Crossley Hospital, Ancoats, Manchester

[royd]

Hi, apparently I was born in this hospital but can find little info about it.  I understand it was part of the Salvation Army at the time - my parents were officers in the SA and that part of it was, I think, known as Star Hall.

If anyone has any other info or, even better a picture, I would be very grateful to hear from them.  Thank you. R.

[Viktoria]

Hello royd, there has been a thread about this some time ago.
Originally Frank Crossley( of Crossley`s springs and motors) started "The Star Hall" firstly in a disused music hall of that name. He did it because of the great poverty and need in that part of Manchester. There was a place of worship and food and shelter were given. After Frank died the Salvation Army took over, It is most probably  they who started the maternity home because mothers got no help or rest after being confined. The original building built by the Crossleys after the music hall property was abandoned has been replaced by one built by the S.A.It was a funny triangular building. Crossleys entrance was on what was formerly Mitchell St. Pollard St. was the Star Hall entrance. Google it and you will find a history but sadly the part the Crossleys played in starting this philanthropic project is often overlooked. There is a biography of Frank Crossley, photographs of the new building which replaced the old music hall and the latest new building still standing. You may find more photos in Manchester`s Local Image site. Best of luck . Viktoria.

[Mr. MIGKY]

Manchester library has a picture of the SA building in Pollard street Ancouts.
Go to the image collection CLICK 4 IMAGES Then go to the Advance search and put this number in the top line where it says " with all of the words "

m10471.jpg

Was this the same man who had the Crossley motors  in Gorton/Openshaw?

CLICK 4 CROSSLEY MOTORS
Migky

[royd]

Many thanks to both of you.  I shall check out the sites you have recommended.  Very grateful for your time.  Regards. R.

[Viktoria]

Yes Midgky, the Crossley family lived at Bowden Cheshire but gave it all up to move into the old Star Hall(music hall )which was some move! They were wealthy people and the whole family were involved in the business. One of the works was in part of Ancoats so Frank was familiar with the conditions there. He died quite young.Viktoria.

[firedoor]

hello, i was also born in crossley hospital in May 1951 but i'm not sure if it was called star hall at the time. I tried the images link but it didn't return any result. I wonder if a record exists of babies born there? Anybody know?

[royd]

Hi Firedoor and welcome to Rootschat.

It may be that the only way to find out about records etc., is to contact the SA in London.  I hadn't thought of that so may give it a go when I have a bit more time.  Regards. Royd.

[kooky]

If you click on Migky's link 'Click for images' and put in Pollard the pic. of Star Hall is on about the second or third page.
Kooky

[firedoor]

thanks for that. started going all over the place now, on a grand tour of my childhood. Need an old street map to piece it all together.