The Iron Foundry and the Tram road tunnels

In this video we visit an old Iron foundry. The Park Bridge Iron Foundry to the east of Manchester. A classic piece of English industrial heritage. We also find an old tramway tunnel nearby. Park Bridge Iron works was founded in 1786 by Samuel Lees. Later after he died Hannah Lees took over. The foundry was very successful and famously provided the rivets for the Eiffel Tower and the Titanic. Nearby by we find an industrial tram road tunnel dated to around 1800 . This tunnel made of stone and brick initially hosted horse drawn wagons that carried coal and iron to the nearby canal terminal. Later in the mid 1800's at the height of the Industrial revolution a steam locomotive was employed. This Industrial locomotive was called the Ashtonian. Adapted to fit the tunnel it was very slow. Finally as we are in the River Medlock valley we enter a river culvert on this urbex adventure and walking through the culvert we discover a secret side tunnel.
Music: Forgotten by Aurora B Polaris
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[@EATSLEEPDRIVE2002]

Took me a moment to realize what you said “ if we get trapped I need someone to eat, so you’ll have to come, James“😂😂

[@MartinZero]

James could feed two adults for three weeks

[@rubbershorts999]

Aww leave him alone he’s lovely

[@ericanderson9664]

Sundays would not be complete without your videos Martin. Thanks.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Eric

[@Dan23_7]

Without a doubt

[@colincuthbert4413]

Great video, it showed me after living in Park Bridge and exploring my village for 15years that there were many places unknown to me. I was born in 1943 and lived at 8 Dingle Terrace, it was the next street up from the little row of houses shown in the video. The main road throughout the village was made up from the metal dross from the furnaces which made the road difficult to walk on and with no drainage for the rainwater there were channels created in the road by the running water. On the way up to Dingle Terrace on the left was the Bright shop where the lathes were and turning where done and on the right was the stables for the horses and the famous one was a large Shire Horse called Captain, all the kids used to come out to watch him being led down to his work and return later in the evening. I loved this place and go back now and then to ponder over my memories which I will never stop doing. The Heritage centre is positioned inside the stables building which has been kept as original as I can recall, even Old Captains Stable is still standing. Thanks for this adventure that was new to me as I had walked the tunnel at the back of Dingle Terrace that led into the Medlock and the steel overflow pipe at the side of it. The steel overflow pipe was well known as “Sally’s Hole” when we we’re kids, don’t know the history or how it came about. I could go on but could get boring. Thanks for highlighting the villages steel industry and the secrets it held, you would enjoy visiting the Coach House and grounds as it was believed to be haunted. Maybe not, there would be spiders to avoid.

[@SJFrzrbrn]

How in the hell do you not have more subscribers and views?! This is 5 star content and the best mesh of education and entertainment! Great video Martin! Thanks for making it.

[@tomasnordin9778]

People in general doesn't understand.We are served amazing sights in martins videos,I enjoy every bit.

[@martin4787]

That was fantastic Martin, James and John. I loved every minute. Thank you guys.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Martin

[@sampointau]

The brickwork looks like WW2 era, at least the wall does, actually looks like a blast diversion wall. Could've been used during WW2 as an air raid shelter for the iron works as it would've been a priority target during the war.

[@craighughes7103]

It’s nice to hear a northern accent. I’m from Lancaster but living in Guernsey. Often we go out exploring the Germany tunnels and bunkers

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Craig. I think I have heard of them

[@Finchcustomputters]

I think trip to Guernsey is in order for Martin! How doo from Preston by the way.

[@ActionAdventureTwins]

I'm glad you pushed past the spiders, it really opened back up!

[@MartinZero]

Yeah, I still want to know what it was for

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

A beautiful historical overview of industrial developments and their influence on the environment. Many stones were used for the construction of the tunnel. The Ashtonian steam train is certainly a smart version.

[@swampthing20]

So much history down at Park Bridge and little nuggets to find. Been coming here since I was a kid and it's where I go running each week, can't believe I missed you! Great to hear the Medlock music again too - I think this calls for a bonus 'upstream' series Mr Z...

[@MartinZero]

Might have to re visit, there is more

[@swampthing20]

@@MartinZero Aye, there is. A buttress from the viaduct (which you never even mentioned!) is still there, plus a few more things around the entrance to the Medlock tunnel that you emerged from, including an old pump house further back. When you've finished Park Bridge, you could do a great little mini series on the Hollinwood Branch Canal that went from Droylsden, through Littlemoss and Daisy Nook, and through Failsworth. There's a great Canal Society website full of history and old pics 👍

[@zvezdaster]

Yet another Gem indeed Martin, too bad you got wet feet, but atleast you didnt get cold feet and bravely returned to investigate the undercroft. Thanks again for another fine little adventure. Cheers!

[@gazjones8781]

Ah, Park Bridge. A place that's fascinated me for years. I used to collect and deliver to the textile warehouse in the surviving building at the bottom of the lane. Never had a chance to have a proper explore of the place. Still now, I'll pass it now and again during work days and keep thinking I'll have to make the trip over when I'm not working. Definitely on my to do list now.

[@MartinZero]

Well worth a visit Gaz

[@Arnie10101]

Nice unexpected Medlock reprise too! Excellent, Martin! The Chorley cakes reminded me of something. When we had leftover pastry after a pie or two was made, Mum used to roll out the pastry, chuck some sugar on, a bit of butter and a handful of currants, fold over the edges and re-roll it flat so you had the currants embedded in the pastry rather than wrapped in it. It was fantastic cold, spread with butter! I learned yonks later that it's called Lancashire Sad Cake, so, clearly, the cake for the likes of us!

[@MartinZero]

Yeah surprisingly nice Arne

[@tonyclough9844]

They called it piggy in Bury area

[@Arnie10101]

@@tonyclough9844 That's a new one on me and I'm from Radcliffe! Our lingo does vary markedly over just a couple of miles, though!

[@Phil-M0KPH]

What a fascinating place, well worth a visit. James, in his shorts, reminds me of the adventures of the Famous Five, though you are 2 short! 😆

[@martinjames9250]

Makes my back hurt just watching! Well done Martin & Co. Another great video.

[@peterstecks7660]

To be fair Martin, they were rather big spiders... But despite the tarantula nest, yet another excellent reveal. Well done team Zero for going back.

[@MrLargePig]

Ah, this one had it all! Good to see the Medlock, and wish somebody'd clean it up. Cracking video, Martin!

[@haroominna7516]

This area was my playground. The tram road tunnel was one my dens as a kid, never went passed the back wall, illuminated using yellow roadworks pariffin lamps. I remember the explosion from the demolish of 7 arches railway bridge.Use to scavenge wheels from the scrap of that mill to make karts they made the 2 wheel shopping bags that was in about 1976.

[@martinclark7935]

Thanks, Martin, I enjoyed that. Towards the end, you said you didn't know where you were and you were right! The location of the main and side tunnels was off to the left of the map you showed and not where the blue arrow was. The river had been straightened out here (which is why there is a bit of a drop into the tunnel entrance) and the side tunnel led to part of the original course which made a bit of a loop.

[@ralphwest8156]

A captivating and spellbinding, historic document ...fancy that, the rivets for the Titanic and Eiffel Tower made at such a humble place - should be honoured through time just for that' ...and our intrepid explorers choice of sustenance 'Chorley Cakes and Tea' aaah what else'

[@colinthegeordiehistorian10]

Another good one Martin I dont know how you do it sometimes going in to those tunnels. I think James is growing in confidence now. Keep up the good work and stay safe

[@peterkilvert2712]

Another great video Martin, many thanks. I went to Park Bridge a few times in the mid 1970s, but never saw those tunnels.

[@MartinZero]

I wish I had seen it back then Peter

[@radio-ged4626]

Great explore under River Medlock tunnels at Park Bridge. Really good to watch.

[@UsualmikeTelevision]

Awesome as always!! great video Martin!

[@williamwelbourn7932]

What an epic adventure. Well done for going back and braving the side tunnel!

[@soulfabuk]

Another great video Martin...never ceases to amaze me how much work went into these tunnels and culverts and the level of detail and craftsmanship that they applied to the brickwork and structures that were used to solve these often massive engineering problems. Such a shame that so much has been destroyed but wonderful that people like you are helping to record what's left for us and others to see, now and in years to come.

[@MancunianWanderer]

One of my favourite haunts.. so many hidden mine entrances along the top off the old bike trail

[@MartinZero]

Hmm that sounds good Ste

[@maggiefleuriot4427]

Thanks for your efforts guys. I am always amazed at the brickwork that has lasted so long. Blessings to you all.

[@topshot2787]

Good work fella,s, loves these videos. I could feel your back pain crouching down towards them supports. Felt a hint of claustrophobia there with that low ceiling as well. All the best from lancashire

[@Seat1AJoe]

You gents worked extremely hard during this journey. Really great show!

[@Wedgedoow]

Hi Martin. The factory I used to deliver too was the next road down from the iron foundry Road going towards Ashton-under-Lyne. We took raw materials from Johnson & Johnson at Gargrave and picked up steel drums of povidone, to make iodine dressings at the J&J factory. The name escapes me, but I remember it was by the Medlock, what an interesting river.

[@darrenhaines8112]

I remember the old factory that you're describing. I'm sure it belonged to I.C.I. as the sign on the outside said Imperial Chemical Industries. I remember the air raid siren on the top of the telegraph pole, next to the gates.

[@Wedgedoow]

@Darren Haines not ici,, a private company as I recall.

[@graculuslurcher380]

Excellent video as usual L Martin Excellent video as usual Martin, we know when it gets hairy when you say shiiit, superb documention

[@nikbennett4894]

Superb video lads! Dead proud of my Tameside origins. I’m living vicariously through you lot as I am over here in Canada straining to get back once it’s all safe.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Nik, Park bridge is awesome

[@shenanigan87]

Always a great shame that so much was just mindlessly demolished back in the day. Still, always good to have some added underground culvert bit in it, didn't expect that one! It's always kinda scary to imagine what it might look like when the river is in flood, roarding down that steep initial part of the culvert! No wonder they added those steel plates! Again, very fascinating view of completely hidden gems, thank you so much for recording and sharing these with us! I do keep wondering what the original purpose of that completely corroded pipe may have been, and whether it failed while still in service, or long after...

[@MartinZero]

Yeah in flood that tunnel would be hellish

[@britcar2288]

Always an enjoyable little adventure. Thanks

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Timothy

[@MsStevieWoo]

Helloo my name is steff and i'm watching your video............. hi martin buddy! crackin vid as always x

[@daviespaulaann8913]

Yet another awesome video guys thank u

[@danielbarrows7144]

I'm glad to see that you've finally got your feet wet on these tunnel explores 😄 Thanks for going back in and filming the side tunnel! Your videos make my Sunday afternoon. Another fascinating show, good job fellas.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Daniel

[@stethemeterman1968]

I’m lucky to live near to park bridge

[@MartinZero]

Great place Steve

[@Dug-UK]

Used to play in those tunnels as a kid , there where a couple more , Sally’s Hole, Cows Hole, Devils Hole and there used to one we called Foxes Hole which you could slide down as it was a steep incline , it was on the hill above the the factory and behind what was the old post office

[@brianduncan5758]

Fantastic , thank you Martin

[@johnharvey1985]

My back was aching in sympathy Martin :-) Great vid, been there but never saw what you did!

[@nesleinf]

Glad I wasn't there. I'm a bit older than you lot, so my back can't stand to be bended down in croutch position for longer periods, so I can panic for the urge to stand right up, when I am in confined spaces. So good we have you to do the hard work for us 😉

[@navalhistoryhub3748]

Wicked video I'm a big fan of you're channel. Few channels even come close to bringing alive and conveying the history the way you lads can! The rivets for the titanic tho were unfortunately not made at that location! They were made at the H+W works in Belfast. As rivets had to be made on site for convenience and sheer number required.

[@Katie-vv5rp]

Lived 5 minutes away from Park Bridge all my life and walk there often but never knew half of this!

[@andyhill242]

A Brave effort at the end there.

[@MartinZero]

That tunnel was killer Andy

[@GlitterBayBe]

You where correct about it not lasting, always look forward to your Sunday upload. Thank you amazing as always ❤

[@MartinZero]

Yeah snowing today Natalie

[@douglasfleetney5031]

You had me at Tramway Tunnel..... That seems really sad... Oh dear....... Great video Martin top notch as ever. Thanks for posting.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Douglas

[@John-nw8uj]

Ah Martin ya just reverted to your real interests, Medlock and Locos. Excellent well done. John

[@kenleach2516]

Great watching

[@josedasilva8924]

That was awesome mate.

[@terryansell6641]

Amazing video thank you from New Zealand I’m enjoying video your laying in bed and enjoying your adventures

[@barbhenderson4867]

So interesting in that smaller tunnel, that would good with your different coloured lights, those tunnels were built properly, I love your videos, Thankyou for sharing xx

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Barbara

[@Dave64track]

Sunday night watch sorted, Interesting place with so much history going to have to give that place a visit at some point. These tunnels always amaze me how good condition they are in after all this time and the work involved in making them in the first place. Thanks for sharing guys and see you in the next.

[@MartinZero]

Tha tram tunnel was immaculate in parts David

[@timbeavan1169]

Think you need to do the Manchester Ship Canal next. Would make a great series.

[@BadGaming101]

i love the videos you make , the old photos are great to see

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much

[@whiskeycook3323]

Excellent video adventure. Thank you Martin and James

[@gafrers]

Great as always

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@matthewgriffiths8423]

Brilliant Martin thank you. Very interesting and wow !!! ive never heard or even tried a Chorley cake !!

[@MartinZero]

I think they are a local delicacy Matthew

[@matthewgriffiths8423]

Ahh ok. Will have to try one when up that way

[@kohedunn]

Thank you boys for taking me where I have no ambition to ever go..(fear) I sweat for you, and have a deadly fear of spiders !! hahahha..xx

[@tonynotaro3654]

Martin another fantastic video! Thanks mate!

[@roosalwaysthesun8759]

I thought this was awesome to see Martin, thank you so much. I thought it was very exciting all those very old stones, iron and beams, very old and very interesting, really beautiful. Fortunately and hopefully there are now no more horses or draft dogs used in such spaces, no pleasant working environment. I also hope that the place will be preserved, in recent years far too many beautiful old historic buildings and places have been demolished, simply because the old building was too big with a lot of land around it, for new construction, really a shame.😳 Where are the officials of the Prime Minister who are responsible for the preservation of the beautiful old historic buildings and / or places, I sometimes wonder.😅 loved it all Martin, thank you Roos 🌹🙋🏻‍♀️

[@ShadowHuntersUKTV]

Love this! We’re a paranormal team and we did an investigation here.... very cool place full of history

[@Jayenkai]

"What are Sleepers?" Eeee, kids...

[@MartinZero]

This is what happens when kids dont meet trainspotters at an early age

[@MickJ666]

Martin, you need to go back and see what's beyond where you went up to brother, it could of gone on for miles. Maybe an idea for another video👍🏻👍🏻 I live half a mile from there💖💖

[@ronm3245]

My guess is that it goes on for the length of the building directly above it.

[@MickJ666]

@@ronm3245 yeah ok I'll go out tomorrow and buy waders,top quality camera equipment,best torch and try get Martins skills and I'll get back to you 🤣🤣

[@MickJ666]

That reply was to your previously edited message sayin go on then you do it (for those wondering what I'm on about)👍🏻

[@jayd1974]

Interesting video lads👍👌

[@suemitchell4345]

Love your videos. Very informative. Especially about spiders🕸🕷🕸🕷😂

[@eddiek0507]

Great video & explore, That tunnel was in a fantastic condition, You would never know it was there, Or even know what it was used for...😃👍👍

[@MartinZero]

Yeah the tram tunnel was incredible

[@TheGreatest1974]

Brilliant video

[@nickbenke3306]

You should name your team 'The spider botherers!' Ha ha. Great vid as always!

[@livingonthetyne]

I would have had to have a space suit on to get past that spider hahah.

[@MartinZero]

I get you completely. Its getting the footage that drives me otherwise no way

[@bigrichprice]

Great Video, I've spent a lot of time lately walking around that area, I was walking around there today actually. I didn't know about the tunnels. I'm going to have to give them a look.

[@macclesfieldmaggpie]

Fantastic Martin I really enjoyed this awesome

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much 👍

[@digsdrains]

Nice one Guys !!

[@navigator902]

Excellent, fun stuff.....

[@martyngasson7003]

Awesome video, perhaps a trip to the source of the Medlock 👍

[@MartinZero]

Perhaps Martyn 😉

[@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF]

Another fascinating video guy's. There's an awful lot of faith placed in those old brick arches by any constructions placed on top.

[@MartinZero]

The tram tunnel was in amazing condition

[@kal9001]

At 31:20 when you're saying the weir. The culvert doesn't start until further down. Look to the left and you'll see another weir marked and the culvert should start just after that as the river goes under that sort of 'triangle' shaped building that still remains. Looking at angles and such like it appears that tunnel may run close to straight north under said triangle building towards, perhaps in line with 'Tank' shown on the 25 inch ~1900 OS map.

[@stevesrepairs5778]

Thanks Martin that was fantastic, I think I'll have to buy a new pc to carry on as the problem I mentioned is still happening. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@sampointau]

That undercroft area, the water draining out has iron oxide in it (Yellow/orange colour) so could drain through sinter or Dross from the Foundry. The large brick piers going across the undercroft could be directly underneath the railway lines marked on your old map, Longitudinal under each rail as they seem to be spaced at track gauge, which is pretty standard reinforcement in arched tunnels running under lines built later.

[@jimc4731]

Ah yes, another good one! Thanks! The Medlock river comes up often. Would it be anything for a video to search the source of the Medlock, meaning the headwaters. JIM

[@UKAbandonedMineExplores]

Why are there always blue tarpaulins in tunnels! lol Wow, 3 layer brick, certainly wanted that to be strong. Wow, that pipe was corroded, I know pipes from the 1820s, infact I was following one tonight, deep in mines that are far healthier than that. I suspect cheap materials in that pipe. Come on, your British, don't complain about the wellies, just get wet feet and get over it!! lol. Oh you did, I'm proud of you :) The bodge job steel deflectors are interesting, must have been issues that later had to be resolved. Wow, that side tunnel is impressive! Good adventure guys, thanks for the video.

[@SkySightUK]

Great video!!!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Andrew

[@rontanser9369]

Genuinely that was very interesting , it’s amazing How nice it looks now And yet it was such a huge industrial site in its day

[@MartinZero]

I agree Ron, from industrial to nature reserve

[@brianduncan5758]

For a fella with fear of heights, you can go down small, very very long tunnels

[@briancopp4024]

Wonderful video. Thanks Martin

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Brian

[@theowdgit9790]

Brilliant as ever Martin 👍👍👍

[@MartinZero]

Thank you 👍

[@Babygrumplin55]

I think you under croft is a cistern for water storage, the stone work in the lower part suggest a water course, the vertical pipes to extract the water. All controlled by the sluice gates. Might be interesting to look for an inlet culvert further up stream.

[@MartinZero]

Hmm thats interesting

[@Babygrumplin55]

The foundry would need a constant water supply, the river fluctuates, so a cistern would act as an acumilator. The cross wall in front of the pipes would act as a baffle to reduce turbulense allowing the sediment to settle thus giving a cleaner water supply hence the large amount of silt in the chamber.

[@ronm3245]

@@Babygrumplin55 Yeah, bet that's it.

[@RichieWellock]

great little trip down memory lane that, used to fish round there as a kid

[@MartinZero]

What kind of fish 😄

[@RichieWellock]

Perch and pike is all we ever caught in the the canal on the main road, then bike home through Daisy Nook

[@Henry_Jones]

Post10 would love it here.

[@MartinZero]

Yeah a couple of nice culverts

[@splintergg]

I was last there in 2018 before that it was 30 years ago as I've been living in Australia for 40 years. One of my mates from Hearts head estate told me that that area was the first place to use a water-wheel to power industry, do you know if that's true? Can you do a video of Daisy-Nook? I would love to learn more about that place. Love all your videos and content, my fave channel on youtube 👍👍👍

[@crasher303]

Another brilliant trip around industrial history. If I still lived in the Black country near Dudley I would invite down to have decko at what lies beneath. goole The Wrens nest, there more to it than what the councils letting on. Thanks.

[@MartinZero]

Sounds good Gareth

[@bryanswift1010]

Hi,another great video I can't stop watching. I'm trying to work out where the first tramway tunnel you went in in relation to parkbridge. Any chance you can pinpoint me to where abouts it is please,would really like to have a look at this. Thanks

[@davidgibbon1020]

seems Martin is like me 'always wants to see what is just around the corner' that water in the tramway tunnel(1st one) was cystal clear

[@Cowley46]

That was fantastic again Martin and very well put together, top notch. I wonder what happened to the Ashtonian locomotive.

[@waynebradwell7789]

I can't remember where, but I'm sure that I have read that the locomotive was left in one of the tunnels when the iron works and Mills were closed

[@bobmcdermott9535]

Martin, we’re you having a pee at 15.02! It certainly sounds like it😂😂😂😂

[@ChrisColeman1962]

Great video martin, who did you nick the drone footage off :-) To your right ( accesed by the closed wooden bridge) is the actual pit head !

[@johncarold]

Hi Martin Neet old tunnel and the Medlock vol. 15 lol , OK now I think you will need to check out the source of the Medlock next. Don't worry about the spiders they can build new weds. Definitely a cool little tunnel. Thanks again for the video.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Johnny yeah I felt bad but am sure by now they have rebuilt them

[@johncarold]

Do you have a email I can use to send you a idea on video taping the Medlock through the funnel at the end of the river

[@dalem1140]

Love a tunnel explore👍

[@dtb2654]

great stuff Martin, I just sat down wondering about another vid from you, cheers

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much

[@dtb2654]

@@MartinZero cheers mate, watched the full video now, and was very interesting 👍 always