The Mount Sion Beam Pump.(The Black Cat mystery)

This video is called the Black cat mystery. Its an industrial story about a Boulton and Watt beam pump engine. On the banks of the river Irwell at Mount Sion works, Radcliffe North Manchester. Here we find an old Boulton & Watt beam pumping engine that used to pump mine water in a Colliery in The Lancashire coal field. The Mine was called the Black Cat colliery. The Boulton & Watt engine was re purposed to be water powered as it started life as a steam pumping engine. In order to understand the story we must understand some of the history of the Manchester/ Lancashire coal field. The coal field around Cocky Moor in Radcliffe north Manchester was drained by a mine drainage sough or tunnel. This sough was called the Cocky Moor culvert. Our journey takes us along the banks of the river Irwell and finally we find a heritage Boulton & Watt pumping engine. The last of its kind. This is a story about the history of Manchester and the history of Lancashire mining and the Lancashire coal field.

[@jenbrignell5598]

The repurposed steam engine...Boulton and Watt. At the end. It was CRIMINAL to see it left in such a degraded condition. Considering that it was an important part of our proud industrial heritage. Thank you Martin for another great vid

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Jen

[@martin4787]

Words escape me Martin. I've been sat here riveted for 40 mins Martin. Thank you to you all.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Martin, I was worried I talked too much 😁

[@martin4787]

@@MartinZero Certainly not Martin. I loved all of it and thanks once again to you all.🙂

[@simontay4851]

No, absolutely not. If you didn't talk about it, i wouldn't learn anything.

[@NeilRoberts-bu4oy]

A great find.😊

[@christopherescott6787]

28:42 An excellent example of why one never explores alone or without proper gear. A very hazardous place indeed. Thank you for putting such an effort to a wonderful story.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Christopher

[@binarydinosaurs]

I'll never tire of watching stuff like this, such fascinating history of our heritage. The hidden stuff that was never meant to be seen, the inner workings. Awesome. Cheers Martin and the lads.

[@garybrignell1831]

It must be Sunday and another worthy upload from Martin . Can't wait to see this new video . Thanks Martin .

[@MartinZero]

Thanks. It’s a story I’ve been waiting to tell for a while

[@paulmilner8813]

The best film yet from Martin and the lads. I hope that the local history people can get involved and save the remains of the beam pump for the future, maybe even restoring it.

[@marcbeebe]

Love the old mine works and mills videos! You'd never get such built today.

[@jetsons101]

Martin, all your vid are from the heart, that's why they're such a joy to watch. I don't want to bore everyone with a long-winded comment so I'll just say, "This was outstanding." Thanks to Martin and everyone involved.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you , much appreciated

[@jetsons101]

@@MartinZero And for me it all started with the River Medlock years back. lol

[@petenicholson3318]

Your videos are pure escapism. So refreshing. Thanks

[@VanaPica]

Martin and team, you delivered a master piece. Appriciate the effort and detail you put in.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed

[@missmerrily4830]

If anyone had told me a few years ago, before finding your channel Martin, how interested I'd become in the history of Manchester and its surrounds, and especially its industrial history, I'd have laughed. But it's now a real treat to find another of your videos ready to be viewed. And you do a magnificent job of bringing it all to life. You definitely faced some challenges in this one, even down to being threatened by cattle. Brilliant work in finding the sough outflow. And finally that wonderful old steam engine. Its day done and relegated to history. But all things must change. Thanks Martin, Roy, James and Liam. And James, excellent brew, everything there, and never mind the teasing over out of date brownie bites. Never wrong to be economical..... 😀 That was a mega and treacherous journey but a fabulous video!

[@debonweb]

That's exactly how I feel! You've put it so well 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thank you so much 😊👍

[@jetsons101]

My son just made a fresh pot of Coffee, now time to enjoy a new vid from Martin Zero.

[@MartinZero]

Enjoy your coffee 😄

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

Another fantastic Manchester area video, Martin! Both yourself, Roy and the lads struggled through all that thick undergrowth to show us the interesting aspects of the industrial past. It seems like the banks of the River Irwell have been swamped with endless factories, mills and mines over the past two hundred years and more. You've done some fantastic research to show and explain to us the workings of items in this particular area, with maps, etc. You brave these certain tunnels, but I must say, I was really concerned with Roy struggling in that deep mud! To discover that old beam pump was absolutely remarkable, too. A brilliant film indeed, Martin, just love the work you do on these programs. Thank you.

[@elainemclelland]

I was almost in tears when I saw the rusting hulk of the once majestic pump. So sad that it's being allowed to rot away. I wish someone from the Museum of Science and Industry would rescue it. As for Roy ... the man is fearless! I was all tight-chested when you were in the tunnels, the stuff of nightmares. I think Roy had a squeaky bum moment stuck in the mud! Thanks again for a first class watch of something so interesting.

[@wideyxyz2271]

Brilliant video, but criminal that such a historic piece of machinery has just been left to rust and rot!

[@MartinZero]

I know, tell me about it 😟

[@roytabberer7427]

Martin, I feel that there is no need to apologise for all of the talking. I thoroughly enjoyed this video, you made it so interesting that the 40 minutes absolutely flew by. A huge thank you to yourself and the team for providing me with interesting facts and information. See you on the next one.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Roy

[@PhilHolcroft]

As someone who played in this area as a child in the 70's, before Cams Lane estate was built I found it facinating to see you explorin my playground. Phil

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Phil

[@timwy]

Absolutely fantastic video guys ! That engine really should be taken away, restored and put back in pristine condition to reflect it's true importance in history !

[@MartinZero]

Yes definitely agree

[@JonVear]

Wow Martin . Brilliant vid as always . Big love to the crew

[@barryhansen6854]

Martin at 12:51 the photo shown is taken March 1953 as the top line on the board the guy is holding states so you are correct. Awesome video/story.

[@christophernorton33]

Thank you, Martin . That was fascinating . The old pumping engine at the end is an amazing find.😀👍

[@MartinZero]

Yeah, I love that thing

[@robmez]

Martin at his best ,stunning work ,still one of the best on KZbin

[@MartinZero]

Cheers 😀

[@misterbacon4933]

A perfect story! Make more like this! A really nice find. Greetings from the Netherlands! 🇳🇱👍🏼🇬🇧

[@Peetmarr60]

Excellent Detective Work Martin. - Great Video Editing. - A Fascinating Story. - An Element of Danger and Excitement. - Crickey it Deserves an Oscar !

[@l30njam3s]

That was brilliant and a proper sad ending 😢 👏👏👏

[@LordoftheBadgers]

Lovely with the sad music when you get to it. Wonderful vid mate

[@michaeldutsonlandscapephot2184]

Ten out of ten for this video Martin. Great job in telling the story too. Really well put together. Essential Sunday night viewing.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Michael 👍

[@sethkaye7897]

Brilliant video, many thanks for the time and trouble to catalogue this period of history, the Industrial age and it's workers are truly deserving of more recognition, you do a great job.

[@niallh8129]

Great video! The river Irwell is full of History

[@Peter-MH]

Fascinating stuff! This is one of the standout industrial archeology episodes on this channel I think - excellent work! 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Peter

[@Theoobovril]

Another expert video, Martin, you and your teams knock the pants off our Television companies.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you 😊

[@caddycommercials8570]

Phew was getting withdrawal symptoms guys thanks for makin my Sunday 😎🇮🇪🥰

[@MartinZero]

Cheers 😀👍

[@keithfarrell3370]

The quality of your presentations just gets better and better

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Keith 👍

[@stuperambulist5154]

Started watching your vid’s when I was stuck in MRI recovering from pancreatic cancer in 2020, have watched full back catalogue and everything since. This one’s up there with the best mate, please never give up making them, Sunday wouldn’t be the same.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers thank you. I hope you are recovering well 👍

[@hymermobiler]

Great story really enjoyed it thank you. What a shame that engine is rotting away.

[@SirSidley]

You never cease to amaze me on your quests to find our industrial heritage still hidden in the landscape. Thanks for risking your lives to record these gems for posterity ❤

[@MartinZero]

Thank you 👍

[@richardbird4702]

That was a wonderful piece of of physical research. Congratulations on a fine piece of work. Like others, I was sitting rivetted with your video. Great stuff.

[@TheSynthnut]

A fascinating tale Martin, well told. Thanks for putting the efforts into bringing it all together. That giant hogweed had me seriously worried though, properly nasty stuff.

[@johnstilljohn3181]

That is absolutely fabulous...! Amazing that the pump is still there - well done for finding it. Also, that looks like a collapsed water wheel at 14:45....

[@lindamccaughey6669]

What an excellent video. Love seeing all this old stuff and how they work. Having said that, the last part made me quite sad. A pump that worked hard all those years then just left. I know I’m pathetic but I think they deserve being looked after. Thank you for taking me along. Please take care

[@MartinZero]

I feel the same Linda 👍

[@alanarmer8069]

Be careful in the Giant Hogweed 👍👍

[@petenicholson3318]

The nasty rash is phytophito dermatitis. It's like nepalm.

[@dougwalters5763]

Martin Thankyou for sharing.....................one of your VERY BEST Thanks to all the team.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Doug 👍

[@jennythescouser]

That black moggy sat on the wall was a nice touch. Keep up the good work, guys.

[@MartinZero]

👍

[@user-wu7sn7ml7v]

Thank you Martin and team . You can get iSome spanners and get that machine running😂😂😂❤

[@MartinZero]

I'll try 😂

[@oldfart6318]

Fantastic adventure, thanks for persisting and posting.

[@lonemonaro1455]

Thank you Martin and Crew, as I sat mesmerised watching a very well constructed and videoed episode. It really piqued and held my interest right to the end.👍👍 :)

[@MartinZero]

Thank very much 👍

[@acepilot2067]

Brilliant.....just brilliant!

[@russchapman2281]

What a great video,so much information,such a shame the engine is sitting rotting.Keep up the good work :)

[@JohnHennessey-l5i]

Absolutely brilliant thanks so much

[@richardlowe4751]

Absolutely excellent!

[@davidhodkinson5164]

Industrial Heritage at rest , do the people at Manchester's science museum know about this ? Excellent vid as usual , Martin and the team has done us proud once again 👍 Dave (bus museum)

[@nesleinf]

Thank you for a very thorough (spelling?) investigation into early industry developement. Every time i admire your daring journeys into the watery underground. I would'nt do it. I like the way you always are historical correckt and going into history with an open mind without trying to dramatice it as so many other urban explorers often do. Keep it coming! Love from Denmark

[@Benjo31187]

Thanks for another great video ❤

[@U34CH]

Excellent video and story Martin. I see why you had the passion about this story, I was captivated with the whole story and location. The engine remains need conserving before the elements get too much of a hold.

[@andywelburn432]

Thanks Martin!

[@TheUpplanning]

Thank you Mr Martin for i good video about The Mount Sion Beam Pump.(The Black Cat mystery) sending warmest regards from Sweden

[@MartinZero]

Thank you and best regards to Sweden 🇸🇪

[@richardperry5538]

Amazing stuff Martin.....thank you so much!!!!

[@debonweb]

Fascinating. Thank you so much for bringing all of this to us.

[@user-tz7jt9lr8g]

Good Job love learning about history.

[@marcoscu]

Fascinating video, great work!

[@jonathanwright609]

Love it, thank you

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Jonathan

[@jimc6436]

Absolutely brilliant and fascinating video! Thank you!

[@JordanshortBMX]

Incredible story. Thanks Martin!

[@chrisrose9600]

fantastic job martin well done

[@luler0]

Another great video.

[@fuzzwack1]

Very good Martin!

[@raybeaumont7670]

Brilliant. Well done boys.

[@Eon1799]

Cracking video! Enjoyed every minute of it

[@Carp-bites-runs-uk]

Brilliant video guys

[@grimern69]

Thanks Martin. once again you set the stage and then give us the information. I have learned so much and hope to learn more. Brilliant I was also riveted

[@MartinZero]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed 👍

[@andrewmaurer6267]

Absolute quality as always top man keep them coming 👍👍

[@colinedward3147]

Cracking video, nice one.

[@johnsmith-de9wv]

I really enjoy our history ,thanks matey

[@graydonmiller731]

Fantastic. Thanks Martin.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@ianhudson2193]

Brilliant! Back to old brick & stonework.........and fascinating old machinery.....👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@zazaz44]

As ever top class!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@grahamhall8249]

Brilliant vid Martin, it was so absorbing. I enjoyed every minute of it, well done to all the team!

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Graham

[@charlesmarston7290]

The pmp has such a story it needs to be persevering for future generations

[@hamshackleton]

I presume you mean preserving, not persevering! 🙂

[@simontay4851]

PreserveD. You don't say needs to be preservING.

[@calimonkey1836]

Excellent work Martin - brilliant story.

[@chimp3376]

Beautiful video thank you for putting in so much effort into it!

[@philhoultby]

Best one yet - worth the wait!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Phil

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

A beautiful vlog, historically very interesting

[@johnball1087]

Brilliant, great story, told well, I do love watching your stuff, keeping alive the industrial history of not only the north but the whole of the UK

[@MartinZero]

Thanks John 👍🏻

[@Charliegeorge65]

Could watch these all night Martin, brilliant.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Charlie

[@jonnojamwood]

Proper job mate. Down here at the bottom of Western Australia our historical monuments dont go back very far😅, only fence posts an ship wrecks. Love your work

[@MartinZero]

Cheers John 😄👍

[@dougmorris2134]

Thank you Martin and friends for taking me and all of us viewers on this fascinating journey through a part of our industrial past and heritage and to find the treasure of the old Boulton and Watt beam engine still in existance, but so very sad to see it in such state of dereliction. Best wishes from Oxfordshire.

[@chucky2316]

James is a fine swordsman martin becareful he may have youre eye out over a eccles cake. Another good video

[@MartinZero]

😁👍🏻

[@DEAD-DROP]

Really loved this! ❤

[@davidwaites2304]

Nice one Martin

[@wacholder5690]

That is, what history is made from. A really good one again. Thanks a lot for sharing that with us !

[@MartinZero]

😃👍

[@smalcolmbrown]

Thank you :) That was really interesting!

[@sputumtube]

Wow!! What an amazing adventure.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers

[@bubby650]

Fantastic presentation. Thanks

[@MartinZero]

Cheers thank you

[@2e0mca45]

What an excellent tale - thank you for all the work involved in bringing it to us👍

[@user-es2pb6tw8x]

Brilliant video Martin, the best yet.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@johncochrane2707]

Awesome stuff as always Martin.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much John

[@user-xq6me6pd7q]

Great story Martin. Yet again you bring your local history to life

[@christinecallow8588]

Thanks Martin and gang - very interesting. By the way, loving the daleks on your desk

[@stevej4847]

What a fantastic video, Martin, and an amazing find! This has to be your best yet. Thank you for continuing to make videos like this one.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you 👍

[@gbcb8853]

Stunning. Excellent presentation.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you