Link: The Manchester Man (book)

[uk2003]

Another great read

http://www.archive.org/stream/manchesterman00bank#page/n0/mode/2up

[sarah]

A great Book and still in print too

Sarah

[Viktoria]

 I have my Dad`s copy,  bought second hand on Shudehill second hand bookstall.
 Somtime in the 1920`s when dad wa still recovering from being a prisoner of war.He had very little money and it took him ages to gather enough money for even the modest price second hand.

 I`ve read it many times and there used to be in M/C Cathedral a statue to the teacher at Chetham`s who baptised Jabez Clegg( The M/C Man) and Laurence Aspinall at the same ceremony ,
they of course became enemies as he rivalry between Chetham`s and the Grammar School developed.
 Dr Rook I think was his name --- however the last time I was in the Cathedral it had gone. He lived in a house just at the bend of Long Millgate w here the entrance to Chetham`s yard is, under the arch.
 It is a good read, covering the Peterloo incident  and describing ( once traceable) courts near Victoria station where the Cleggs lived .The incident of a baby being washed down the Irk was recorded.
              Viktoria.

[cathaldus]

Viktorja,
As a very proud Mancunian (of Irish parents!),  may I thank you for your posting.   The Manchester Man evokes so many stories of my lovely City and your memory of your Dad buying the book on Shudehill brought a tear to my rheumy old eyes.

Bill

[cathaldus]

Viktoria,  sorry for the typo!!!

Bill

 

[Viktoria]

 I rather  liked Viktorja!
Dad also bought a book of engravings of M/C, published in 1877 because people who cared were concerned that the very old buildings would be forgotten as they were  being replaced by newer ones .
At this time M/C still had many half timbered buildings,  especially pubs.
 Wellington Inn.Market Place
 Rover`s Return.  Withy Grove
  Seven Stars. Withy Grove
 Vintner`s Arms. Smithy Door
  Poet`s Corner (Sun Inn)Long Millgate.
 Houses in Long Millgate, and many more. Many of These buildings were  shortly  to be replaced by
 Victorian buildings which my generation were sorry to see replaced by monstrosities  like The Arndale centre.
 The book cost Dad 1/6 in real  money, about 7 1/2 pence.He paid 6d a week for three weeks which was all he could afford( have you still got some tissues left?) The bookstall holder kept it for him.
 I treasure it for its contents but it represents my Dad`s efforts to rise above real poverty  and his appreciation of his home town.He was another of those bright kids whose parents could not afford  for them to go to Grammar School.                                                                                       We were told  at school that Manchester was really England`s second city. Be blowed to Birmingham! So many historical "firsts". Whether that was true or not we gladly believed it.

                                 Cheerio .  Viktorja.