When history is fun …. free ….. and just a short trip away

We are entering that special time of year when along side all the festive preparations to come, there is chance to take a bit of time off and let someone else do the entertaining.

Chorlton Green in the snow, circa 1984

So, with that in mind Simpson and Topping are offering up a walk on the village green, a mention of their third History Wall and the launch of their new series of books on  "The History of Greater Manchester by Tram", all of which we commend you your diary.

Working backwards, on December 15th, at 12.30 meet us on the village green for “The secret of the Narnia Lamppost ……. the story of the string quartet and the history of four pubs”.

The plan is simple.  Andrew and Peter will explore tales of the odd, the scandalous and the bizarre taking in some local historic landmarks, more than a few interesting people, and of course our four local pubs.

Tales from the Horse and Jockey, 2024

In the course of which we will look for the missing plaque to a murdered policeman in the Bowling Green, wonder why the Methodists were cheated of their Sunday school on the site of the Beech Inn, and ask who was Trevor at the Trevor Arms?  

The Third History Wall, Manchester Road, 2024

And we will end inside the Horse and Jockey who will be our hosts as we round off with tales of suspected murder, the arrest of a prize fighter and the man who stole the village green.

For those who can’t wait for that event, there is the third Chorlton History Wall which fronts the development on the former swimming baths on Manchester Road.  Across three panels we tell the story of the baths and how the surrounding area went from being a small hamlet called Martledge into the busy urban area it is today.

Lastly, we invite you into the city for the launch of the "History of Greater Manchester By Tram", which will tell the story of all 99 stops along the eight routes of the Metrolink tram network.*

So far we have published two in the series, covering Trafford Bar to East Didsbury and Cornbrook to Exchange Square.  They cost jus £4.99 are available from Chorlton Bookshop, Waterstones, and Central Reference Library as well as us at www.pubbooks.co.uk

The launch will take place in the Central Reference Library in St Peter’s Square on November 23rd, starting at 1pm, and lasting till 4pm.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester will be present along with other civic dignitaries.

All of the above are free.

Location, Chorlton, Manchester

Pictures; snow on the village green courtesy of Tony Walker circa 1984, The Third History Wall Manchester, Road, 2024, from Peter Topping, and inside the Horse and Jockey, 2024, from the collection of Andrew Simpson

*A new book on the History of Greater Manchester By Tram, https://chorltonhistory.blogspot.com/search/label/A%20new%20book%20on%20the%20History%20of%20Greater%20Manchester%20by%20Tram