Longsight

This fascinating collection of images explores Longsight over the past two centuries. It charts the town's rural beginnings, its expansion along Stockport Road - a busy route from the city of Manchester - and the coming of the railway, which made Longsight Manchester's busiest suburban station, welcoming countless visitors for Belle Vue Zoological Gardens. An exclusive estate, Victoria Park housed wealthy Manchester merchants, while nearby workers from the city centre crowded into terrace housing. Immigrants from Asia, Ireland and the Commonwealth followed, creating a cosmopolitan feel to Stockport Road, the schools and places of worship. Illustrated with family photographs, early postcards and ephemera, and featuring sections on all aspects of everyday life, including schooldays, work, sporting and leisure activities, events and celebrations, Longsight provides a unique insight into life in the town in days gone by.