So how did that lady lose her shoe in the crypt of St Peter’s Church?

St Peter's Church 1907

It is of course a question without an answer but points to a fascinating exhibition at Central Ref which will run till July 31.

According to the press release, the "new exhibition at Manchester’s Central Library will take visitors back to the Edwardian era with a showcase of interesting discoveries made during Metrolink works at St Peter’s Square.

An archaeological project got under way in the square last year, when the former St Peter’s Church crypt was unearthed during construction work for Metrolink’s transformational Second City Crossing. 

St Peter's Square, 2015

The display – which runs until 31 July in the library's Archives+ Centre – includes day-to-day discarded items such as bottles, ‘penny licks’, and clay pipes, along with less common finds such as a hat, clothing and a lady’s shoe, possibly lost during night time revelry on the square. 

It is thought that they date back to 1907 when St Peter’s Church was demolished and the crypt was sealed and covered by concrete. Metrolink uncovered and resealed the burial vaults, which still contain the graves of those buried there.

Demolishing the church 1907

Transport for Greater Manchester engaged CFA Archaeology Ltd to help preserve any finds of historical interest.”

So there you have it the rest of the story can be read at  Central Library showcases Metrolink city centre archaeological finds* and my thanks to Adam Gabriel Brocklehurst who picked up the story and posted it on that excellent facebook site, Greater Manchester History, Architecture, Faces and Places.

Picture; St Peter’s Church, 1907, m75252, and the church in the process of being demolished in 1907, m80961, courtesy of Manchester Libraries, Information and Archives, Manchester City Council,http://images.manchester.gov.uk/index.php?session=pass and in 2015 from the collection of Andy Robertson

*Central Library showcases Metrolink city centre archaeological finds, http://www.manchester.gov.uk/news/article/7195/central_library_showcases_metrolink_city_centre_archaeological_finds