrfordfairmont]

the bloopers are always good laugh and it show that you are human

[@nixtax3526]

Great explore lads, cheers

[@sarahwinfield3989]

Once again an excellent informative video. I know more about our industrial history than I ever knew before I began watching them This one was particularly enjoyable as the infrastructure around the bridges and locks is well preserved. Thank you

[@weyayemanjoe3082]

Another great one Martin & James, loving that meccno stuff 👍👍👍

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Joe

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

A really fascinating exploration of canal archaeology, concentrated in such small area. Wouldn't it be great to see the locks in water once again!

[@MartinZero]

Love to see it all navigable again

[@roytabberer7427]

Martin Zero, thank you once again for the wonderful video. I agree that the suspension sewer bridge is an absolute eyesore. However it did let you show in detail the aqueduct and footbridge. The Meccano Bridge is a real unique piece of handiwork. Enjoy the short bits with your models.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Roy

[@dulciemargaretcolton145]

Lovely to see u both out again. We always love where you take us.really interesting. Love the Mecano bridge and picnic bench. So great to see past history with fotos well done guys.

[@trainsinkansas576]

Outstanding drone footage, old pictures and narration. Wonderful job . Meriden, Kansas

[@lordIanHouston]

Great video & insight as always.

[@louisemetcalf725]

Fab as always , I love your videos and all the information you give us , it's great to see my home town and and all the amazing historical places , you make it so much fun . I live in South West Wales now so love the nostalgia your videos give . Please do more bloopers too I bloody loved that addition ! If your ever over this way give me a shout and I'll stick the kettle on 😉...thanks for sharing 😍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Louise, we will have to pop down for a brew

[@mileshigh1321]

The Mecano bridge and picnic tables are amazing and cool! Only an old stoge would say otherwise haha!

[@acefeeley9007]

Love the bloopers at the end. More please!!

[@P61guy61]

Thank you for posting

[@DEAD-DROP]

I'm so happy others have the same love for bridges and canals that I do. Appreciate you guys taking the time to share these places with us! ♥

[@philthurman5539]

I had never heard of the "Meccano Bridge" - and as a lifelong Meccanerd seeing this pleases me immensely! Thank you for including it in your vid... I will have to get myself up that way to see it up close and personal, but meantime I'll have to get the Meccano set out this weekend :-)

[@MartinZero]

Well worth a visit Phil

[@colin125gwr]

brilliant as always

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Colin

[@michaelryan6884]

Another excellent vlog, Martin! It's good to see history.

[@easytiger652]

Another great video guys.very informative from a boltonian.👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Tiger

[@marcuscoquer5958]

Loved the outtakes

[@Gappasaurus]

Thanks again Martin & James (& Danny!) for taking us on another cracking history adventure ☺️

[@Tciman44]

Love following your channel. Your videos are so interesting. Enjoy watching the videos about old canals.

[@Qugar666]

So so so very interesting. Thank you, thank you. 👏👏👏

[@grahamwickens7049]

thanks again Martin, your enthusiasm is contagious

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Graham

[@numberonefan4699]

Love the outtakes 😂more please 🤣👍

[@gingerbread6614]

Very interesting. Thank you

[@buildwithadrian6895]

Thank you for the bloopers at the end

[@frizzlefry5904]

Wonderful vid and wonderful bridge, I hope the locks get restored and one day are back 'in water'.

[@mancdave123]

Another excellent video Martin, thank you 😎

[@joe3hatstv544]

Great video! I quite often ride through Nob End on my way up to Elton Reservoir. I’ve done some basic research on the area but great to get some more info on such a fascinating part of Manchester/Bolton. Keep up the good work guys😀👍

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

Really beautiful the 'Meccano' bridge, reminds me of my childhood. Then I played with Meccano. An interesting report.

[@sarahsallotmentjourney]

Love out takes , great video as always

[@deanehammitt7604]

I really enjoyed your video. I have become a bit of narrowboat and canal follower. I love the history that you and your fellow you tubers are able to share. My mother was actually raised in Bolton in the 30's and 40's. It was really cool to see an area that she would have played in as a child.

[@pambrown8697]

Love this stuff even though I do not live in the UK....Keep up the great work.

[@keithallen4313]

the videos get better and better and are a great Sunday night watch.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Keith

[@paulcharlesworth9114]

Great video and enjoyed the bloopers reel at the end. Thanks for all the hard work that goes into making these.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Paul

[@petertrevena804]

Another great video👍😊

[@hudsonrobert49]

Great video again Martin, and Yes to the the Meccano Bridge

[@Boating_David]

Loving the Bury & Bolton canal content !!

[@MartinZero]

Cheers David

[@leec2317]

Great video Martin, as always. Bonus outtakes are excellent, more please!!!!

[@RomkeSchievink]

thank you for this verry good docu.

[@markbradshaw7753]

brilliant..I was going to visit my folks in wilmslow over Easter but decided to go to Wembley instead but I should have visited the canals instead as this is so interesting.Keep these videos up as they are fab.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Mark

[@matthewrail6065]

Another great video Martin

[@RangieNZ]

The out-takes are excellent.

[@bobingram6912]

And you always make it look so professional!!!!! That was another great follow on vid, fascinating to see it so intact👍🏻👍🏻

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Bob

[@geoffhunter7704]

Yes another Superb video from you and your team Martin excellent!

[@gerryegan4872]

Great video guys, love watching your trips out. I have been here 25 yrs ago with a group of cub scouts, they thought it was awesome. Sadly I still can't walk these great routes. Keep the videos coming guys. Many thanks for sharing your trip.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Gerry

[@boilerroombob]

First class as as ever martin and friends thank you x

[@MartinZero]

Thanks

[@rogermorris6957]

Thanks Martin another fascinating vlog

[@tomsurbanexplore]

Good video this Martin very interesting indeed I liked the ending bit was funny 👍

[@nigeldewallens1115]

That was wonderful! Your ending really gave me a chuckle! Well done for the end! I really enjoyed, I cannot wait for your next clip! Keep it all up and good luck!!