The Lost Rivers of Manchester. The Cornbrook Part 4

In this video we explore one of Manchester's lost Rivers. The River Cornbrook. This is part 4 and the River Cornbrook now traverses underneath the Ardwick area of Manchester. We start near the Ardwick Apollo theatre. Towards Hyde Road and then underneath the Hyde Road Bus depot. We end up in Higher Ardwick Manchester in an area of former railway sidings. In this underground river urbex . We also take in the history of Manchester. As we look at the sight of the former Ardwick Cemetery. The wonderful architecture of the Nicholls School building and take in some old photographs of Manchester. As per usual our Cornbrook underground journey turns into a historical tour of Manchester

[@MartinZero]

New information has come to light since publishing this video. The information is regarding the 'Traction engine incident'. I will issue a video on this subject as soon as I can. Best regards and thanks for all your support on this video.

[@richardschild1640]

I would love that! Cheers Martin and crew!

[@anneforster510]

Had a summer job before going to college in 1971 at Hyde Road depot working for Selnec. The conductors brought their ticket machines in so that they could be checked against ticket sales and I was that person adding it all up on a huge adding machine . Ardwick is very interesting for me as my Grandmother was born there in 1880 . Thanks for a very interesting video Martin.

[@garykb1]

Thank you so much for these videos. As a Manchester guy who now spends a lot of time away from the U.K. they really make me appreciate my home town. You guys deserve a TV show btw.

[@anth5122]

1000 channels on the TV and I’m watching Martin Zero 👍

[@MartinZero]

Good on ya 😁👍🏻

[@11000038]

Second that!

[@UsualmikeTelevision]

This video took 2 days to watch for me and I enjoyed every minute! Thank you Martin and the & guys for Cornbrook 4

[@Christians-hu1pk]

thanks again for uploading another video, you have become one of my fav KZbinrs and find your videos always entertaining when James is there but so informative and interesting. I'm not from Manchester but have learnt so much about the area through your videos ❤

[@dieselmanmike]

Looked forward to this and it didn’t disappoint. Loved the lime formations and the black brook confluence, you guys go above and beyond for our viewing pleasure. Another great video.👍

[@xr6lad]

Nice to see James. Adds character and personality to this. He is always happy.

[@user-wu7sn7ml7v]

Thank you Martin and crew.

[@VincentHardy-zt3nt]

I’ve been waiting for another Cornbrook segment! Not disappointed absolutely fascinated about the Black Brook such a shame it’s lost to a concrete pipe now, lucky Roy has recorded these places previously, Absolute gem is Roy. Another Quality video Martin, thank you 🙏🏻

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Vincent

[@rodgermoss8975]

Hi Martin, forget Johnny Marr ,forget Harry "H" Corbett and forget Bill Piddington ( Tarmey)- Charlie Chaplin attended Ross Place School Ardwick early last century during his nomadic lifestyle .P.S. I saw the Beatles at the Apollo in 1963. I am 78 I need a life ......

[@MartinZero]

Ahh brilliant 👍🏻

[@BlackcloudRailways]

I am ever so glad you guys go crawling through the mud so we don't have to. 🙂

[@paulmann1440]

Absolutely brilliant (as usual!) Thank you!

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Paul

[@kenkellalea329]

I ride push bike weather permitting

[@valerielongmore5040]

Totally enjoyed that what a great team, Roy was brilliant. Look forward to the next wow.

[@warrenjohnknight.9831]

Thank you Martin and team, definitely another great episode. 😊😊.

[@11000038]

What a great journey!

[@martinmarsola6477]

An interesting walking and underground tour this day. Thank you for the many hours staging this tour back in time. Always look forward to them, Martin. Enjoy your week ahead, and see you on the next! 🇬🇧🙂👍🇺🇸

[@jeffjones6107]

Great video. This area is where my family are from. I can remember Ardwick as just rows and rows of terrace houses in the early 60s cheers Martin and the crew 👍

[@stannisb7693]

Roy what a bloke Fantastic !!!

[@MartinZero]

I'll pass on your thoughts 😄

[@dianebarnes1628]

Fascinating video. Thank you.

[@Gnurftl]

Always a treat to get new impressions from your lost waterways. And very happy that smell-o-vision isn't invented yet!

[@MartinZero]

Next section is worse

[@billynuts1184]

love the little snippets of the local history

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Billy

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

I'm always looking forward to your Manchester videos, Martin. This is another pearler, and you've done a lot of research as to where things are with the maps and photos, making it stunningly interesting. The still existing buildings like the Apollo theatre at Ardwick, and the old hospital are great to know about, as to when they were built. It was amazing to think that you went under Hyde Road bus depot and the railway into Piccadilly. A great achievement going through those conditions underneath, and credit must be given to Roy for previously taking photos of his own journey through there. Most excellent, and thank you to yourself and the team

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Ffranc, I have a love hate relationship with the Cornbrook 😄

[@lindamckenna81]

Good on you guys for all your hard work bringing us this one

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Linda

[@Bender24k]

I love the correlation of your underground location with the scenes from above. Outstanding. Cheers from NY!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@TheUpplanning]

Regards from Sweden Mr Martin Zero

[@MartinZero]

Best wishes to Sweden 🇸🇪

[@wackbatt4746]

great sunday viewing

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@britannia55]

I’m loving this, visited Manchester in 2023 as a volunteer for the swimming championships, so much industrial history.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@lisaperrin3298]

I purchased a couple of books from Amazon at Christmas. Trafford Park The First Hundred Years by Robert Nicholls, The Origins of Manchester from Roman Conquest to Industrial Revolution by Allan Kidd and Stretford and Old Trafford Through Time by Steven Dickens. I am from Stretford originally so I have enjoyed reading about the history of my hometown. All three are excellent books.

[@dilwyn1]

Great job Martin. Still can't get over those pics of the Traction engine collapsed through the road... Bet the poor driver messed his pants big time !!! LOL!!

[@simontay4851]

The same could happen again on hyde road if the hole at 21:52 isn't repaired properly. Plating over it is such a lazy bodge.

[@MartinZero]

I may have more info for you

[@r.markclayton4821]

Manchester University once had a plan to open the culvert under Brunswick Street and have a small lake / large pond between the Roscoe Building and Zochonis Building (then Electronics). There is now a park, but no water feature. In 1974 there was a large collapse where the Brook passed under Upper Brook Street, leaving just the tram lines over the chasm.

[@MartinZero]

That would have been interesting to see Mark

[@Hairnicks]

Very, very good, what a team. Amazing history recorded for posterity. Thank you Martin and crew.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers

[@DnBclassictunes]

Amazing what was built above ground. But underground is something else!

[@MartinZero]

Totally 👌

[@DnBclassictunes]

@@MartinZero still watching. The graveyard part. Unbelievable to know the bodies are there still.

[@boilerroombob]

No better way to spend a Sunday Bank holiday wife In one hand cold beer in another.....and martin and his crew on big telly ....well done Martin 1st class as always m8

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Bob 👍🏻

[@ericanderson9664]

Thanks for the info on Ardwick Cemetery. I first found it while researching my family history. My Great-Great-Grandmother was buried there in 1872.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Eric

[@Bivolari]

Always great seeing you and the guys.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers

[@s.rmurray8161]

The Trolleybuses at 27.30 are actually trams! There was a purpose built garage for trolleybuses at the bottom of Rochdale Rd opened in 1938 but later in the 1950's some trolleybuses were based at Hyde road, There were trolleybus lines into Hyde Rd so that the vehicles could go to the central car works (the long wall after the garage entrance is the side wall of the car works).

[@gbcb8853]

28:12 These are trolley buses

[@BusterCapInYoAss]

Trams and Trolley Buses are different. Trams can travel as a single unit or attach further articulad units, and obtain power from a single overhead cable. Trolley buses are exclusively single units and obtain power from 2 power cables overhead.

[@RAM4elightbars]

Never been to Manchester, but your passion towards the lost portions of the area is contagious. I can't wait for the next update.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much

[@chucky2316]

Roy knows his stuff martin

[@simontay4851]

The building at 29:22 is indeed beautiful. Im glad it survives.

[@elainemclelland]

Wow! Can't make my mind up if your brave on bonkers! Fantastic insight to, what sounds such a delightful stream 'Cornbrook', but it's so sad it's no such thing! Thanks for making it and sharing your findings. x

[@jetsons101]

Just made tea, now time for some great Manchester History.

[@MartinZero]

Great stuff what we having

[@geoffknight4881]

Hi Martin. Your video brought back some memories. I was born within spitting distance of the Apollo and went to Saturday morning matinees there when it belonged to the ABC group (along with about 2000 other local kids). As a point of reference, where you were stood in the opening sequence with your back to the Apollo is historically Chorlton on Medlock (previously Chorlton Row), the division between it and Ardwick being Stockport Road (behind you in front of the Apollo). Chorlton-on-Medlock is bordered to the north by the River Medlock. Its other borders roughly correspond to Hathersage Road (prev. High St), Moss Lane East and Boundary Lane, and it's neighbouring districts are Hulme to the west, Ardwick to the east and Victoria Park, Rusholme and Moss Side to the south. The original Polygon Estate was situated in Chorlton on Medlock and the street where I was born would have been on its fringes before it was demolished and the streets of two up and two downs built. Interestingly, Prime Minister David Lloyd George was born in New York Place, Chorlton on Medlock. The museum dedicated to him in Llanystumdwy, Wales has the original street sign of New York Place that was presented by Manchester Council. It was strange to see Stockport Road so quiet and now lacking any real character, the same as other Manchester suburbs that suffered mass demolition in 1960's/70's. I remember it being lined with shops, businesses, pubs, houses, cafes, churches and small factories more or less from the Apollo to Levenshulme. Thanks for your brilliant videos.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Geoff, glad you enjoyed the video. Stockport road was mental, I waited ages for a gap in the traffic to film that bit. Take care and thanks again

[@brettjones5041]

Awesome Stuff . Love the History .Next Journey will be Brave Thanks

[@tremensdelirious]

Someone probably said this already but Bennett Street and bus depot skidpad were site of Ardwick FC’s Hyde Rd stadium, later Manchester City. There was a pub, The Hyde Road hotel, where the players would change. I remember the pub being derelict and the late 80s maybe, it was called the city gates. All demolished now

[@MartinZero]

Yeah, thats in part 5 👍🏻

[@jetsons101]

Martin, what a great watch along with a great team. Does anyone know or investigated what is really under Manchester ??? There must be hundreds of years of culverts, sewers, lost rivers, storm drains, long forgotten basements, underground canals and so on. People of Manchester and other old big cities live, work and play not knowing what lies under their feet. Amazing watch and thanks to you and all of the team.

[@davidkane4614]

Here Here

[@jetsons101]

@@davidkane4614 Well earned by Martin and Team.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers, yeah weve only scratched the surface

[@gregbolitho9775]

Thanks

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Greg 👍🏻

[@yorkie2789]

I went to some cracking concerts at the Apollo in the late 1970s when I was a student in Manchester, Buzzcocks and Status Quo spring to mind.

[@MartinZero]

Jot Division supported the Buzzcocks there

[@davidberlanny3308]

Cracking video Martin and team, well done!! Thanks to Roy for going round the last bend. I guess you all got out ok🤔🤔 Loved the mix of stories from the area above. What a painting of Dalton in the town hall. I wonder where he was taking his sample? I shared the thumbnail of the traction engine with my friend Emma down in Oz who has one, she said "that sort of thing happens"!! All the best!!

[@MartinZero]

I can well imagine, mega heavy

[@stannisb7693]

Martin can I request ‘Down in the Sewer’ by the Stranglers for Part 5 I am thinking of Roy in the festering pipe heading to Gorton he says “never before have I wanted to get out of something it’s disgusting” haha

[@MartinZero]

You can. But I’ll get in trouble for copyright ☹️

[@BigD63]

Thank again Martin, great video and content. Good to see all the lads up and about. Best regards from Chicago

[@BigD63]

I can not comprehend the travesty to ardwick cemetery by simply removing the headstones and making it a football feild. God help else all

[@FrangoTV1]

Another great video Martin & co. It was interesting to see the iron oxidising bacteria coming out of some of the small pipes on the side of the culvert. It’s completely harmless in spite of its orange colour. Says something about the local geology me thinks. Looking forward to Part 5.🎖️

[@MartinZero]

Cheers 👍

[@caddycommercials8570]

I’m all bizz for this 😊😊

[@MartinZero]

me to 😁

[@stephenwise734]

Much Appreciated! I love those images and the comraderies between friends.

[@richardperry5538]

Great watch....thanks 👍

[@jacquelinefilby1842]

Wow so much work went into this production🎉

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Jacqueline 👍🏻😄

[@dixonsindorset]

Strange bit of trivia: I proposed to my wife on a rainy October night 34 years ago on Kincardine Road in Brunswick. To think that we were almost on top of the Cornbrook at the time!

[@MartinZero]

Go back and do it again and mention the Cornbrook to her 😄

[@dixonsindorset]

@@MartinZero Not sure I dare take the risk a second time!

[@robertrosicki9290]

Great video Martin . I worked for the Municipal Waterworks Dept . where I live in northern Ontario Canada for 27 years. The average citizen has no idea or reason to know what's going on right under their feet . There's an endless maze of pressurized pipes and gravity flow drains doing their jobs 24/7.

[@MartinZero]

Fascinating stuff Robert

[@iainpaton1865]

First class video friend thank you very interesting 😊. Please keep the great videos coming friend. 🎉🎉From Scotland.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Iain

[@markandjanice6234]

I always marvel at the engineering ability that Industrial Great Britain had from the 18th century canals right through to the 20th century Edwardian era. What happened to this great nation?

[@user-zr5yj1od5q]

Generations of greedy self serving politicians

[@johnhudghton3535]

Capitalists found they could get greater profits overseas where labour was cheaper and costly health and safety etc did not exist.

[@markandjanice6234]

Yes, and politicians became more interested in short-term populism and votes rather than long-term planning. Grand 'made to last' buildings and infrastructure gave way to monstrosities and back handers.

[@gaztay]

Hiya Martin its your number 1 fan Haha. I met you on aldi car park a couple of weeks ago if you remember mate. Love the new video pal keep it up buddy. ( thought I'd of got a mention gutted) its Gary Taylor in case you do. Show us some more on ancoats and miles platting too.

[@gaffysmenk]

In 92 a friends band was supporting Hawkwind at the Apollo (Manchester space rock band Krel), we went along to see them.. but first we went for a quick pint next-door. I think we must have got into the beer too much (maybe a couple of smokes too) because all of a sudden we could hear Krel through the fire exit. We downed our pints and rushed through to the gig.. we just caught the very end of their last song.. "What did you think of our set?" "Erm, yeah.. you were brilliant.. :/" Oops!

[@brianaveriss7972]

Always interesting Martin, thank you guys.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Brian

[@adrianstansfield]

Top video Martin and James ☝😁

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Great video, especially those archive images of some of Manchester's landmarks, including those haunting images of the cemetary, now buried, it seems, beneath a football pitch. I wonder how many of today's punters and players know?

[@MartinZero]

I certainly didnt know in 2001 Malcolm, so I dont think the current folks know

[@anthonylane]

I enjoyed that one and living not far from Blackford Bridge water treatment place and with the right wind direction i watched it with smelly vision

[@MartinZero]

Brilliant 😄

[@barbarautubes]

Very interesting! Thank you 😊

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Barbara

[@martin4787]

Classic...

[@grahamwickens7049]

thanks Guys, yet another interesting Journey.

[@UKVampy]

It's nice to hear someone else loves OMD.

[@MartinZero]

Top band 👍🏻

[@David_Owsnett]

Well done guys! Roy, really is the man!

[@MartinZero]

Cheers David

[@michaeldibb]

24:38 looks like a gravestone on the right, I'm sure it isn't though. Another cracking explore, martin.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Michael

[@alanarmer8069]

Great video 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@stratfan]

Absolutely brilliant as always.

[@user-ez7bf1nt4e]

Your videos get better and better! I've never seen a mainstream (sorry about the pun) documentary to touch your refreshing style and research. Thanks!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you 👍

[@shirleylynch7529]

Brave, brave men the 5 of you are. This was brilliant. Thank you for your amazing explore. So informative. Incredible filming.

[@markkilley2683]

Started to listen to OMD back in the 80's. Another good vid.

[@tompettersson3814]

I am glad it is not "stenchvision". Awesome video as always :)

[@trevorkent7916]

Brilliant as always

[@thomasdieckmann5711]

Thanks, Martin. The way you tell the story and set things into a historic context is wonderful! The (possible) location where the steam locomotive sank in, what a find!

[@MartinZero]

I need to get back to you on that subject Thomas

[@TheMadSc1ent1st420]

I wish I had some of these tunnels around here in the states where I am Nothing but barns and dairy farms

[@MartinZero]

We are blessed with these things

[@TalesOfWar]

I"m sure there's plenty of interesting old things where you are, you just have to go and look for them.

[@PeteGlyde]

Hello Martin: Thank you to yourself and your intrepid team for The Cornbrook Part 4; another excellent vlog. Pete Glyde

[@Tuberuser187]

Concerning that they don't seem to be carrying out inspections, could end up in a sinkhole or collapse if something isn't done about the culvert breaches.

[@johnnyroadcrew3841]

Well done .. .. ..

[@skiddi_botti]

I went to St Greg’s school in Ardwick and remember the regular punch ups with Nichols school. Ahh…happy days.

[@MartinZero]

Sounds great 😄

[@jayd1974]

Really good video love da Cornbrook episodes 👍

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Jay

[@davidbutterworth5258]

At 27.30-36 is a line-up of trams. In 1949 the tram network closed to be superceded by trolley buses and motor buses.

[@otakarkuby3926]

In Middlesbrough I played in a park which used to be a cemetery, they just lined all the head stones along an adjacent wall and built a playground over part of it.

[@MartinZero]

I think to be honest its quite a common practice with these very old cemeteries

[@BenG1874]

Great stuff mate. I wait for my days off to watch your videos on me big tele with a laaaaaaarrge vodka in me and!

[@bobjackson6524]

What a brilliant adventure. Must say i was more than a little worried at times. Cant wait for #5 🙌💖🙌

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Bob, yes it was very gassy down there

[@paulwilson7234]

Brilliant video.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Paul

[@Andrea-73]

Hats off to you Martin and team, great video thanks

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Andrea

[@KaptainKlunk1]

Enjoy the videos keep up the good work EEEEEE AAAAAR......also folks ..Bangkok Pat ..KZbin...another knowledgeable channel based in Bangkok.....✌️☮️

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Kaptain

[@lisaperrin3298]

Great video Martin, thank you 😊❤

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Lisa

[@billbrown5640]

Yay more Cornbrook action been waiting on this to return haha

[@MartinZero]

Cheers

[@leemorris3805]

Another classic. ... that music, the maps, the old photos. Back in Manchester , in a tunnel . Love the whole series of the lost rivers of Manchester. Thanks Martin!! Lee and Caroline , Wiltshire .

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Lee & Caroline 👍🏻

[@mikerogers5043]

Great episode of this series, and so glad there isn't smelly-vision. The traction engine collapsing into the culvert, reminds me of the alleged story of a bin truck collapsing into the Williamson Tunnels, supposedly it was left there and concreted in...

[@MartinZero]

We need to find that bin truck Mike 😄

[@Bonehead777]

Truly excellent guys. Well done for the underground trip.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@mesmogruvinski]

Thankyou Martin. Roy, John, James for another fantastic history lesson and journey through past and present.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you for watching

[@davidhodkinson5164]

Excellent as usual , re Ardwick cemetery I had a cousin that lived behind there I spent a lot of Saturdays with them back in the late 50's early 60's . I remember the removal of coffin remains and was told that the human remains were all removed and deposited elsewhere. Whether that was just a story line not sure . thanks for informative video all the best to the team ,Dave (bus museum)

[@MartinZero]

Thats interesting, cheers Dave

[@uknumberthree1330]

Always hated the seats at the Apollo but the sound was amazing. So many a band there in the 80s. Public image, the ramones, the cramps the cult split endz I'm sure there's a lot more I forgotten

[@viennacat1]

Superb as always! So interesting to see this side of Manchester and you really bring the story alive with the old maps and descriptions of what would have been a posh & green area, thanks!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you