The History of a Manchester Gasworks

In this video we look at the history of a Manchester Gasworks. The Gasworks is the Rochdale Road/Gould Street Gasworks. Situated near Angel Meadow the Gasworks was opened in 1824. As the Industrial revolution was happening. We look at archive old photographs around the Manchester Angel Meadow area and look at the industrial history of Manchester. We also urban explore Urbex what is remaining of the old Gasworks. It was the Scottish Inventor William Murdoch that first lit his house by Gaslight. This video examines his legacy.
PO BOX 265, Manchester M24 0BX #manchester #industrialhistory #angelmeadow

[@Wolfie-gc4np]

You need a TV program about the History of Manchester.

[@alexbright7735]

​@Lassi Kinnunen Agreed to both comments. Martin is amazing such a natural.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you, KZbin is best because I can do my own thing

[@MartinZero]

@Lassi Kinnunen I think you are correct

[@MartinZero]

@@alexbright7735 Thank you

[@johninyork]

@@MartinZero very true, love the style of each episode. Since discovering your channel I have binged my way through. I used to live in Chorlton before the internet and never knew everything you have taught me.

[@LSD123.]

Im Australian... I reckon i know more about Manchester now than my own country.

[@MartinZero]

Hello thank you, thats great 😃

[@TheSilmarillian]

NSW here hello

[@self-rustoration-society]

You and me both... these are brilliant videos

[@dizzylizzy124]

I have said it before and I will say it again, the mix of old maps, old photos and pointing out the locations for a video is second to non..

[@knowlesy3915]

Completely agree. 👍

[@floor993]

T2M Well stop watching and don’t say it for a third time.

[@ianr]

Totally agree. 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much

[@P61guy61]

Yep

[@adamshaw2932]

That coat of arms is pure magic... how it can be allowed to crumble away is beyond me!

[@MartinZero]

Yes I agree Adam

[@BLIGHTY1000]

My favourite KZbin channel by far. Another brilliant vid 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much

[@robertmeadows895]

Another interesting Historical video Mr Martin !The 'Deep-Water' sign could have warned of the water filled pit on which the gasometers once 'floated ' ! As a boy 50-60s ,we lived on a hill in London from which we could see Greenwich Gasworks ! On Sundays the two massive gasometers went very low as everyone cooked Sunday dinner !

[@MartinZero]

Ahh yes I never thought of that, quite possible

[@barrieshepherd7694]

Almost certainly related to the gasometer.

[@regd809]

One other possibility for the 'deep water' is a tar and liquor tank. This is where tar and ammoniacal liquor that condensed out of the gas was drained to before being pumped out for processing into a variety of by-products.

[@sauljapuntich]

I met my love By the gasworks wall Dreamed a dream By the old canal Dirty old town Dirty old town Heard a siren from the docks Saw a train set the night on fire

[@BrianReeves2]

this has been running through my mind for about six videos so far today...

[@stephenbinks7785]

My Great Granddad worked here in the early 1900. Your video has helped paint a clearer picture of the gasworks and his work. Thank you Steve Binks

[@martinusher1]

Great video. The process of making coal gas was a bit more involved than just heating the coal and collecting what came off it. The gases were scrubbed with water which took out a lot of the by products such as ammonia, phenol and the tars. These byproducts became the materials for the chemical industry. The red-hot coke was doused with water which gave off what they called water gas, a hydrogen and carbon monoxide mix, which augmented the gases from the retorts. Its that stuff you're seeing in the old WW2 era pictures of cars with gas storage on top. (Not such a weird idea -- a lot of buses are run from cylinders of compressed natural gas, they're often on the roof of the bus.) Coal gas (I've only heard the term 'town gas' in the US) is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen with maybe a little nitrogen in it. It did vary in quality which is why it was sold by the therm (how much heat you got from it) rather than by volume. When they switched over to natural gas in the early 70s you had to have your appliances converted by changing the mixing jets to ones with a much smaller size -- if you lit an unconverted gas ring with natural gas you'd end up with a flame about two feet high (fun, but not much good for boiling a kettle). The gas supply was also higher pressure so individual pressure reducers were fitted by gas meters rather than pressure regulators for a district. I'd be wary of poking around inside those arches because of dangerous debris. Quite apart from gas works sites being heavily polluted there's signs of the indoor areas being somewhat inhabited at one time or another (half burnt pallets)(needles) and there may be left over materials like asbestos cladding that could be dangerous. (Asbestos wasn't always regarded as dangerous so it got used all over the place as insulation. Now we know its a real problem to remove its often left in place if there's no particular reason to move it.)(Check out the story of Acre Mill at Hebden Bridge as a cautionary tale. That place was left for years after it closed because nobody could figure out how to demolish it safely.)

[@alexholden]

Wright's Coal Tar Soap is a well known brand that used to be made from one of the byproducts.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks for the info Martin. I do enjoy a good poke around

[@andrewclegg6541]

Deep water sign, possibly the base of the gasometer storage tanks, maybe? I believe the tanks floated on water for a good seal.

[@MartinZero]

Yes your right Andrew and thanks

[@AndrewFree]

@@MartinZero Base? You mean you are standing above the tanks? Are those tanks still in use. Awesome content

[@ferrettkitt]

@@AndrewFree The office building that stood on the site was demolished two or three years ago. I worked for British Gas on the Gould Street site and anything that was dangerous the staff wouldn't have had access too. The tanks were long gone when I started working on the site 20 years ago

[@PurityVendetta]

Brilliant video, I really enjoyed this one. My Uncle John served his apprenticeship at the Etruria Gas Works in Stoke on Trent. I remember as a kid we got into the, by then, closed down gas works. There were three very deep water filled shafts which might explain the deep water sign. I can vaguely remember the men coming around to convert my Nan's cooker to natural gas in perhaps the early 70's. Town has stunk and was very toxic, hence the head in the oven stories about people killing themselves. My chemistry teacher, Jack Winray, told us how he was involved in putting the smell into natural gas. Apparently, natural gas doesn't smell like town has did. The gas companies worried that people wouldn't be able to smell gas leaks when they switched over. Jack worked as part of the team of chemists who developed the artificial smell put into natural gas. He told us that his mates and him used to be refused by the bus drivers after work because they smelled so bad.

[@bill-2018]

I remember it being said they had to put a smell into North Sea gas.

[@terrisomers7843]

I worked in a gas work plant in the US back in 1981-85 when it was closed down. You're correct about adding a scent agent because natural gas is odorless. The agent (at least at the time here in the states) was called methyl mercaptan. 😊

[@neilthomas9244]

Perfect.Great vid. Maps. Photos. Music.Research.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Neil

[@brianmoore7910]

The best history teller of Manchester the zero great video Martin enjoyed 👌

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Brian much appreciated

[@sputumtube]

My addiction to your videos continues. Thanks for posting/exploring/educating/showing us.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Paul much appreciated

[@noellee4932]

Used to work as a mechanic for the North West Gas Board on Liverpool St in the early 70s. Brilliant video, crossed a lot of Ts and dotted so many Is Well done buddy 👏👏 Noel Lee

[@k100wigg]

The pale yellow "bricks" are the "refractory" ones used for the lining of the coking ovens. In the tunnel at 20mins are the curved ones for the arched roof lining in the ovens. The gasometer (just a big gas tank)used to sit in a trough of water which forms the gas seal around the base.

[@keithcookson9597]

Found this channel by accident and I have to say, am now addicted. I'm not a Manc but from over the hill in Rotherham/Sheffield but love industrial history etc. Martin, you do a great job in presenting some fascinating material, the videos are very watchable and informative. We'll done and keep 'em coming.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Keith very much. I bet there is loads of stuff in Sheffield

[@keithcookson9597]

Would love you to venture east, but I lived and know the Holmfirth/Saddleworth area, so you do come close. Once again, many thanks for your enthusiasm and quality videos.

[@wasdalemanexploringoutdoor5137]

Top video once again Martin, very informative and well presented. My wife will want to watch this later, who needs the tv with videos like this being made👍

[@Oscartherescuedog]

Wasdale Man V Walking Camping and Exploring Channel I’ve never even been to Manchester but I find these videos absolutely fascinating! The guy (Martin) is a legend!

[@wasdalemanexploringoutdoor5137]

Sean Buttimer I think the appeal is that you can tell he really enjoys what he’s doing.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you and regards to your wife 👍🏼

[@MartinZero]

@@Oscartherescuedog Thank you Sean

[@navigator902]

Yes, Martin the quality of entertainment is surpassed the many documentary historical programs like PBS, NOWA, National Geographic and others. Thanks Martin, always worth a watch.

[@franktuckwell196]

You are no 'zero', you are an absolute historian 'hero'. If my history teacher at school had been anything like you, i would have definitely taken more notice of what he said. Thanks for the enthusiasm, you could make anything interesting.

[@ferrettkitt]

The bricks you see under the arches are Fire Bricks I've been in there when I worked for British Gas on the site. The plaque for the coat of arms that described where the triangular piece had come from has gone missing it came off the original Gas Works building. Also you missed the railway track that still exists above those arches in the car park that you looked in.

[@Mattski_83]

I came to your channel from the canal trapdoor and I have binge watched a ton of your stuff and eagerly await any new content that you make. Also, do you move the Dalek around or do you just have a heap around your house? Either way, it's very cool (and I don't even watch Doctor Who) Anyway Keep up the good work and hello from Logan City, QLD, Australia.

[@MartinZero]

Hello, 😃That Dalek moves around and hello to Australia

[@andrewclarke3357]

My stumbling was on the same said video and watched many since. Rarely comment on vids but Martin's are close to my heart. Would love a guided tour

[@StupidBlokeStupidVideos]

I’ve just done the exact same thing...

[@RiojaRoj]

Ha...... I got hooked from the canal draining vid too !! 😂

[@garethjones6082]

i used to work there when it was british gas in the early 2000's. The bit with the deep water sign was a garden for eating your dinner and if i remember right there was a pond in it.

[@MartinZero]

Ahh interesting Gareth thanks

[@ianp7661]

The wall was shocked to see Martin @ 28:03 I've just discovered these videos. Fantastic!

[@davidclark3603]

You are simply absolutely amazing! Your filmmaking skills and research skills are second to none.fascinating, intriguing and wonderful. Thanks Martin, and to Conner too!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you David. You are very kind 👍🏼

[@LancashireLad1980.]

brilliant, the use of old maps to show us what was there before is an inspiration and well put together amazing what you see when you actually look at what around you. Good stuff once again martin!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much

[@RiojaRoj]

Brill...... as usual. It's been said so many times but your work will live on, long after us lot, and so it should, even the comments made today will seem, strange, even poetic perhaps in the future? For me, I'm glad I've lived through what must some of the most interesting times in our history. I was born in 1950 early enough to hear the stories of people who lived through the wars and industrial past. My upbringing wasn't too bad fortunately, but sadly kids of today have no idea just how fortunate they truly are. Thanks again for capturing everything you do. Roj

[@paulhunt8743]

tell you wot pal without people like you many of us wouldn't know wot our past was actually like,you show some great footage of then & now with pictures of how it was,your time dedication and lots of hard work deserves 10/10 love you videos many thanx pal.

[@johnboardman6025]

wow i use to look after the grounds maintenance here inthe 80s and 90s for a landscape company. that coat of arms was right outside the main office entrance.

[@MartinZero]

Hi John yeah it features in one of the pictures at 12 mins

[@steviebaby2857]

I love the way you tell the story and history, its like ive lived there myself. Another excellent video mate. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@chrisrobson5187]

I found this video particularly interesting as I used to work for North West Gas in Bootle. Gould Street is a very familiar name to me because I think they had offices there until privatisation changed the face of gas distribution. The site I worked at was in LItherland Road Bootle - and it was an Operational Control Centre with offices, engineers and distribution teams who would go out in the district to repair leaks and lay new mains. When it became clear, in the mid 90s, that the site was going to be vacated by British Gas a huge operation was undertaken in the car park at the back of the site. Massive excavation took place so they could remove the gas ovens which had been used as you describe in this video and were highly toxic. A huge thick blue plastic barrier surrounded the area to keep the curious at bay. The work went on for weeks and the smell was terrible, so much so that the contractors placed scented atomisers along the tops of the high barriers to try and keep the smell under control. I don't know what happened at Gould Street or if their coke ovens were still there but at Bootle they had just laid a carpark over the top. The site was next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and our fire evacuation area was inside some huge arches with a walkway over running water. The map I was looking at was from 1906 - the link is here in case you want to find out more and thank you for the memory tonyrobertson.mycouncillor.org.uk/2015/02/03/bootle-gas-works-and-surrounding-area/

[@davidahugill9614]

The last coal fired gasworks in the UK was built in the 1950s at White Lund in Morecambe . It had an additional production Faciity in tandem eventually, making gas from PFD . Production carried on until natural gas from the grid arrived in the 1970s , when conversion of the distribution system gradually took place . Natural gas was stored in the gas holders for many years , but these were all phased out in recent years as the pipeline network acted as storage all over the country.cheers DAVE H .

[@fuzzwack1]

Hi,Im from Canada,..And find your videos very Interesting!!! Thank-you!

[@MartinZero]

Hello Robert thank you very much, best regards to Canada 👍🏼

[@markhowards420]

Cracking video, the corrugated stuff on the ground @ 17:40 looks a bit asbestossy to me. Take care man.

[@MartinZero]

Yes Mark I think it was and thanks

[@RetirementVille]

Just thinking the same myself. You need to report it to the council asap...they'll arrange to bagging, collection and disposal.

[@alexjewell2351]

Those sheets are generally ok unless you start smashing it up and breathing it in. You worry that if you report it they'll tear the whole lot down, that'd be a shame :(

[@jeffreyquinn3820]

I agree with Alex Jewell & pmailkeey. However, if you spend a lot of time wandering around in damp underground spaces, you might want to check out disposable N95 respirators: www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/GeneralHospitalDevicesandSupplies/PersonalProtectiveEquipment/ucm055977.htm They're not quite as effective as a big bulky HEPA filter, but are a lot more practical for wandering around in tight spaces, and don't muffle your voice. We use them in hospitals & medical labs, so they should protect you from any spores, bacteria & particulates you encounter. You can get a professional fitting at any construction safety company for fairly cheap. (At least here in Canada.)

[@blueneeson9888]

Thanks Martin A Absolutely Fantastic Video From Blue

[@shirleylynch7914]

Excellent explore Martin. My heart weeps for all those workers in the past. What an interesting video. So informative. Quite moving. Thank you for the link to this.

[@telechargerjeuxds]

Greetings from France :) I have to say it, you're really good at what you do Martin. I've discovered your channel like 1 month ago, and every video you've uploaded since are just awesome. I've discovered many things thanks to you, especially the Tib river and the trap door ! You definitivly need more subs, and will get them ;)

[@MartinZero]

Hello thank you so much for your kind comment. I appreciate it and best regards to France 👌

[@adrianford2336]

Another brilliant video Martin very interesting, have been waiting for the next one

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Adrian

[@gaz0463]

My grandad worked at the Gaythorn Gas Works and I remember going to pick him up from work with my dad a few times. I used to play with the button that operated the barrier at the entrance. My dad, at the end of the 50s and 60s, worked for the gas board and was doing the conversions from town gas to natural gas. I’d nearly forgotten about this so thanks for this video.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Gaz. Gaythorn !! wow wish I had seen that

[@neeelix]

Yet another fascinating story of Manchester’s Industrial heritage rotting away. It’d be great to see a video of the trams and where they run on old lines, repurposed streets and bridges? When I visited a couple of years ago I was smitten by the roads around my hotel leading to the Northern Quarter where tarmac had crumbled to reveal beautiful cobbles literally the past showing. Thanks for your continued enthusiastic work!

[@godzofegypt1732]

Love the videos very informative, and love to see the mudflood buildings.

[@John.Doe_]

Thanks for another great vid. Cheers from Germany.👍👏

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Mathias and regards to Germany

[@rodbennett4790]

This was terrific Martin . I particularly liked the old photos that help in understanding what we're looking at. Keep up the great work!

[@kanecunningham7295]

Very interesting. My grandad worked there during the war and after. I had a walk around some of the site with my dad who said they all lived near the gf as works after travelling over from Ireland. So, part of my own family history. Kane

[@BLINDEXPLORERASIFMUHAMMAD]

Very amazing video well done mate keep up the great work

[@MartinZero]

Hi mate thanks very much

[@BLINDEXPLORERASIFMUHAMMAD]

@@MartinZero you are most welcome and I will be UPLOADING 2 videos tomorrow and one of them as a crazy stunt in it

[@pontiouspilotman]

It says deep water because it is probably the base of a water sealed gas holder or a chamber for a water gas cleaner.

[@MartinZero]

Yep thanks Phil

[@paulyates2548]

I have not finished watching the vid yet but I've got to put this down . you sir are a absolute geniuses when it comes to bringing history alive more of this thankyou

[@MartinZero]

Paul thanks thats very kind of you to say 👍🏼

[@MySwindells]

I grew up in ancoats ..played all around these areas and derelict old mills angel meadow old tennerments loved it so much i worked on the canals most my life man and boy ...could tell you some tales buddy ...Great coverage of shooters brook wow

[@Dan23_7]

I'll be watching after my tea (dinner for our southern compadres)

[@MartinZero]

Ha Brilliant and thanks

[@kollusion1]

"Jemmy the crawler" is something for people think about, when they think their modern, easy, wrapped in cotton wool lives are crap.

[@ianhudson2193]

Amazing! I've been to The Marble Arch pub/brewery you showed many times and never realised all thus was practically next door...😯

[@justinmccowan2543]

There was an old gasworks near where I was born in Richmond Indiana, USA. It was built in 1855, but because of it being abandoned for a long period of time and a curious teen falling through the roof, the city demolished it around 2007. There are still a series of concrete arched supports for an elevated railway, but that is the only thing left. The boy who fell through was injured, but he survived.

[@MCOGBDOG]

Love your videos! Thanks for sharing. Google "mud flood"

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much

[@daveg2104]

@@MartinZero I wouldn't - unless your into conspiracy theories. Some of their stuff is pretty crazy.

[@pilpelet100]

Good to come back to this after four years!

[@hightorrexplore4370]

Love all the Victorian brick built stuff absolutely amazing to see.

[@ronniebiggs4026]

I can only echo what others are saying about your channel....Simply the best ....You are doing a lot of graft for our benefit...A big thanks dude.👍💪👏

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much 👍

[@83gt17]

Greetings from Manchester, New Hampshire, USA! Lots of 1870's industrial history here as well.

[@MartinZero]

Hello great stuff. Ive always wanted to visit the other Manchester. Be good to see your history 👌👍

[@darreno9874]

Hi Martin, I can see murdoch's House from my front room. I'm laid out with a bug and checking out vids I've not seen. Thanks for helping to keep my spirits up. God bless

[@TheSilmarillian]

Amazing arches and brick work indeed thanks for the tour hello from Australia

[@MRPUD1]

Another great video Martin . You are good at finding the things nobody notices but walk past every day . Keep them coming I need my weekly fix

[@thamesmud]

The "DEEP WATER" sign was probably left over from the gas holders that were telescopic steel tanks that floated on deep water tanks. The gas was pumped into the holder making it rise, hen full it gave a reservoirs of gas to even out the pressure, the weight of the holder forced the gas into the pipework systems.

[@oldgoat5589]

As expected, and anticipated, another fascinating and quality video. Thanks, Martin - keep 'em coming.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Chris

[@RetroRatz]

Absolutely stunning, mesmerized all the way through. Top work!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much

[@suzantonn1188]

Fascinating structures, always love the old photos, especially enjoyed the mention of your mom and grandmother's conversation about which gas service they had.

[@barbaranneboyer4796]

another great history lesson. thanks from BC Canada

[@MrNextdoorscat]

when working on trafford park ages ago there was some old engineering drawings of a cross section through a gasometer, they used a water seal, thinking back there was always rust in the areas where they moved up and down because of the water

[@MartinZero]

Yeah I believe so, must have been the deepwater sign

[@dtb2654]

thanks Martin, catching up on some of your older video's - brilliant 👍😃

[@SuperRichhead]

So enthusiastic and informative about your subject matter, the videos you produce on Manchester's history are simply the best, keep them coming and thank you Martin.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Richard

[@willip66]

As always, superb stuff Martin. Fascinating seeing the comparison of maps and old photos compared with modern day. I’m always thinking of the workers that did that superb bricklaying on those arches and structures all those years ago and the fact it has survived. Keep up the great work.

[@GordonLed]

Thanks for all your time and research into making this video. Fascinating.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks for watching Gordon

[@hannable70]

Well, this is about the 20th or so video of yours I've watched over the last two days - and I never tire of it. Fact is, I'm not from Manchester or even the UK - I live in America - but history has always fascinated me. However, trouble with history is that you usually only get to learn about the Big things. Hearing about one village, one neighborhood, one building, one disused railway station or tunnel, well, honestly, that's what history is really all about. These videos would have inspired me to do a similar series in my own hometown if it weren't for the fact that my area is far too rural and my mobility is about gone. But I can watch yours and I hope to see a lot more.

[@suzysharpe2141]

Martin.... you've done it again,.... another fascinating video !! 😀. So very interesting and I enjoy looking at all the old photos and maps. I just remember that rail truck that went across Rochdale Road...when we were going along there on the bus ,it used to stop to let the rail truck go across. That was so many many years ago !!! How times change ...but I still have the memories. !

[@MartinZero]

Hi Suzy, wow you remember the truck going over Rochdale road , thats brilliant 👌

[@jokaja03]

Absolutely a phenomenal piece of historical work, well done mate and keep them coming. You deserve your own Tv program.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much

[@markgreenslade6839]

Hi, Great video. I worked out of Gould Street Gas works in the 1980's when it belonged to North West Gas. Great memories.

[@MartinZero]

Great stuff Mark. Wish I had seen what you have

[@rickywright1264]

Martin this is fantastic! Fascinating and plenty of detail! Hoping for more!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Ricky

[@markthomas6045]

Fascinating as always Martin, Thank you!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Michelle

[@P61guy61]

Too good for commercial TV. Well edited, researched, and full of valuable history. Thank you for posting.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you William much appreciated

[@P61guy61]

Martin Zero you are very welcome from Carrollton, Georgia. I’ve never considered Manchester as a vacation spot. But with your videos, I hope I get to walk around there some. Again, Thank you.

[@MartinZero]

@@P61guy61 Come when the weather is nice 😁

[@P61guy61]

Martin Zero, Maybe he experience will be more realistic if it is cold and rainy! Cheers.

[@stupossibleify]

You really bring the history behind familiar Manchester sights to life. Thank you

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much

[@SheardTV1]

Another great video! I'm a proud Yorkshireman that travels to Manchester to do cameras on Corrie every day. I just bloody love watching your videos and learning about Manchesters history! I think I know more now about Manchester than I do at home (my rose is still white though), keep up the good work!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Andrew. Can you lend me a camera 😉

[@1TruNub]

I absolutely love your style man, You do an excellent job describing the history of your local area every big city needs a person like you

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Kory

[@johnryanbadumar7702]

I have the utmost respect for your knowledge about your hometown. I love watching your videos. Cheers!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you John much appreciated

[@gaz0463]

My Grandad worked at the Gaythorn Gasworks in Manchester. As a kid in the early 1970s me and my dad sometimes went to pick my Grandad up after work. As you turned in to the gasworks there was a barrier and an office on the right. We used to wait in the office and they allowed me to operate the barrier when vehicles came in and out. I thought this was great! I remember train tracks in the main roads although I don’t think they were used anymore.

[@MartinZero]

Great stuff Gaz. Unfortunately I never saw it

[@fookdatchit4245]

Excellent post Thank you very much

[@billydale9779]

Well once again very interesting Martin love the before and after pictures well done

[@markwng]

What a fantastic work of history you put together here..

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Mark

[@castlejunction1707]

Wonderful video....found it riveting to watch......thank you Martin...👍

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much

[@NOWThatsRichy]

Another brilliantly made video, once again Martin, interesting structures, these old gasworks, there used to be alot of gasometers in the Portsmouth area, some were still in place well into the 1980s, all the sites gone now, either under roads or new industrial estates. I can also remember back in the 70s, when North Sea gas replaced coal gas, the gas company changing the burners on the cooker & fitting the pressure reducing regulator on the meter. Another problem they had was the gas was pumped through the mains at a lot higher pressure, causing alot of the old underground pipes to leak & the roads were forever being dug up to fix the leaks!

[@MartinZero]

Hi Richy thanks very much. Yeah I think I vaguely remember the conversion to Natural gas. Thats nasty higher pressure gas causing leaks

[@admiralcraddock464]

back in the late seventies I did some work in the redundant Becton gas works in London`s east end. One the biggest in Europe it was a great place to wander around. It had over fifty miles of raiways and dozens of locos, they even built two in their own loco works. It was used for the opening scene of the james bond film For your eyes only, Full metal jacket and Brannigan featuring John Wayne. All gone now, all that remains are a few pipes and valves in a gas distribution point.

[@gcfcos]

Fantastic, finally found someone who is as interested in Victorian architecture and industrial landscapes as I am! Great video

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much

[@paullatham7774]

Excellent as always such interest in and around town which we take for granted thanks for giving us all a small insight into our great city and keep em coming I can't get enough of them might even start retracing some of your routes to see for myself love the way you put these together very talented man and thanks again

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Paul. Yeah most of the stuff I do is easily findable if you know Manchester

[@entertherealmofchaos]

Your down to earth approach to history is very refreshing and captivating. Thumbs up 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Andy much appreciated

[@thereisadog3717]

Truly interesting and fantastic video yet again. I was born in Manchester and lived in Marple, Stockport and Hyde, so I am familiar with many of the areas you explore, but your content and delivery is so unique that its all new and so interesting. Thanks again.

[@LeoStarrenburg]

Really like the mix of video and old maps/photo's, thanks for another great video !

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Leo, yeah love the old maps

[@xpyres2130]

Fascinating video, thanks 😊

[@andyc1139]

I've only been to Manchester once - you have such a passion and enthusiasm for details of history I want to come again one day. Your videos are always fascinating - brilliant work!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Andy, you should come back

[@JDLeonard74]

Great history lesson Martin! Love this channel! Times are so much different. You are a brave man. It is a miracle that you have managed to explore some of these places and not come across some nasty scene or anything more dangerous. Not trying to put you out of doing this. It's part of the amazement in all of this. 1,000,000 thumbs up!👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much. Nothing nasty so far

[@TheJazzhound]

Martin, your videos are superb. Since finding your channel through the canal trap door story I've been binge watching. Fascinating and engaging watching! I've learnt so much about a city I have travelled through all my life.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you, really appreciate it

[@PhillyBill59]

Martin & Crew...thanks for all the videos & maps. Reminds me of my home town. Anyway...your stuff is awesome...and the music reminds me of Eno & Bill Nelson. Great Stuff...looking forward to More :)

[@frankfitzgerald5832]

Fantastic video great history .... Thanks for Sharing this with us all Martin....Frank

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Frank

[@Cowley46]

Fascinating video again Martin thanks.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much