This is Roman Entry.
It connects Church Street to what has variously been known as Roman Street and Back Alley and long ago lost even its name.
Now I must have passed Roman Entry many times over the years and not even given it a glance and even less ventured down what is a very narrow thoroughfare.
But then why should I?
On any busy day taking time off to explore a dark and dismal alley might well seem a waste of time.
These days however I have the time and have also rediscovered my sense of curiosity for back alleys, narrow passages and forgotten streets which offer the promise of all sorts of history.
In the case of Roman Entry, it is there by 1793 and will in all probability be much older. From the 1840's if not earlier part of the alley was enclosed and formed part of a building.
Looking at the records, subsequent buildings were built on the site incorporating the entry.
In 1910 the building was home to the hosiery business of F.C. Lowcock ad earlier still was listed as a Boot and Shoe warehouse and before that as various types of “manufactury” back into the 1850’s, and even was shared a linen manufacturer and an artificial flower maker.
And with a bit more research using the rate books we might be able to discover the uses for that building back into the late eighteenth century.
We shall see.
Location; Roman Entry
Pictures; Roman Entry, 2017 from the collection of Andrew Simpson, and in 1910, by J. Jackson, m01696, courtesy of Manchester Libraries, Information and Archives, Manchester City Council, http://images.manchester.gov.uk/index.php?session=pass
 |
| Roman Entry, 2017 |
It connects Church Street to what has variously been known as Roman Street and Back Alley and long ago lost even its name.
Now I must have passed Roman Entry many times over the years and not even given it a glance and even less ventured down what is a very narrow thoroughfare.
 |
| Roman Entry, 1910 |
On any busy day taking time off to explore a dark and dismal alley might well seem a waste of time.
These days however I have the time and have also rediscovered my sense of curiosity for back alleys, narrow passages and forgotten streets which offer the promise of all sorts of history.
In the case of Roman Entry, it is there by 1793 and will in all probability be much older. From the 1840's if not earlier part of the alley was enclosed and formed part of a building.
Looking at the records, subsequent buildings were built on the site incorporating the entry.
In 1910 the building was home to the hosiery business of F.C. Lowcock ad earlier still was listed as a Boot and Shoe warehouse and before that as various types of “manufactury” back into the 1850’s, and even was shared a linen manufacturer and an artificial flower maker.
And with a bit more research using the rate books we might be able to discover the uses for that building back into the late eighteenth century.
We shall see.
Location; Roman Entry
Pictures; Roman Entry, 2017 from the collection of Andrew Simpson, and in 1910, by J. Jackson, m01696, courtesy of Manchester Libraries, Information and Archives, Manchester City Council, http://images.manchester.gov.uk/index.php?session=pass
Sadly the very narrow passage between Oldham Street and Tib Street has recently been sealed.
ReplyDeleteL.D, Bradshaw gives a good account of the history of Roman Entry in Origins of Street Names in the City Centre of Manchester (Waterstones).
ReplyDeleteNever thoight to look in my copy .... l shall go and look. Thanks
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