Flood Obelisk

Located in Peel Park, Salford. This obelisk was erected in 1870 and bears marks showing the depth of floodwater here when the adjacent River Irwell broke its banks on Nov 16th, 1866. A depth of 8ft. 6in. is recorded.

Confluence

Looking across the River Irwell to the point where the River Medlock enters Manchester's main watercourse. Also the site of Hulme Locks which link the Irwell with the nearby Bridgewater Canal. Downstream of here the Irwell was canalised in the late 19th Century to form the Manchester Ship Canal. Recently built apartment buildings flank the river and canal banks and the Victorian railway arches.

A Manchester River

River Medlock

The River Medlock rises in Oldham, to the north east of Manchester and flows through east Manchester into the city centre. Within the city much of its course is culverted under buildings etc., the river only briefly appearing where it flows below bridges carrying the roads and railways of the city. Pictured here is part of a lengthy exposed stretch of the river as it flows alongside Potato Wharf, Castlefield (on the left bank) and the New Elm Road industrial area (to the right). In the distance the river flows under the Dawson Street road bridge and then adds its waters to the River Irwell.