Stories from the Manchester Bury Bolton Canal

[@richardtierney7724]

Ues to walk all over this patch from 1973 with my dog.. Lived on Ladyshore Estate and the remnants of the bleach works still there.. the crane did not look as good as it does now! Must be the preservation group looking after it. There was a plan to dredge out the section to Radcliffe ( sunk dredger was there amongst the reeds ) The fields opposite my house still had ventilation shafts from Ladyshore Pit ( Fenced off - did not stop a cow wandering over one and going through the capped shaft and falling down to the coal mine galleries ) At the edge of Stopes Road were the remnants of small "Bell Pits" the coal was quite close to the surface and men used to dig down and out ( forming a "Bell Shaped" pit), that would then collapse in on itself leaving a load of small depressions years later all over the fields. BTW the paper mill you referred to as a Sion Paper works was in my time 70s and 80's named "Creams Paper Mill" Fred Dibna did a really good documentary on the area and the canal collapse... Cracking stuff Martin.... Thanks :-)

[@StupidBlokeStupidVideos]

Sounds an interesting place. Do you know the name of, or where I can find the Fred Dibnah documentary?

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Richard, poor old cow

[@richardtierney7724]

@@StupidBlokeStupidVideos kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJrcm6BtfLqMprM OK? :-) This is good as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWTLZqR6aM9sr8U

[@StupidBlokeStupidVideos]

@@richardtierney7724 thanks mate, I’ll watch that tonight!

[@berniegnat5688]

Q

[@jamesmihalcik1310]

The whole cinematic experience ! Tea, cakes, documentation, photos and the missing spoon :) Always adds a bright spot in the day to catch a Martin Zero production. Thank you!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks James, one day we will see that spoon

[@Designer22]

Hi Martin. Love the old cobble stone road. The mind goes wild imagining horses and carts clattering along it. Thank god for the Ken Howarths of the world. People will probably say the same of Martin Zero and his videos in 50 years time. I wonder if Ken Howarth's mate remembered the spoon.

[@MartinZero]

Am sure Ken didnt have the spoon dilemma Peter

[@Designer22]

@@MartinZero Poor old James, copping an earful from all directions. Tell him not to take it to heart.

[@dalemaugham4443]

You remind of Anneka Rice on Treasure hunt in this vid Martin. "Come on James, keep up". 😂😂

[@MartinZero]

Yep thats me 😀

[@patrickmccarthy5462]

Idea for a new series - Challenge Martin

[@clarenicola1]

👌🤣🤣🤣Well i feel im being cheated if you dont don the yellow jumpsuit 🙄🤣🤣

[@rwalker9644]

Heh heh anneka rice !!!!! Must be the tash lol - well done lads cheers Rob

[@screwthecabal6453]

I don't know if you know how important this is what you're doing but if don't you should. I don't know of anybody else keeping these lost things alive, I love it, thank you.

[@m.m.i.9586]

The comparison between the old photos, and what is there now, is fascinating. With the two sidekicks, Martin is looking like an R & B star, flanked by his backup singers. 😎 Good job, pampering the loyal James with a little extra kindness too. 😆👍

[@ronm3245]

I don't think James is particularly charming, but he is definitely a straight-up kind of guy who deserves respect accordingly. Even if he always forgets the fucking spoon.

[@ynot6473]

i always pack a spoon when in company, even though i don't need one myself (white, no sugar).

[@outsidethepyramid]

I saw 3 spoons.

[@MartinZero]

Thats funny Ron 😄

[@jezm1703]

James 'no-spoon' steals the show !!

[@itsmememe3489]

James is gorgeous 😍

[@grimsmith1]

Martin Zero, weird guy, but how do we put this guy up for a famous historian award? He deserves it!

[@MartinZero]

Nah he is a weirdo 😉

[@anneforster510]

The weirdos shall inherit the earth 🌎 🤣 #proudtobeaweirdo

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

Thanks again, Martin. These videos are a real treasure covering a slice industrial British history that might lie idle in the weeds and brambles otherwise.

[@steverobinson9763]

Love this channel, it was recommended by a user who watches tyneside life. love people who are engaged in their local history even though I'm a Geordie :)

[@terryansell6641]

I so enjoy and the videos and your many adventures such fun well done from New Zealand

[@leeshepherd6512]

Just been reading about the Fletcher family who owned the Ladyshore mine. Awful people who were terrible to their employees. Fighting the open flame ban all the way to the House of Lords, losing the appeal, and then still continuing to insist on the usage of candles. The disregard for human life is shocking.

[@rossendalecollieries7995]

yup... they like many others were brutal

[@paulfranklin6747]

be nice to James, backbone of the trip, vital to the excellent production values, well done all.

[@davidhowarth9366]

Great vid Martin. You just get better and better. Good to see that one of us Howarths had the presence of mind to take some snaps. There was a similar footbridge at the end of Wharf St Dukinfield crossing to a mill on the other side of the river. My parents had an off licence on Wharf St in the early 1950s and opposite was a railway viaduct. I can remember as a 5/6 year old waving to engine crews and they always waved back.

[@wacholder5690]

One day I'll come over to Manchester to look at it myself. Or: what's left then. Takes me a few years into retirement. Until then I follow your activities. Thanks for sharing !

[@englishmaninmarktredwitz2228]

You guys are a breath of fresh air and always make me laugh! By the way I hope your videos are also kept by some industrial museum as they are incredibly valuable as an record of local industry. And James try to remember the teaspoon it only gets him cross! Keep up the great work.

[@debonweb]

Wow! This is all so fascinating. I haven't missed a vid since I first 'discovered' you Martin [+ everyone else of course ... 'specially Jamesy boy] and you've introduced me to so much interesting [and often scary] stuff! Thank you for your great work and highly entertaining plus informative videos. I haven't had chance to read through all the other comments [there are always so many!] so am sure someone has mentioned it before but Eccles = flaky pastry and a bit fatter than Chorley = shortcrust pastry and much wider and flatter. Thanks again guys ........... Oh, bloody norah, almost forgot to add ............ Ken taking those pics in the 70's .................. priceless!!!!!!! Plus the one of the footbridge too .......... it did look pretty dodgy to be honest so yes, no wonder it's gone :)

[@gazsands]

The photograph of the foot bridge is absolutely amazing, one of the best I have ever seen.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks, I loved it when I saw it as well

[@orbitboi63]

Hello Martin. Good to see you back on line. A new look? Very smart.

[@mileshigh1321]

Location with so much history! That final photo really brought it together! I loved how you lit the old crane up! It almost looked like it had its fire going! Too bad that foot bridge is no longer intact! As usual its not just the content, its also your great videography and music and research material as well as drone shots and editing!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Miles, yeah the pic was great

[@kamara3994]

Love your down to earth videos. I caught my first fish (perch) on the Manchester Bolton and Bury canal down at Agecroft near the colliery age about 8 year old (1964). I know a lot of the places you visit and they bring back great memories. Keep up the good work. Cheers.

[@carlbentley80]

The bleach works buildings looked lovely, another fantastic interesting video. Thank you.

[@Samooray]

Martin, love this! I am amazed and feel childlike enthusiasm everytime you discover something long forgotten and gave some clue about it's use.

[@thesolidsnakealpha]

What a fantastic intro Martin! Love the mechanical steam crane. I walk along the Barnsley canal often near where I live and the old stone walls are just mind boggling. Keep up the great work God bless 🙏

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Antony, yeah the masonry is amazing

[@kohedunn]

Thank you, Martin and friends ! You bring a touch of sanity in my life and many others I'll bet. So thought-provoking and wonderous, when you think back to the past and the people who are gone..... I'm so glad these places are still existing to some extent.... Absolutely great!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Anne, glad your enjoying the videos

[@shirleylynch7529]

Absolutely brilliant. Loved the music at the beginning and end. Superb footage. Look forward to next part. Thank you.

[@JayH7745]

That steam powered crane is absolutely amazing. Glad that James the cake expert is keeping you boys safe. LOL Love you guys and your interesting and entertaining videos. As always, great work. Stay safe and healthy everyone.

[@Bystander333]

That thing looked like it had a differential gear - probably not though as I guess they weren't invented.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you, one day he will bring a spoon

[@patrickmccarthy5462]

Half of me wants to see it restored, the other half to keep it in its time worn beauty.

[@jetsons101]

Martin, your intros are getting better and better, great hook. Nothing like a good canal story, thanks. That Steam Crane could be made into a scale model kit to build. Loved the cobbled road, all the work that must have taken. The "tea" break look like the fun part of the day. As always Martin your videos makes for a better day. Lunch is over so back to work---USA time. Thanks again for all your HOURS of work.........

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Mike, enjoy your day 👍

[@pegasus5247]

So pleased there were those who photographed our past before it was demolished and gone forever, nice video about the history of the area.

[@MartinZero]

Yeah thank god for Ken

[@malcolmcog]

I love the crane, I went to find it when I worked in Horwich in 1999, thanks for this video

[@hyperballadbradx6486]

Living this just popped up now. Just been reading that small 80s publication, On The Manchester Bolton Bury Canal.... My first ever book on a canal. And which better to start with? One in the Irwell Valley.... And made alive by your videos no less!!

[@GlitterBayBe]

I love the information and history you give in every video. I've learnt so much from your channel ❤ keep up the fantastic work 👏

[@davidkay4923]

Great video Martin. Love it when there are a few parts to a series, makes it worth waiting for the next video

[@joe3hatstv544]

One of my favourite places to go cycling. I usually follow the MBBC adjacent to Drinkwater Park and then take the Fletcher’s Arm down to Clifton. So much hidden history to find along that route. Keep up the good work Martin(and friends). Love the content😀👍

[@stuartbridger5177]

Great video, the historic photo clearly showed the dramatic contrast between the industrial past and the present. Keep up the excellent work. Despite the failing light, this is up there with your best!

[@ivanhockenhull2604]

I have always been intrigued by this site. I always thought the towpath was a disused rail platform. Loved this, Martin. Very accomplished and a joy to watch.🇯🇪

[@michaelleigh2446]

great upload, love all these hidden spots and history you guys find, but waters never hot enough for tea out of a flask, James get a jet boil.

[@bcoldgoalie]

Always glad to see another Martin Zero video with the lads! The backlight effect always looks cool.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Hans

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Martin, James and special guest, what a fantastic video, packed full of history. That old crane was awesome to see and I loved the red lighting effect at the end. It's always sure to be a great video when I see your name pop up in my notifications. Thank you for sharing, I'm looking forward to the next instalment, much love. xx 💖

[@bobingram6912]

Nice one Martin, glad you lit that boiler up - bringing history to life!! Nature is a great leveller but equally good to see that B & W, so much going on, fantastic👍🏻. Amazing that 20 odd miles can produce the same but different cake!!🤔

[@MartinZero]

Yeah the cakes are a mystery to me. I loved lighting the boiler back up

[@flyingfox7854]

Credits due for the intro/outro music ….. very atmospheric …. Well done and thanks for another illuminating video.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Flying Fox 👍

[@nickcaunt1769]

Great vlog! I'm looking forward to the rest of this canal, it's so interesting. You weren't walking on half a factory; you were literally walking on a demolished factory that was built in the canal bed after the breach.

[@MartinZero]

Yeah reading the comments I believe so Nick

[@bruceblackmar9942]

I really appreciate that you can find the old photos and share them with us. The footbridge is amazing.

[@MartinZero]

Yeah must admit I was chuffed at finding that

[@MancunianDrummer4hire]

You never fail to deliver, mate. Best vlogger on the tube by a country mile. Would be mint to do a manchester music vid, taking us round all those legendary places where iconic bands frequented. Blossom st Ancoats had an amazing studio called out of the blue, where some amazing bands committed to tape, including our beloved Smiths. Keep ‘em coming martin and the lads. Stirring stuff!

[@CPTM1]

I used to climb that crane as a kid. I have walked up and down this canal a million times.

[@Phil-M0KPH]

Another great episode. Brilliant steam crane, really glad it’s still there and standing up to the rigours of time. It’d be nice to see the canal filled again, and the narrow boats passing by. Great to find the old photographs. Always nice to see snippets of a bygone era.

[@hamshackleton]

Barrow boats? I suspect you mean Narrow-boats! :-)

[@MartinZero]

Gonna be a big job to repair that canal Phil

[@hamshackleton]

@@MartinZero - While we are on about canals, look up the Sankey canal, and the Black Bear/New Cut, in and around Warrington! - (edit - removed the random 'K')

[@Phil-M0KPH]

@@hamshackleton My auto correct chose barrow boats. It must be trying to tell us something!

[@Phil-M0KPH]

@@MartinZero You’re probably right. Despite it being very nearby I’ve never been to have a look around, so it’s difficult to envisage what’s required.

[@BeeHereNowuk]

It was like War of the Worlds that first bit! Great video Martin!

[@MartinZero]

Yeah definitely Steam Punk ish, and thanks

[@stevesrepairs5778]

Thanks Martin for a brilliant vlog and I can't wait for the next part of this adventure. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Stevie

[@petejones9755]

The Smith's of Rodley crane- as a volunteer on the Great Central Railway loughborough in the 70's we were reliant on the rail mounted version for all the heavy lifting & rail relaying. It was also self propelling. To say it was primitive would be an understatement, the thing tended to lurch at various speeds according to steam pressure & operators skill (or lack of!). We soon learned to keep well clear & get out the way quickly. I'm sure there's still one similar to mount syon on the end of Ryde Pier Isle of Wight, but it still has a cab fitted. Great video, shame the light went!

[@hamshackleton]

Eccles vs Chorley cake - Eccles is made with butter flakey pastry, and is smaller diameter and thicker than a Chorley, which is shortcrust, larger diameter, and flatter - both colloquially known as flies graveyards. Don Coffey asked the same question a couple of days ago in his Manchester Tram video! Setts,as you were walking on, were SET flat - cobbles were rounded rocks bonded intot the ground, were lumpy ankle-twisters to walk on but didn't wear down from all the wagon-wheels (and I don't mean the chocolate covered biscuits!) Setts were very slippery when wet, but cobbles gave a better grip for the horses hooves.

[@MartinZero]

You certainly know your cobbles and cakes

[@Dave64track]

Great video I'm liking the old black and white pictures you manage to find and the side by side maps. The steam Crain with the lighting was a really good effect just looked like the boiler was on fire for the last time. These cobble roads amaze me when you think of the time it must have taken to put these down back in the day and in such great condition after all this time. Looking forward to the next part with a brew.

[@pauliemcgee7260]

The old picture of the bridge across the Irwell was fantastic

[@MartinZero]

Yeah good find that pic

[@brianartillery]

Great video, as always, Martin. You spoil us. Pictures, maps, info, brew time, the Corgi camera van, Dean's gorgeous music - all top notch. So glad I found your channel - you never disappoint. Nice one, boss. Nice one.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Brian, I appreciate that

[@timstephenson4520]

Martin your videos just keep getting better.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Tim

[@debbiepitcher9806]

Thank you Martin, A* as usual looking forward to the next one. 😊😊😊

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Debbie

[@Alan_Watkin]

now some how i missed ya yesterday,,, but.. a sunday aint sunday without martin zero,,, great vid,, good work man

[@taxalterror]

Thanks for the video, How good WAS our Country!, and old times where the better times I hate to say. All the Mills have shut where I live, and that's not in town, it's gone all gone,Cheers from Whaley Bridge where the first Mills were on the river Goyt New Mills. :)

[@lindamccaughey6669]

Just fantastic thanks. Really loved that steam crane, hadn’t heard of them before. That is such a lovely area and some great history too. Such a shame about the bridge it was a stunner. Gosh I enjoyed that. Btw the facial hair looks fantastic. Thanks for taking me along and please stay safe and take care

[@grahamhall8249]

Good God Martin, that opening sequence was just like the start of an Alien film. That was brilliant. Gonna watch the video now!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Graham, a little piece of music I made

[@Wedgedoow]

Another fine video thanks Martin

[@cecilwilson5442]

What is the amazing thing about your trip today is that how nature after the demolition of the bleach works and the colliery at the top of the hill has in30 40 years taken back the environment,, or was it planned if so what a great job ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️from Northern Ireland great job

[@MartinZero]

Hi Cecil, yes we find that a lot, doesnt take nature long to reclaim

[@thedoc1210]

that was really well done, loved the maps and photos. They should restore that crane before it rusts any more

[@MartinZero]

Thanks and yes I agree the crane is something special

[@ianr]

Great video again Martin.👏👍 So much history to discover in that area.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Ian, yeah more to come

[@Grummash]

Excellent video 👍👍 great information and you can’t fault the enthusiasm 👏👏👏

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Sir

[@marieseaward9891]

Hi Martin and James, another great vid... Am I the only who ' gets a brew on ' when James gets the flask out 😂. My Martin zero catch up is a cuppa and a cake... Thanks both. 🏗️

[@MartinZero]

Thanks for joining us in a brew and cake Marie 😃

[@MrJeep75]

Very cool stuff stood the test of time

[@barryhansen6854]

Great that found that old photo of the walk bridge that was awesome Martin.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Barry, yeah great pic that

[@2H80vids]

The main difference between Chorley cakes and Eccles cakes is the pastry. While Eccles cakes have a sweet puff pastry, Chorley cakes tend to use an unsweetened shortcrust-style pastry. TraditionallY, a Chorley cake is spread with butter and served with a lump of crumbly Lancashire cheese. As far as I know, the nearest Scottish equivalent is simply called a fruit slice but we also refer to them a fly cemeteries.😁

[@hoppinonabronzeleg9477]

Wow that crane was built at Union Crane works Town Street Rodley. I worked at that site when Alpha Automation were there in 1994. What an amazing crane!

[@navigator902]

Feel that James and Martin are lovely gents....

[@daviespaulaann8913]

Really enjoyed this video guys...hate dark nights 🌙 don't get to see u long enough ,during most days but this time of the year sucks...(not your fault) stay safe guys luv u ❤

[@MartinZero]

Yeah these short days are a pain in the arse to film

[@kenleach2516]

Great watching and lads

[@thunderer08]

Another great video Martin, great to see you at OMD on fri night, fantastic gig

[@MartinZero]

Hi yes great to meet you. Good gig wasnt it 👍🏻

[@thunderer08]

Absolutely Martin, OMD doin what they do best, loudest fans on the tour so far, must have been Cus we where there 😉

[@gteaz]

Monday is the new Sunday.

[@MartinZero]

Just this week

[@niceviewoverthere4463]

Another well researched and intriguing video. Thanks.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@dartacus.spartacus1988]

Looking for this yesterday, better late then never Martin 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Dart, had to delay

[@MrSteffen2020]

Thank you Martin for good video See you next week i see Part 2 soon

[@Cowley46]

They must have done a grand job of clearing the bleach factory site as there is normally always something left if only very small. The footbridge pillars are a lovely relic as is the steam crane. Great vid and looking forward to the next installment.

[@davidharmstone7086]

Thanks very interesting to find out the history on that area , discovered the canal during lockdown I live in Kearsley and never knew it was there until then, fancy having a bash at fishing the ladyshore area of the river near the bridge and wear at some point.

[@gerardjones7881]

Plenty of Salford trout floating in that area.

[@greghilton7797]

I am surprised a group of narrowboaters aren't raising funds to restore the canal, or lobbying the Prince of Wales for a slice of the Dutchy. With so many getting up James about the spoon could result in him never bringing it. Great vlog Martin.

[@MartinZero]

One day we will see that spoon

[@Soupdragon123]

Hope you visit Knob End locks ( real name ) and the newly refurbished Meccano bridge , just a mile up the cut from you today .. plus a viaduct

[@trainsinkansas576]

Martin great video and love your side by side comparisons. Meriden, Kansas

[@markrestorick6369]

Liked the crane. Will seek it out next time I'm down that way. I like the way you contrast the new with the old. You are obviously doing a great deal of research beforehand to get the old photos in advance of your trip.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Mark, yeah it was a bit of luck getting the Bleach works pics

[@stewartthompson72]

That Steam Crane was awesome to see. It would be great to see it restored to its original condition. Great Video as always Martin.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Stewart yeah it will need some love

[@ste03]

Hi Martin, loved the video it’s not far from my house.. there’s a quite interesting place near mine, there used to be a bleachworks where the irwell was split to power the works... there is still evidence of the old workings.

[@MartinZero]

Whereabouts Steven

[@ste03]

@@MartinZero Hi Martin, I’ve sent you a message on Facebook as KZbin wouldn’t let me put links in the comment section.

[@johngoy9375]

Nice one - great film and really interesting topic 👍

[@darriendastar3941]

"We all want to see what's in James' box" Ooo... err... missus. This is KZbin, Martin - not OnlyFans! Apart from that facetious comment from me, I really loved all the photography and filming here - it was real balm-to-the-soul stuff. Thank you.

[@jamie7056]

I love the ‘Carry on’ moments,so funny.

[@agentbertram4769]

Good video Martin and thanks for showing us the secret Eccles cake dance. :O)

[@MartinZero]

Impress your friends with it 😄

[@rwalker9644]

I visited manchester on bonfire night and suddenly realised i was tib st etc - i looked down every gully drain and manhole cover but sadly couldnt catch a glimst of you or your lad anywhere - we need better maps 🤣🤣 a great video into the past as ever cheers Rob

[@MartinZero]

I used to work at the bottom of Tib street

[@jeffjones6107]

Loved the old photos, great video.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Jeff

[@elizabethannferrario7113]

Hi guys great video as always , thank you , see you next time stay safe , regards liz .

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Liz

[@jayd1974]

Brilliant video lads superb 👍

[@bakerloobadboy]

Oh wow, Martin with a beard, how trendy. Plus I loved the opening sequence, reminded me of a Kraftwerk concert I went to back in the 80's. As always a fantastic video

[@MartinZero]

Thanks John. You were an early Kraftwerk fan

[@bakerloobadboy]

@@MartinZero yup, I was based in Germany in the late 70's / early 80's. They were considered the innovators of techno music. Saw them live in Berlin and Duisburg, great band

[@auser1484]

Hey Martin and co., hope all is well, nice for the Monday night treat. 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Sir

[@anarchodandyist]

Eccles Cake is puff pastry and Chorley Cake is is shortcrust. Great vid lads.

[@MartinZero]

You know your cakes !! and cheers

[@Leddemo]

I was thinking the whole time, "wow, what a neat and lovely nature trail area. So nice that it's not a sketchy industrial area now", and they you go and hit me with that outro! Went straight to "nah, kinda don't feel like being murdered". LOL, for real though, cool video and cool place. I wasn't sure about the facial hear a while back, but after it's filled in, gotta say, looking pretty good on you.

[@boilerroombob]

First class as always martin x

[@barbellbell]

That reminded me of when Fred dibnah walked that canal. But wasn't that some good luck getting those photos. It's amazing what lies underneath. But that was a good video. Nice one lads.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much

[@UsualmikeTelevision]

Another fantastic video!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Mike

[@sebfischer7830]

Great vide Martin. Weird how the current Ordnance Survey map shows there's still a footpath across the river by that lost bridge (great photo btw). I wouldn't fancy wading across.