Stories from the Manchester Bury Bolton Canal

In this video we walk along the now disused Manchester Bury Bolton Canal. The canal spans from Salford to Bolton and Bury. We are in the Little lever area looking at areas of Industrial archeological interest along the disused canal. We start by looking at the Mount Sion Steam crane. The only in situ Steam crane in the UK. This piece of Victorian industrial history has survived remarkably intact. We then talk a walk through Ladyshore woods down to the River Irwell. We look at an old now disused footbridge that one spanned the River Irwell. Only the bridge supporting columns remain. We look for evidence of the old Leverbank Bleach works. Using old photographs we piece together the history of this Lancashire industrial canal and whole area. Ladyshore colliery was one of the last mines in the UK to use candles for lighting.

[@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

[@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 😍

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@Colgan1]

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

[@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 :)

[@terryansell6641]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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!!

[@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. 😆👍

[@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.

[@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.😁

[@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.

[@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 !

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@orbitboi63]

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

[@alfiekay4808]

Gateposts are near to where the chimney was and where Martin and lads passed beneath pylon. Picture at 19.45 shows the conveyor belt that shifted the coal and became a footbridge after the mine closed. The canal isn't visible as it is on the far side of the chimney. It is the cobble road with the slag heaps which were landscaped in early 1980s.

[@davidkay4923]

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

[@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.

[@shirleylynch7529]

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

[@Wedgedoow]

Another fine video thanks Martin

[@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 👏

[@carlbentley80]

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

[@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.

[@732466]

I worked at Strong and Fishers at Bury end of the canal and walked from Radcliffe along the towpath daily

[@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 💖

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.🇯🇪

[@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😀👍

[@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

[@crazyfvck]

Another truly excellent video Martin! It's always wonderful when you can find old photos of structures/areas for comparison to what a place looks like now :) I think my favorite thing featured in this video was the steam crane! Very cool :)

[@MartinZero]

Yeah I loved the steam crane, It was great lighting it

[@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

[@ianr]

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

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Ian, yeah more to come

[@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

[@bcoldgoalie]

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

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Hans

[@lescampbell4196]

I knew nothing of this canal until I bought a book on it at an open day at Bootle St police station 20 years ago. I didn't realise I crossed it on Frederick Rd on the way to work for years!

[@lescampbell4196]

By the way, what's with the Pep Guadiola look?

[@niceviewoverthere4463]

Another well researched and intriguing video. Thanks.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@gteaz]

Monday is the new Sunday.

[@MartinZero]

Just this week

[@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

[@jayd1974]

Brilliant video lads superb 👍

[@barryhansen6854]

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

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Barry, yeah great pic that

[@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

[@boilerroombob]

First class as always martin x

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@johngoy9375]

Nice one - great film and really interesting topic 👍

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@debbiepitcher9806]

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

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Debbie

[@craigfoster2849]

Great vlog guys, super interesting

[@stevem1208]

Excellent video

[@kenleach2516]

Great watching and lads

[@Alan_Watkin]

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

[@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

[@timstephenson4520]

Martin your videos just keep getting better.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Tim

[@malcolmcog]

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

[@trainsinkansas576]

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

[@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.

[@paulfranklin6747]

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

[@jeffjones6107]

Loved the old photos, great video.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Jeff

[@Captionmarvelous]

Great video!

[@Grummash]

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

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Sir

[@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

[@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 😃

[@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 :)

[@Lulu-jl5zd]

Really good!

[@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

[@MrSteffen2020]

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

[@matthewgriffiths8423]

Brilliant Martin

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Matthew

[@cargy930]

Excellent video, Marty. Thrilled to see this, as I find the MB&B Canal a fascinating place - and bear in mind that I knew sweet f... I mean very little... about "real" Manchester until I got hooked on your channel a couple of years back! Top marks for not going straight to the... err shall we say the 1936 modification (don't want to spoil your next video). This always gets covered as the main "feature", with the crane as a passing comment, and it annoys me greatly because there's so much more to the area. Stuff like the Ladyshore and that footbridge either don't get touched upon at all, or get so little attention that they might as well have been ignored anyway.

[@MartinZero]

The 1936 modification, 😆 I love it

[@flyingfox7854]

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

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Flying Fox 👍

[@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.

[@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

[@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 😉

[@matthewrail6065]

Another great video Martin

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Matthew

[@BeeHereNowuk]

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

[@MartinZero]

Yeah definitely Steam Punk ish, and thanks

[@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

[@elizabethannferrario7113]

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

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Liz

[@matthewgartell6380]

Love it Martin👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Matthew

[@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!

[@MrJeep75]

Very cool stuff stood the test of time

[@dartacus.spartacus1988]

Looking for this yesterday, better late then never Martin 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Dart, had to delay

[@wladniem]

great watch, thanks lads

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@70mmbobbyj]

Thanks for a very interesting and entertaining video

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. :)

[@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.

[@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