The Lost Waterways of Manchester The River Tib

[@brianrobertson1105]

Martin, as you know, I am in awe of this video. A couple of comments. The overflow that you point out certainly won't empty into the Tib. You are right that it simply allows excess water to go from one section of the canal to the next, round a lock. These occur , in one form or another, on every lock that I have ever seen. As for the trap door, these 'plug holes' occur at regular intervals along canals where they cross another water course. There is a simple mechanism on the towpath onto which you attach a chain to pull the plug, trapdoor, or whatever it is up. There are also usually large wooden stop planks nearby and a groove in the stonework at the side of canal to insert them into to isolate a section of the to be drained. In addition, there was often a crane there to help with inserting the planks. Whether this drain into the Tib worked the same way, I have no idea, but it is certainly common practice and it would actually have been stranger had there been no drain.

[@MartinZero]

Brian thank you for your kind words. Your right now I think there is a Lock near me that has an overflow that is the same but open. Someone suggested putting food dye down it which I thought was a good idea. More so to see if it comes out down at the Medlock. Thanks Brian I actually wondered why the canal would need to drain into the Tib. You certainly know your waterways. I could of done with your knowledge. 😀👍

[@brianrobertson1105]

Martin, I mainly know my railways, but there is always a connection between the two various forms of transport. In fact, most canals were taken over by railway companies. I have a two volume history of the canals of the north west, which has taught me a lot and is fascinating reading. A bit more information for you about the Tib. I have just gone looking for this fascinating and mysterious waterway at www.old-maps.co.uk, using the information that you provided to find its course. There, on the 1848 map of the area, is what appears to be a pool of some kind, with what looks like a tiny water course coming off it. Unfortunately, you have to be a member to get extra magnification. However, the next map from 1850-51 is much larger scale and there, I believe, is the source of the Tib. Incidentally, above it, nestling in the V of the lines to Oldham Road and Victoria, you will see the original locomotive works and depot of the Manchester and Leeds Railway Co on early maps. It had what must have a been a beautiful roundhouse.

[@MartinZero]

I think I may have seen some of those Maps Brian, if you follow the thread. on one of the facebook pages. I think it flows into Shudehilll pits I will take a look at that website too. Thanks again

[@brianrobertson1105]

They flowed all over, of course. The Victorians were no fools in diverting Manchester. By the way, mate, my mum is 84 and in hospital after having had a stroke. She loves local history and has been my inspiration. I am going to load some of your videos onto my laptop and take them in for her to watch. She will love them. She is totally disabled now, but all of her marbles are there. I just wanted you to know the pleasure that you are giving to so many.

[@MartinZero]

My God thats amazing I hope she gets as well as she can, Send her my regards ✨🌺

[@brianrobertson1105]

Martin, I just wanted to thank you for something. As I told you, my mother (84 years old) suffered a stroke in July and has been in hospital ever since. She was (and is still to a large degree) an intelligent lady. She gave me my interest in local history and she knows so much about Manchester. When she was struck down, she was writing her memoirs. I can't bring myself to read it while she is still alive as I think that some parts of it - abuse while she was evacuated - would upset me too much, but I am told by her sisters that it is gripping reading. Anyway, we are trying to keep her mind active and the other day I showed her this video in hospital. She had headphones on and was lost to everything around her, nodding away as you spoke, gripped by your narrative. It was a joy to watch her so engrossed and happy. On Wednesday she finally moves into a nursing home to be looked after and, inevitably, to end her days. However long that is, I will ensure that your videos help to keep her company. It just goes to show how much of a difference we can make to other people's lives without even knowing it. Once again, thank you.

[@MartinZero]

Brian. What can I say. Thats very touching and I am honoured that my videos make a difference to her. Please send her my best wishes and if she would like a Christmas video message personal to her I would be happy to do that. I don't want to sound like I have a big ego when I say that. I just wondered if it would cheer her 👍

[@jetsons101]

@@MartinZero I just read this and it put a tear in my eye even the post is three years old.....

[@charlyjames9145]

I once saw the River Tib in the heart of Manchester. In the hot summer of 1976 I was working in Lewis's Department store in Piccadilly. I worked in the perfume stores which was in the labyrinth that was the sub basement, a service level below the shop basement. In one of the corridors is a trapdoor and when it was lifted was the river, as I remember it was noisy and fast flowing. Certainly not a good place to fall into.

[@MartinZero]

Wow thats very interesting. Your one of a few in Manchester who have seen it then !!

[@sheilawood4063]

charly James that’s a fascinating bit of information thank you

[@felloot9283]

That must have been quite surreal.

[@davelewthwaite]

2017: "I ain't going in there!" 2019: *Wades up the Tib* It's been quite the journey. Thank you sharing it with us.

[@gantmj]

I wonder if a flyer put on all the doors of Tib Street, asking if anyone has an old hatch to that culvert, would result in a response. It was be really interesting to see.

[@navelriver]

The Tib LIVES! Excellent video!

[@mikeyoung9810]

Well made, insightful and history for future generations to enjoy. Otherwise everything fades away and is forgotten.

[@EATSLEEPDRIVE2002]

Congratulations, man… 10+ years wasting my life on KZbin, and you are the first channel I’ve subscribed to after seeing only one video

[@Bulldozer2010]

What a bloke. Amazing. Can't stop watching 👍

[@campcreekhill8933]

G’day from Down Under! Great vids mate, far more interesting than tv and you don’t need a licence

[@ChuckKirchner-se6ib]

This is a re-visit of my favorite MZ videos. It's Christmas eve 2023, and I previously watched Martins "Christmas address to the world". NOW, I'm off to see the "Trap Door" video, which was my first Martin Zero video. As a result of Martin's critical research, and devotion to finding and exploring these rivers in Manchester, I can honestly say that the Tib is my favorite, even though we've never seen it.

[@acerimmer1023]

Brilliant video.....love all these old pieces of almost forgotten history..... Loved your video on the canal plug.... cheers Martin 👍

[@peterkilvert2712]

Great video Martin. The map of 1896 has named the Rochdale Canal lock no 89 as "Tib Lock" !

[@JonsAdventures]

I absolutely love the Tib. It so fascinating how much of it you can't see and it's little arch is cute. I love your videos.

[@MartinZero]

I also love the Tib Dino and thank you

[@JonsAdventures]

@@MartinZero I have recently just started watching your videos and I am obsessed lol. I am not from Manchester but I feel like a virtual Mancunian.

[@avaatkinson14]

👍Very interesting, always loved local history.

[@Seat1AJoe]

Awesome show, Martin!

[@jeffrobbins2318]

Very interesting and informative Martin as are all you videos. Keep up the good work.

[@davidconcannon5927]

I worked as a quantity surveyor on a new building on the corner of Tib Street and Dorsey Street in 1995 and when the foundations were dug, they uncovered a section of the culvert containing the River Tib. The Architect, who worked on Tib Street, was ever so excited. Photos must have been taken but I wouldn't know if he still had them. His name is Dominic Sagar and I believe he is now a Senior Lecturer at the University of Manchester.

[@austin9252]

Cracking video! Few people know about this stuff. I work for a survey company that carries out work on watercourses, canals and beaches. The job has taken me all over the UK and Ireland treading the paths, towpaths and heavily overgrown banks. Too many stories to tell here: Discovering dead whales in Cumbria Getting stuck in quicksand Watching the sunrise before low tide Watching a river run backwards(because of the tide) Navigating a small boat to and walking around dark arches in Leeds Keep up the good work

[@davewebster6945]

🤩 Martin Zero, excellent vid but I have a confession to make 😳, I covet thy dalek 🤩 👍.

[@sheilawood4063]

dave webster me too, I love that Dalek 😉

[@BREN-t1i]

Love it. Born and bred, Cheetham Hill. Keep it up.

[@lindadiehl9569]

Thank you, Martin, for this great background video. Please continue your work. You are a VERY good reporter, and your work is much appreciated.

[@ausi14u]

Champion mate love your content, followed to here from your post about the trap door in the canal and now I've subbed. Thanks.

[@tonykatya3034]

Wonderful Video. I live on Tib Street and it is great fun to learn of its eponymity. Thanks for your efforts! (subscribed)

[@andyireland1968]

The same thing happens in Dublin Ireland. We have the poddle river, which the vikings used to navigate Dublin over 1000 years ago. It now is not seen but joins the river Liffey at Victoria qeau. Legend says Guinness used the pure water of the poddle for many years to brue the black stuff. As an ex pat ( heywood ) loved watching the video😊. Brought me home for a few minutes.

[@matt6477]

Brilliant - thank you

[@nicklowe536]

Great find on the trapdoor. The trap door will swel when wet and seal the connection to.tib. As lond as there is no oxygen the wood will be OK for years like the Mary Rose. Great videos can't wait for more

[@clareriley]

Absolutely fantastic video! The overflow your correct about. All locks have them. I counted them once in maple locks as I disbelieved a friend until we put a cork in each and watched it come out. .... What a long day that was.

[@stuartsaint4581]

Does anyone else just watch these with Google maps permanently open? Great stuff as always Martin, just watched the one about the Manchester and Salford Junction Canal and found it interesting that it enters the Irwell almost exactly adjacent to the old Bolton and Bury canal. All the best from Dublin!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Stuart, yeah right opposite by a few yards

[@tanasue77]

I love in the United States and this is all so very interesting. I love this. Thank you

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Tana glad you enjoyed

[@chrislees202]

Fascinating that Martin especially with the little arrow carved into the edge of the canal. Imagine being able to see that trap door under the water. Very mysterious. Brilliant video as usual.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Chris. The Tib fascinates me

[@daveflick12]

Love your work very interesting. 2nd day watching without rest. Just cant get enough.

[@AndrewFree]

Facinating

[@BREN-t1i]

Hey Martin, I was born in Cheetham Hill. just off Halliwell Lane. Keep it up. love. Brendan.

[@peterkilvert2712]

Hello Martin, just seen your great video. Many thanks. I haven't had chance to read all the 185 comments, so I may be repeating what someone else has said. I was Safety Officer for Greater Manchester Council from 1978 to 1985. One of the Departments I advised was the Job Creation Schemes. One such job (about 1980) was resurfacing the Rochdale Canal tow path with set stones around the Whitworth Street area. As it happens, the canal was drained at the time. In the vicinity of the arrow that you pointed out was indeed the canal drain. It was like a large plug (like in a bath), made of concrete with a steel (or iron) ring to which was attached a metal chain. It was about 18 inches square. I may still have a photo of it, if you would like to see it. Best Wishes Pete.

[@MartinZero]

Wow I so wish I had seen that Pete thanks very much for the info

[@John-vc1vc]

You are an amazing person doing what you do, your videos are so well done with so much information and passion!! Thank you.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks John

[@HenrysAdventures]

Brilliant video! Reminds me of London's River Fleet. Fascinating to think wherever you are there could be a hidden river beneath your feet!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Henry

[@andyfound3465]

Hi Martin In the lates sixties early seventies I used to work at the Littlewoods store which was across from Lewis’s store in Piccadilly when we had severe rain the basement of Littlewoods use to flood with water. The storeman who was in his sixties use to say it was the river Tib

[@MartinZero]

Hi Andy, you know something that makes me think. I used to work in what is now Starbucks at the bottom of Tib St almost in Piccadilly. At the time it was called Coffee Republic and the basement there used to flood a lot. I wonder if it was The Tib also

[@koningbolo4700]

@@MartinZero if it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck....well it most likely is...a duck...

[@motocyclesandstuff3138]

I have just found your content and I’m looking forward to watching all your uploads. Fantastic content.

[@sylviajackson5853]

Once again, Martin, a truly amazing and deliciously refreshing immersion into Manchester's waterways. You have a magical way of leading us through each adventure... I readily admit that I am emotionally involved with everything Manchester history and at the end of this particular journey, upon seeing the Tib being led through the brick archway and into the Medlock, a tiny tear left my eye and trickled with it... :) x

[@MartinZero]

Aww thank you Sylvia. I must admit it was so frustrating making a video about a river that I wasn't going to be able to see. If I ever get into that culvert and see the Tib outlet I think I will be a bit emotional myself. 😃

[@elizabethannferrario7113]

Brilliant thank you for our history regards Liz

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Liz

[@user-oh7iv3ij5x]

Well done Martin, my grandmother used to tell us stories about this river she lived in all these area’s back in the 1800s

[@drowningcows7631]

I just LOVE your videos. Learning so much about the city I've lived in and loved for the last 25 years Thank you

[@MartinZero]

Hello thanks very much. I loved making this one 👍

[@northerndownpoor]

Really enjoyed this video Martin,o first heard of the tib a few years ago and this vid tells you everything you need to know,schools should use your videos as part of local history lessons

[@marcuschurchill3892]

Hi Martin I arrived here from the Canals and Rivers UK Facebook page. I clicked the link with the intention of watching a few minutes only, well I stayed to the end and enjoyed it so much I have now subscribed. I am off to check out your other videos, well done and thank you.

[@MartinZero]

Marcus. Thank you very much for commenting, also for watching the video. I noticed you had subscribed I got an email. Thank you and I appreciate you subscribing. Its very rewarding. Hope you like the videos. 👍😃

[@MrJeep75]

Awesome

[@johnlaw3323]

Once again Martin I love it. Many thanks.

[@PhilPage227]

Superb video Martin. In the 60s my late Mum worked in Manchester city centre at Swears and Wells furriers. Sometimes on Saturday I would go with her on the train from Bolton. I used to love wandering around Tib street looking at all the pet shops. I never knew there was a river Tib until now.

[@MartinZero]

I never knew myself. My Mum and Dad took me to the pet shops as well 👍🏼

[@kevkfz5226]

Amazing engineering, that you can build something so reliable that it goes out of living memory.

[@WinstonOBoogie_]

Fascinating video and great sleuth work. I spent very little time in Manchester on a stop over but I appreciate your insights into Manchester’s history.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Winston

[@davidstepeck2644]

Hello from the state of Connecticut, USA. I was drawn in to this video like the canal water through the trap door to the Tib. Wonderful video Martin.

[@MartinZero]

Hello David and thanks very much👍

[@garfstiglz3981]

As usual a brilliantly made video full of interesting facts. I’m from London originally but I find videos on lost rivers and old structures absolutely fascinating. Many thanks Martin for yet again a marvellous video.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much

[@ianhumm531]

Love your videos Martin

[@benahmed6916]

Thanks Martin. You are really opening our eyes to this great city. Keep on mate.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Ben, thank you very much 👍🙂

[@LaFemme434]

Intriguing 1st video of yours I've watched... Will be watching more. Brilliant content

[@MartinZero]

Thank you 👍🏼

[@Stampistuta]

Fantastic

[@irenerawlinson607]

Another very interesting video Martin - really enjoy watching them

[@MartinZero]

Irene Rawlinson Thanks Irene. Just wish I could of found that river to see 👍

[@jayd1974]

Superb video as always working my way through them can’t get enough of em👍Cheers Martin 👍

[@gedhowes49]

I have seen the trap door underneath the canal and it was open. It was at some point last week. The canal and river trust had dained the canal and have pulled the the grid open, water was indeed flowing down the drain with ease. I assume as you mentioned it was draining into the river Tib.

[@JohnMiller-ey7nv]

Great video showcasing the hidden secrets of Manchester.

[@MartinZero]

Hi John thank you. 👍

[@brianfox1980]

What a great little video Martin I look forward to the next one

[@MartinZero]

Hello Brian. Many thanks.

[@EATSLEEPDRIVE2002]

Awesome video dude… You remind me a lot of myself. I live in New Jersey, USA, home of the now defunct Morris Canal that ran from the Delaware river at the NJ/PA border, across Nj to jersey city. It ruins run right through warren county where I live, and The canal itself is mostly still there Albeit drained, as well as ruins of a lot of the locks and former canal works. My friend even lives in the former Canal keepers house. The canal has always fascinated me, and I’ve been traveling around seeing every bit of it that I can. Glad to see there’s another guy like me in the world keep it up mate. Love from USA

[@davidseaman824]

Think I have been in Manchester City 3 times in my life, so real feel for the street layout or geography, but waht a superb video, I 've subscribed!

[@canzukcommonwealth7309]

Brilliant this mate love finding out about the underground in manchester! Keep up the good work mate!

[@georgesmith4150]

Excellent 👍

[@wirksworthsrailway]

Martin, Like Brian Robertson (Facebook friend), I too am in awe of your hard work and dedication. Bravo!

[@MartinZero]

Hello Neil thank you so very much. I really appreciate your comment. Yep Brian is a great Knowledgable guy

[@bobpedley8609]

Enjoying watching your videos Martin, worked in Whitworth Street during the 1950s and 60s in Africa House and later Bridgewater House, both backing on to the Rochdale Canal.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Bob, thanks for watching. I would of loved to have seen the area back then 👍

[@stevenhill23]

I've just stumbled upon your video's, absolutely fascinating, thank you. Just, in my eyes, another clue, it seems to pass under The Waterhouse pub, if yourself or somebody has already noticed, I apologise for repeating them.

[@3-4-3football3]

Martin Loves the videos, it’s a great insight into Manchester. Never been there but I feel so much about the history of the city. Keep up the good work👍

[@MartinZero]

Hello, thank you very much 👌

[@grimsmith1]

Brilliant work mate, keep it up!

[@RsCastleCrew]

love it - i use to shop there ;-) got my first gerbil in fact.

[@patrickfernie6337]

Your videos are awesome mate, Australian flow enthusiast 🤣.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Jeff

[@dudleyblokerave]

Another great video. Keep up the good work.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@sirplumb]

👍🏻 keep all this up Martin, it’s really interesting stuff. I grew up in Droylsden, probably a little older than you but have the same memories. The joke shop, pet shops a tortoise. I feel like I have walked down Tib street a million times without really knowing the real history until............NOW.

[@barryleighton-potter3130]

As a photographer for British Gas in the late 60s and early 70s I had occasion to take photographs from the river Tib under the Gaythorn Gas Works.

[@MartinZero]

Wow fantastic !!! How was it ?

[@barryleighton-potter3130]

@@MartinZero Hi Martin It was a lot of years ago however I remember it as being a different experience and also not very deep as i had waders on and Guy I was with telling me that not many people knew it was there

[@Goldenhordemilo]

Cool lil water-race.

[@dchalkie]

Great video, thank you 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thank you David, much appreciated 👍

[@paulmanningremixes6408]

I'm a soft Southerner, but my wife and I ADORE Manchester, and I really enjoy your videos Martin. Watching your various instalments and content about the lost rivers and streams, especially the Tib, got me thinking. I doubt it's possible, both technically and financially, but how cool would it be to pop a medical pill cam down that underwater trapdoor. I expect one would need to glue some kind of buoyancy material on it, but it would be so cool to see some of the hidden areas of the river!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Paul, hmm I would love to do that. So interesting

[@chrisdb4940]

Another great video Martin, you clearly did a good deal of research

[@MartinZero]

Hi Chris, Thank you. Yes did a bit of reading. To be honest I got a bit overwhelmed with info. As the books I read talked about the Tib and all the areas that it fed, how it powered a water wheel and provided water for 'Fustian Dyers' so I just concentrated on the route. Thanks again 👍

[@TwoWholeWorms]

Funny to think that tiny arrow would launch your channel into the stratosphere. ^^ Also, love watching this video in retrospect. If only you'd known…

[@MartinZero]

Yep that little arrow 😃

[@cazduncley6744]

What an inspirational video. My head is full of fantasy stories now. Thanks 😃 I navigated the Rochdale Canal some years ago and didn't realise that was there. It was very interesting going under the city on the canal and also very hard work. Couldn't do it now as its for the young and 💪 but fantastic experience. Oh and I see the wooden board is still there. 😊

[@MartinZero]

Hi Caz, yes its a very mystical little river to me the Tib

[@adrianford2336]

Really enjoy your videos Martin

[@Vincenzo969]

Have you ever been back to explore the River Tib in full I see you’ve visited the outlet into the Medlock but wondered if you’d explored further? Really enjoyed the Lost River Series you’ve done on the Cornbrook and Shooters Brook was fascinating.

[@RingwayManchester]

I loved this mate, so interesting! I don't think that newer pic is the Tib going into the Medlock, I agree with you it's the first pic with the little arch. Loved the edit, the music, everything! What did you use for the water shots? It's a shame how these little bits of history are built over. Imagine tracing the path of the Tibb back through that Medlock culvert, I wonder if it's wide enough for a human all the way through? I bet the trapdoor underwater was covered in tar, I bet the silt has helped preserve it too along with the weight of the water and silt on top of it. Imagine draining the canal and digging it out? Great stuff.

[@MartinZero]

Hi, Thanks glad you liked it. I wouldn't like to try to follow the course of the Tib it would be a nightmare, very small and such a long crawl. That Medlock culvert is massive

[@RingwayManchester]

You get in there, I'll hold the rope! lol

[@MartinZero]

Nah. Your wetsuit doesn't fit me. You'll have to go in 😄

[@Kwispy_kweam]

I have read of a guy who has been fishing in the under ground watercourses of manchester

[@MartinZero]

Wonder if he caught anything ? 😀👍

[@geoffreyashworth2877]

Nice work Martin.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Geoffrey. Hope I got it correct. thank you so much. the book is brilliant !

[@ianinvancouverbc]

Have you throght about using one of those small kayaks to access some of tunnels and culverts ?

[@MartinZero]

Yes Ian working on it

[@2H80vids]

"I ain't going in there." If only you'd known.😁👍 Just found this one today Martin, one I had missed. Who could have known, back then, how important that wee trapdoor would be to the channel?😂

[@paulAshtonAKAAsh]

Thanks really enjoying your videos

[@Cheeseatingjunglista]

Its 4 am and I am bingeing on your vids again, you are a complete danger to my fucking sleep patterns mate and I LOVE IT!!! I've seen this one before but there is so much detail that I'm getting more out of it this time round.Totally brilliant mate

[@ONLY1FLYFLAME]

New to your channel very interested in your work currently binge watching

[@MartinZero]

Thank you. Hope you enjoy and much appreciated

[@IC82Hillford]

Excellent video! Well researched, well presented and genuinely was on tenterhooks waiting to see the actual river Tib haha. Subscribed!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much. Alas the River Tib evades us

[@Nathan.Manchester]

Interesting Video again. I liked 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Nathan. 👍😀

[@jomays7280]

Hi Martin. Was just about to give you a heads up the canal had been drained revealing the plug into the Tib. The canal workmen explained you have already been around filming last week. So look forward to the next vlog!

[@MartinZero]

Ahh you spoke to them

[@EATSLEEPDRIVE2002]

This guy literally has a personal connection with waterways. He feels sympathy for them, and wants them to know that someone cares about them and that they are a great piece of history that’s not forgotten. I fucking love This dude

[@MartinZero]

Ha i think i do and thank you 😃👍

[@dazhatch7458]

Hey Martin My wife and I have been down to the locks today and actually seen the trap door👍👍👍

[@MartinZero]

Nice one Daz. Its certainly the most unusual Loft hatch you will ever see 😃

[@Naparky1]

Wow amazing! Walked around there last week didn't realise what was below me lol

[@MartinZero]

Hi Neil. I would of never noticed that mark on the towpath. Thanks 👍

[@jameslynch5716]

Martin thanks for these videos they are GREAT. A bit of info between the Cathedral and Salford bus station there was an underground toilet and from down there there are all sorts of tunnels.

[@MartinZero]

Hi James, thanks very much. yes I have heard of that area isnt it called 'Cathedral Steps' ?

[@paullatham7774]

Great videos glad I've stumbled upon your channel very informative and interesting I'm interested in local history and I'm a keen metal detectorist

[@MartinZero]

Hi Paul, Metal detecting be great to come out with you somewhere interesting 👌

[@paullatham7774]

Martin Zero hard to get permission if and when I go out I usually go with a group who secure farmland and then charge a fee most of the time it's a good 1 & 1/2 hours but yes when I'm next going your more than welcome

[@neilbain8736]

Great video. That arrow on the stone is intriguing. I think the OS use them too. I wonder if there is a spot height on a large scale map at that point.

[@MartinZero]

I love that arrow

[@fulcrumspigot455]

Nice one mate.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks 👍