Saturday 22 April 2023

That twisty little side street …… all promise with a hint of mystery

Now I have always been fascinated by Back Pool Fold, and have written it about it more than once.*

Back Pool Fold, 1967

It has an almost Dickensian feel, less so now,  than when I first stumbled across it in 1969, but still one where your imagination has free reign.

Sainbury's and Red Barn Charcoal Grill, 1967
And I was reminded of that first encounter, when I called up this picture from the collection.

I can’t now remember if Sainsbury’s and the Red Barn Charcoal Grill were still there when I first wandered down Cross Street and took a step in to the gloom that was Back Fold Place.

Back then, the city was still full of twisty little thoroughfares, that might or might not lead somewhere.

And more often than not there was an interesting eating place, or shady drinking venue which existed side by side with the entrance to a group of dismal and run down offices which wouldn’t have looked out of place, when Mr. Scrooge had his change of heart.

Back Pool Fold, 2016
And squeezed between them might well be an enterprising little textile warehouse, offering bespoke shirts, stylish skirts, and a range of exotic underwear.

Today, Back Pool Fold can still be full of surprises, but where would the fun be in not letting you discover them for yourself?

So, there you have it, I won't say any more, and will just add that it can be accessed from Cross Street, or Chapel Walks.

Either, will offer up a bit of city atmosphere, especially if you choose to enter the street just as dusk is falling.

Now that's a challenge.

Location; Cross Street, Manchester

Picture; Back Pool Fold, "Courtesy of Manchester Archives+ Town Hall Photographers' Collection",
https://www.flickr.com/photos/manchesterarchiveplus/albums/72157684413651581?fbclid=IwAR35NR9v6lzJfkiSsHgHdQyL2CCuQUHuCuVr8xnd403q534MNgY5g1nAZfY and Back Pool Fold in 2016 from the collection of Andrew Simpson

*Lost and forgotten streets of Manchester .......... nu 2 Pool Fold, https://chorltonhistory.blogspot.com/2019/12/lost-and-forgotten-streets-of.html

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