Manchester's Hydraulic Power System
Vložit
- čas přidán 5. 05. 2018
- This video concerning the History of Manchester and the Industrial revolution. From 1894 to 1972 Manchester Corporation generated Hydraulic power. This power was used by many factory's and warehouses in Manchester including the town hall, the Manchester Guardian and Smithfield Market. The Hydraulic power was pumped in up to 37 miles of pipes around the city and provided power to the then cottonopolis. The last pumping station is now the peoples history museum. I try to explain the system and conclude with its eventual decline in the late 1960'. We also take a look at a preserved Lancashire Boiler.
Music:
The Mighty Kingdom by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/ - Zábava
Its one of those times when I say to myself, how could I be 52 years old and never have heard of this. Amazing stuff.
They also used hydraulic power to raise the goods wagons up and down both at London Road aka Piccadilly station and at Central station. Both had vast networks of sidings under their arches. These are actually interesting in their own right. When I was doing my nurse training in the early 90s we were based on Piccadilly approach and used to walk under the arches to get to and from lectures/car park etc. There was still lots of track embedded in the cobbles back then and filled in wagon turntable pits. There was a really good example under the arches next to the old Red Star parcels building. I'm not sure if they took their hydraulic power from the Manchester system or if they had their own system in place. Its a fair old drop from the elevated track to street level so they must have been quite impressive wagon lifts although I have never seen any photos of them? historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1283014 Also all the swing bridges on the ship canal are hydraulically powered another point of interest to maybe look at!
I was at the Science & Industry Museum recently and they gave us a talk about Manchester's hydraulic power system and we had a demonstration of the pump working. They worked at a very high pressure - 1000 psi (if I remember right).
I worked in the Town Hall Extension for years where it was said the lifts were originally powered hydraulically. I can remember as a kid going there with my mum and dad and getting in the lifts. The lift attendant sat on a tall stool next to a large wheel fixed to the wall of the lift. He'd turn the wheel to make the lift go up or down. When he opened the lift gates if the lift wasn't quite level with the floor he'd turn the wheel a bit more to get it level. The lift would bounce up and down a bit whenever it came to a halt.
That would have been in the late 50s - early 60s.
Thats sounds fascinating Mark. I wish I had seen that demonstration. And that old lift sounds fab !!!!
Thank you. I Wondered what kind of pressure was in so thick a pipe.
The Steampunk/art reference was the cherry on the top! Great video!!!! x
Hi Geraldine, thanks so much, I wasnt sure about putting that bit in but it just seemed to fall into place in my fuzzy head 😀
Martin Zero when you're passionate about something, and you share it, it shows and makes a video more watchable and inspiring. Xx
Learnt more about my home town in the three months since discovering your channel than in the preceding 48 years.
Thanks Mark. So much is buried and lost
I used to work a Saturday job whilst I was at school at Forsyths on Deansgate. That was 33 years ago. I remember an old old gentleman who had worked there years before I even started my Saturday job telling me that the lift in that building used to be water powered. I didn't make the connection until watching this video just now! Love this channel, keep up the great work!
As a Manchester fireman we had to be careful never to ship a standpipe into a hydraulic hydrant as the results would be devastating. There used to a hydraulic goods hoist in the loading bay of the warehouse where the Bridgewater's Hall now stands.
Was it the high pressure Steven ?
Thank you Martin . That Lancashire boiler is art work.WOW.
Thank you Martin for your great video .I served my apprenticeship as a hydraulic packer working at Orient House on Granby Row.We had a strong trade union whose office was at Sorton Street off Charles Street, as you stated all the packing machines the hoists and cranes were all operated by hydraulic power
NYC still provides steam power throughout the city. Businesses use it for heating and cooling and other uses.
Another belter Martin, I've learnt a lot about Manchester since I started watching your videos, thanks for the great work you put in.
Thanks Tony very much 👍
Great enjoying your videos very much , my husband was a young police officer in Manchester and told my about the underground roadways and to this day captures my interest in our great city ! Very proud of our heritage!
I'm amazed like you it was still running until 72'
I'm intrigued to how it all worked, those joints looked substantial but as I was a gas man:plumber for 18 years there's always that one coupling that'll not seal properly. So that systems pressure would have to be drained to fix it ? A huge feat I'm guessing
Another gem of information......
I'd heard of hydraulic water systems before in local operations (such as Sheffield's Wicker Goods Depot) and of course the network that once spread around the docks of London....
......but never realised Manchester had such an extensive network....
As a recent subscriber, I am looking at older videos, and I just want to say, Martin, that you are amazing. I am extremely grateful for your research, your efforts in making excellent videos, your thoughtfulness, your curiosity. Thank you.
Quality as always Martin. Fascinating video!
I love how I always learn about Manchester from your videos- I popped a like as usual 👋👋👋
Hi Nathan thank you much appreciated 😀
Very interesting for me an eye opener I was borne in Salford and a lot of the stuff that you bring to CZcams I had no idea about, thanks for the opportunity to learn more about my home town.
San diego California actually had a very similar system in down town aria. Near the santa fe train station, is the shell of theold san diego gas and electric building which at the turn of the century was known as san diego gas. And what they did was provide steam pressure as well as town gas from that building into a network of tunnels under the streets. And during the turn of the century all the buildings in the down town aria where provided with centralized steam heating and gas from the plant. Also of note the san diego gas company used horse teames to move the coal around and the stable building survives as well as a taxi gradge.
Stumbled across your channel last night - excellent, great work Martin!
Hello, and thank you very much. Am glad you found me 👍
Hi Martin, another brilliant video ! You present it so well and with such passion, its an absolute joy to watch, can't wait for the next one !
Hi Steve thanks very much. I loved doing this video such a joy to learn about this system thanks 👌
Round 1972-74, after I moved from Manchester to London I quite often had to use an hydraulic lift rising and falling on a giant shaft. It was quite magical because of the silence and smoothness of the operation
You mentioned about swimming in the tanks, i worked on an estate that used to get water from a borehole, you could go up on the tanks (exposed at the top of a hill), the water was never cold, during the cold winters you could even se water vapour coming off the water, i think someone said the water never got below about 12C so a little bit of geothermal heating going on.
Never come across this hydraulic power, very interesting and remarkable it lasted until 1972. Great follow up on the Lancashire boiler, great piece of kit. Thanks Martin great content.
Thanks Neil
Amazing as always...I knew about a pump house but not its use..as always you make history fascinating with your enthusiasm!!!
A1as always..
Every time I watch another of your videos I learn something new and fascinating. Totally get the link with the steam punk genre.
A great video Martin. Melbourne Australia had a hydraulic power system. They had a rope in the old lifts where you pulled a rope to move up & down.
Why isnt your channel a program on tv?????
I second that
Couldn't agree with you more.
Because it's too good.
lol,sorry,i replied to the wrong comment.
He doesn't own a salmon-pink suit? o.o #maaaaybeee?
another brilliant video pleasure to watch as usual martin , keep them coming.
Hi Dave, many thanks 😀
Yet another great video. Thank you Martin.
Thanks Nigel
Great video Martin thanks. John
Just going through your earlier videos Martin, just what's needed in lockdown, but boy, I'm so frustrated. Moved from Somerset to Chester just over a year ago and was so excited to have a whole new part of our amazing country to explore, and I love industrial archeology as much as ancient. However, you have taken me to some amazing places that I will visit when we can get out again. Thanks so much for your work.
What a cracking video mate. I quite like the cutting back and forth between home and outside. Nice touch worked really well. I always learn so much from your videos Martin really nice work mate.
Hi Gary thanks. Yes I initially filmed a lot inside but its been so nice I was able to get some stuff done by the river breaks it up 👍
Learning something new every day,love it.
Very interesting, I never was aware of this technology at all!
Another very informative video!
Very interesting video Martin, I hope you revisit something along these lines again in the future :)
Yet another excellent video. Keep up the good work.
Thanks very much Alan 👍
What a fantastic video. After many many years of interest in all documentary stuff, espacially Edwardian periode. I have newer seen or heard of this. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.
Love your reference to Jeff Waynes War of the Worlds. It was truly from a very, kind of "Romantic Edwardian" period. I have always loved the pictures you showed, and it was one of the reasons to my facination of that period.
Keep up your fantastic work. Always looking foreward to your next videos.
Thank you, yes this is a fascinating little find
We always enjoy your videos. Thank you so much.
Thank you very much
On my strolls around Manchester (my office is on Chorlton Street) I have noticed quite a few square cast iron pavement gratings with 'HP' cast into the cover - could these be valves used to isolate the hydraulic power system in event of some broken pipes? Just throwing it out there..
Excellent work buddy
Awesome video as always 👍
Hello, thanks very much 👍
00:30 What a beautiful bridge.
I kept thinking all the way through "this is so steam punk" and then happily you referred to it yourself! Really good and really edutational! Great transitions also btw!
Thank you Mr P. Wasn't sure about the steam punk reference but glad I included it 😀👍
Nice one Martin - keep ‘em coming 👍👍👍
Thanks John 👍
Another brilliant video Martin thank you .x
Thanks Joan, hope your enjoying the sunshine 👍
These days I like all of your videos when i first start watching it, I know I’m going to like it come the end but most times I’m that engrossed that I end up going on to another video probably without hitting the like, so now to save doing the disservice of not liking the video I do it at the start. Great videos every one of the Martin, a pleasure to watch
Thanks very much Leebo 👍
@@MartinZero your welcome mate, I’ve lived in ordsall my whole life and never knew I was surrounded by such a rich history, I loved the medlock series and Pomona island, I’ve watched loads of others and thoroughly enjoyed every one, currently working my way through the back catalogue, I’ve gone from watching them on my phone, to iPad and now I watch them through the tele, even the mrs and kids enjoy them. I even try to make myself look real clever by parroting a few bits and bobs I’ve learnt along the way while I’ve been out and about 😂 Brilliant work mate 👍🏻
It's a very clever system - water is pumped into a series of 'Accumulator Towers', which are basically huge pistons, of great weight. The water pushes these pistons to the top of the towers, and are locked in place when they are full. When power is needed, the Accumulator is allowed to slowly fall. This forces the water, under great pressure, through the pipes to where it is required. The water can be used again and again. There are several towers still existing in London, and they all have a similar design, so once you've seen one, you know what to look for. Hydraulic power used to raise the bascules of Tower Bridge. The accumulators are on show there.
brianartillery the company I worked for made the hydraulic system for tower bridge in London. It was Armstrongs of Newcastle
I had no idea that Manchester had such system - great video with loads of education and research - thank you Martin!
Hi Andy, yes apparently London, Glasgow and Hull had similar systems 👍
Absolutely brilliant! I had no idea? Fascinating!
Nor me until I made this video. Thanks David
Need to get to these museums great video
Great video, very interesting. The hydraulic systems are covered in the museum of retro technology. Which for all steampunk enthusiasts is well worth looking up
A while ago I went on a spa day with the wife in the Bannatynes facility in Canada house. Looked like an interesting old building with the hoists outside and the pipework inside. We don’t get much that interesting around Blackpool. That’s what led me to your videos in the end , and there it is featured :-)
Thanks Nick. I think I used to go to that gym many moons ago
briilliant martin x
Inventiveness is an amazing thing and this was amazing engineering for the time,makes you realise what we are actually capable of.Great video thanks.
Another fantastic vid, Martin. You draw me in and I'm not even from Manchester. I totally get your references to steampunk - I often think the same thing when I see Victorian and Edwardian engineering.
Yes its an incredible bit of Engineering I never knew existed
Really interesting stuff that Martin. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Gazz, yeah very unusual topic, Id never heard of municipal Hydraulic power
I'd heard about the hydraulic power systems before, but I presumed it was just a few mills using it. Had no idea it powered so much of Manchester.
Great video - thanks
There was also a steam heating network within Manchester,I can remember the silver lagged pipes which ran along the Rochdale Canal towpath at the Deansgate end. Apparently they were much loved by the homeless community.
Hi Simon, yes I think I have seen a picture of those pipes. I went to the canal to see them but they had gone
@@MartinZero There is still a system like this in Philadelphia, PA, USA. And yes, homeless people will sleep there.
Here in Newcastle New South Wales in Australia our wharf cranes were powered this way in pre electricity days.
Great video
Thanks Nick and thanks for the info
I always like before even watching. I have complete confidence in these great vids.
Hello, thank you very much, for watching and your support I appreciate your comment 👍
Thank you, Martin, for this excellent descriptive Video. Bore holes. Here in Lewes - Market Town of Sussex - there used to be several Breweries. Only one of those now exists. Harvey's Brewery. It is sited right by the River Ouse - but doesn't draw its water from the river for they made Bore Holes deep into the ground for this, it is not called 'Water' by them, but Liquor. Whenever they are brewing the air of Lewes is redolent with the smell of brewing the Hops. Lovely! Almost as memorable as the smell the Sugar Beet Factories used to exude around Peterborough (when it was in Northamptonshire) - but that was only after the 'Campaigns' (as they were known) or the harvest crops of Sugar Beet, which happened but three times a year in the winter. I am holding an empty brown bottle of Harvey's 'SUSSEX BEST' Bitter. To get a full one, or even a full TUN one must visit the Brewery Shop in Cliffe High Street, Lewes, right next to the Brewery. Now, where did I put that bottle of Harvey's 'BONFIRE BOY' 'A strong ale with a superbly smoky flavour?' Lewes is renowned for its Bonfire Celebrations! - hence the name. Oops! It's now an empty bottle - so I must return it to the shop for a refund - and a refilled bottle! Maybe you can do a Video on a working Brewery? Very interesting - Harvey's give Tours - but they're very popular and need to be booked in advance!!
I'm from Germany and I love it to listen your voice and watching your videos... a friend of mine comes from Blackpool... I love it to listen his dialect and his voice too...
And by the way, don't change anything in your videos... there are perfect... 🙂
Thank you very much, you are very kind. Regards to Germany 👍🏼
Great videos. Keep it up. !!
Cheers Martin 👍
Being a person who sells some steam-punk hats, minored in fine art and got a degree in research, analysis, and literature, I loved this whole video. I love all your videos I've seen anyhow, but I appreciated the comparison view from an artistic P.O.V.
Thank you very much
This was fascinating. I never knew such a thing existed. Thank-you.
It reminded me of Brunel's atmospheric railway concept which is worth looking up if you have not heard of it.
Hi Steve thanks very much. Yeah i'll take a look at that
Once more I realize that though I've been born and bred a Mancunian, my knowledge of Manchester is superficial.
Hello, you and me both. Until I start looking into these things I never know or know very little about them. Making these videos has educated me as well 😀Thanks for commenting 👍
Another brilliant film.
Thank you Charlotte
Your videos are excellent, Martin. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I lived in Manchester for 3 unforgettable years, more than 40 years ago. It was quite a time. I got out with a Computer Science degree, but most of the people around me only had a one way ticket.
Thank you Peter
I remember the hydraulic system being used in Manchester in the 60s. Don’t know if I’m imagining it, but I’m sure there was also a hydraulic clock system, where pressure “pulses” were sent through pipes to drive “water clocks” and keep all connected to the system synchronised. I don’t think I’m suffering from substance abuse, but I did grow up in the 50s and now I find the thin line between memory and reality is getting thinner.
That sounds interesting John
Steam punk is exactly what i was thinking! I never even knew this system existed till now! Thanks Martin
Thanks very much
Great video. I loved the steampunk reference to the Tardis. I never drew that parallel myself, but you are right.
Steampunk is great 😃
I used to go in the basement of Canada House back when it was the Powercuts record shop; in their back of store area there were a big set of wooden doors behind which there was said to be a tunnel that ran to Central Library a few hundred metres away!
Another great video btw
Hello thank you. Its incredible, the stuff we dont see. I will try and remember that one and see If I can find out more
Another great video Martin, in various buildings I worked in Bridgewater House, Africa House in Whitworth Street and SolwaybHouse on Aytoun Street , now the front part of the Courts, all had Packing cellars with packing presses powered by that system. Heaton Mills Printing Compaby. Which was where Sainsbury's are now near Heaton Park Middleton had their own bore hole. A good place to see Lancashire Boilers and the steam engine they powered is Ellen Road Mill in Newhey just off junction 21 M62.
Hi Bob, I would of loved to go in those places you worked. Can you go in the Ellen road Mill ?
The Peoples Museum supplied the hydraulic power for the lifts in M/Cr Town Hall!
As an aside the Electrification of Manchester is also a fascinating topic (at least to me)! When the first "public" generators were installed in Manchester they were steam powered and the Council as part of their remit insisted that a % of the steam generated was sold (as steam) to local factories! This was at the rear of Linley House (Dickinson rd?) .... some of the building was there as well as the sub station visible from their car park!
See latest vid Dave 👍
loved this video did not know anything about this kind of power now i do thank you
Thank you
Very interesting
All the swing bridges on the ship canal are hydraulically powered. The locks have a water tower containing an artificial head of water controlled by a weight bin so the actual pumps are relatively small. I went to a Barton Cruising club open day in the 80s which included a visit to the bridge workings
Absolutely fascinating ! There seems little art in the electronics of today (though I suppose it is just a different art). I love steampunk. and your comments (and enthusiasm) are great.
Great video Martin the historian of Manchester 👍
Hi Brian lol you didn't see me fluffing the lines and getting the facts wrong in multiple takes 😆
Superb video.
Thank you Maria 😀
As a working Industrial Boiler Engineer I can't imagine what a system like this was like to keep running! I would LOVE to see the drawings for this . What was the the working pressures? Judging by the wall thinness of those pipes and taking into account the metallurgy of the time I would think working pressures of over 1000psi, with transient loads well above that. What were the pressure drops like across the system? What if any water treatment did they use to prevent corrosion? How did the safety relief system work? I can think of so many ways this system could fail spectacularly. I bet there are some great story from the guys who had to run this plant.
I like to think that for an American I know a fair bit more about Manchester than the average person on this side of the ocean due to being a lover of the industrial revolution and growing up in a Maine mill town. But your channel is amazing to me. I love your passion for your city and its rich history. It mirrors my own for New England's rich manufacturing history tho I am sad to say I don't have the time to devote to this interest that you seem to have . I find myself watch all your videos and very much enjoying them. I would think a local TV station would find this very popular content. Keep up the great work sir.
Yes Robert i bet there was some great stories. I cant answer your tech questions but if you can get to the Science and Indutry museum manchester there is more info.
@@MartinZero I did not expect you could or you would have in your video I am sure. Those were just the questions I was asking myself as I watched your video. I should have said that in my post.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my comment. Our engineering staff here at the plant is becoming hooked on your channel. It really helps us get through a 12 hour watch and we can relate to much of the tech you highlight from times passed. Times have changed but steam is still steam and at its core it's still the same engineering we use everyday. Just more to go wrong now (computers :/ ). Keep up the great work sir.
Cheers Robert. Best regards to everyone there, whereabouts are you ?
@@MartinZero Auburn, Maine. USA.
I am Duty Cheif Engineer of the steam plant for a medium-sized manufacturing facility. But our Steam plant is unique in that our steam system and boilers are very larger for a Factory due to the process we use to make our product. It is a very unforgiving yet rewarding career and when all is going well can be very enjoyable.
We even have equipment that would be at home in some of your videos still in service today.
All our best and we look forward to viewing more of your content.
Every day's a school day. Great vid mate
Thanks `Lewis
You're a bugger, Martin! I'm planning to be in Manchester next year for a reunion. As a result of your videos, I'm seriously considering adding a couple of days to do some exploring and site visits. I say a couple of days....
Great stuff Simon. I hope you do. Some of the stuff is not easy to find however
Great video
Thank you
Very Awesome
VERY INTERESTING Martin well done.
Hi Mark, hope your well. thanks a lot mate 👍
ive only gone and bought another DRONE so thats 3 ive got now its a DJI PHANTOM 3 with camera just required a new motor
OMG !!! Brilliant, you say you have 3 ? I had a Phantom 3. What are your others ?
2 phantom 2's and ive just got the phantom 3
czcams.com/video/DjkKhn4_azA/video.html my 1st one filmed this before i bought it
8:20 Fred Dibnah had one of those boilers in his front room
Dan23 7 he had a replica of the back head with the water level gauges etc but didn’t have the rest of the boiler behind , some railwaymen had similar with a loco back head with all the controls on but obviously no big boiler behind, one was in Lostock hall area.
The water power pipes in London were used for internet cabling by Mercury Telecoms.
The bore hole mentioned would have been filled with debris from demolition . This would have decreased haulage and disposal fees . Great video ! I hope your local historical society is taking note of your video archeology . This helps bring history to life !
Thanks Montie
Great video Martin ..Everything was made well then and made to last... Makes you wonder why we still use electricity when water power was so very good .Amazing long life for pipes since the water is all so soft and not full of calcium ..btw when you go back to the Irwell the CanadaGeese are shouting hello to me ..Thanks for this as well Martin Really enjoyed it so big like * and have a great week , Helena :)
Hi Helena, thank you, my friend and I let his dog swim down there the other day and a Canada goose came out shouting at him, must have had a nest nearby, quite a bold one he was
Now that is a great Canada Goose They are such amazing protective parents and very territorial .:)) Love them to bits . Am missing the geese a lot :) We have a few here but what's special with those in Manchester is they even honk in mancunian ...Make a great sound track too .Have a lovely week , Helena .
Manchester is an amazing city, so much brilliant engineering, Reynolds invented the roller chain in Manchester, as a biker, I am thankful. The Gardener Engine and Beyer Peacock, the Garrett locomotive.
Keep up the good work Martin, you're the new Fred Dibnah.
Thanks Alistair, I walk in Fred's Shadow
We had a hydraulic power system here in Melbourne, Australia also.
I had no idea about this technology, amazing
Me niether Lee. Amazing when I found out about it
The rights to the pipe routs in most of the UK major cities was bought by Mercury Telecommunications Ltd , a subsidiary of Cable and Wireless,
and used for optical cables linked by a deal with British Railways using their telecom routs to link them up and compete with B T and it was called Operation Mercury. .
Brilliant - thank you
Thanks very much
Very amazing video well done mate
Thanks pal, hope your well 👍
Martin Zero yes I doing good but had a laugh last night I got caught i got busted when I was exploring Mayfield train station manchester check the video out on CZcams and photo's on instagram
Oh no, ok will do
Martin Zero thank you so much hope that you like them
Again most interesting! :-)
Another great little film Martin yes lot of large towns and cities had there own power there would have been coal powered electricity station in Manchester and it would of had its own gas works as well
Hi Brian yes it was really interesting when the power was generated independently and locally
Well I never, didn’t know about the hydraulic system, thanks Martin 👍
Nor me, fascinating stuff