Rivers of Manchester.

[canal boy]

I am doing research on the rivers of Manchester.  I have been told that Manchester used to have 7 surface rivers.  To the best of my knowledge, there are now 4 surface rivers: Mersey, Irwell, Medlock and Irk.  The two underground rivers that I have managed to locate are the Tib and the Cornbrook.  I do not know the name of the 7th.  I think it might have run through Whalley Range towards the Mersey at Chorlton-***-Hardy.  Anyone any answers, or knowledge of any other old rivers of Manchester?

[kosoro]

I Googled   rivers of manchester and they came up with these , Don't know if this is what you are looking for..... Irk, Goyt, Irwell, Bollin, Tame, Etherow and Medlock, Hope it helps

[canal boy]

Many thanks.  I was aware of the Goyt, Bollin, Tame, which, being Cheshire rivers, only touch the extreme outposts of Manchester; but the Etherow is a new one on me.  I will follow it up.  Thanks again.

[Glossopswift]

The Etherow is the third river (together with the Goyt and the Tame) that forms the Mersey. It rises in South Yorkshire and passes through Longdendale towards Tameside. It passes through Stockport but I would guess it isn't the Manchester river you need. Leigh Brook used to be part of the border between Fallowfield and Withington but is now little more than a culvert - this might also be worth looking up. I used to have an excellent book called "Lost rivers of Manchester" which I have since given away, much to my regret. I have tried googling the title and looked at the BL but with no luck. The interesting part of the book was that the underground rivers and culverts have been diverted so often that no-one is now sure where they run and quite a few building sites suddenly reveal a fast flowing stream! Good luck with the research.

[canal boy]

Thanks very much.  I have come across many brooks, mostly running underground now.  Stretford Brook still surfaces at od points before it runs into the Bridgewater Canal at Watersmeet; likewise Chorlton Brook which runs into the Mersey.  I wish I could get my hands on "The Lost Rivers of Manchester" book.  I'll try at Central Library when I get back from hols.  Do yoiu happen to know the author of the book?  There is an excellent bookshop in Chorlton, which prides itself in getting hold of most books in print.

I wrote a novel about the Bridgewater Canal, "Canals and Meaning" (1992); and have been doing research on the rivers with the aim of writing another longer work of fiction. I am very interested in the River Navigation Companys who attempted through their parliamentary connections to block the construction of the Bridgewater Canal in the 1750's - luckily, industrial progress swept them into the dustbins of history.

[d0gsb0dy]

I lived in Chorlton-on-Medlock for thirty years, but never recall seeing the river Medlock, unless it surfaced in Longsight next to the old Queens cinema. We lived in Blackstock Street, which reputedly was built over the Medlock. May well have been, as the houses were infested with cockroaches.

[Glossopswift]

I�ve just searched the British Library catalogue again and found it this time. Geoffrey Ashworth The lost rivers of Manchester Altrincham :Willow Publishing, 1987. ISBN 0946361126 � it�s only 60 pages long but was very interesting. I gave mine to a charity shop and then saw it at a book fair for �10!

[canal boy]

Hi Dogsbdy.

I had a Great Aunt, who lived off London Road.  She often told me that the river Medlock ran directly under her cellar; and in times of flood the cellar would be several inches deep in water.

[canal boy]

Hi Glossop

thanks very much. By hook or by crook I'll lay hands on that book!

I came across this site by accident, surfing for river info.  Am surprised by the wonderful, helpful people aboard.  Only hope that I can prove as useful to other folk sometime.

Snine on brightly

Michael.

[Glossopswift]

Michael, It�s a pleasure to have helped. I also found your book on the BL catalogue. I hope you don�t mind my asking � did it sell well? Do you know if any copies are available in local (Manchester) public libraries?

[canal boy]

Hi Glossop,

We've just got back fom Spain. Lots of gorgeous sunshine, and plenty paddling in the cool clear waters of the Med.

No, my novel didn't sell too well at all. It was too far ahead of its time (well, that's my excuse anyway), even Amazon have taken it from their lists now.  All the local Trafford libraries have a copy, and Central Library in Manchester have two copies.  But if you would give me aq forwarding address, I would gladly send you a copy free gratis, as appreciation of you putting me on the trail of the Lost Rivers book.  I still have dozens under the bed, they don't half make the matress lumpy - and I wrote tthe books to be read by as many folk as poss..   You can contact me at [email protected]

Stay bright

Michael

[kvetner]

"The lost rivers of Manchester" is currently for sale at http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/SearchResults?y=0& tn=lost+rivers+manchester&x=0&sortby=3

[canal boy]

Many thanks kvetner.  I will be sending off for the book in the morn.