In 1838 construction of a new embankment along the River Irwell was completed to support a new road. The arches were built at the same time, creating a new industrial space.
In 1852 the life-boat Challenger was built and launched from the Arches and they have had several different uses over the years. Serving as business premises, landing stages for Steam packet riverboats, and also as World War II air-raid shelters.
During the first half of 1897 more than 200,000 passengers were carried on trips around Manchester Docks, with holiday seasons the most popular periods. However the landing stages were closed in 1906.
During World War II the stages and tunnels surrounding them were converted into air-raid shelters. The conversion, which included additional brick blast walls, took three months at a cost of £10,150 and provided shelter for 1,619 people.
Credit to Manchester Libraries for the Archive Images.
I've wanted to see this place for ages so after much fun around the city we headed underground.
Visited with NickUK, Millhouse, Gone and a non member.
Millhouse - sorry again for dumping the crumpler on you
In 1852 the life-boat Challenger was built and launched from the Arches and they have had several different uses over the years. Serving as business premises, landing stages for Steam packet riverboats, and also as World War II air-raid shelters.
During the first half of 1897 more than 200,000 passengers were carried on trips around Manchester Docks, with holiday seasons the most popular periods. However the landing stages were closed in 1906.
During World War II the stages and tunnels surrounding them were converted into air-raid shelters. The conversion, which included additional brick blast walls, took three months at a cost of £10,150 and provided shelter for 1,619 people.
Credit to Manchester Libraries for the Archive Images.
I've wanted to see this place for ages so after much fun around the city we headed underground.
Visited with NickUK, Millhouse, Gone and a non member.
Millhouse - sorry again for dumping the crumpler on you
