Partnership of archive & local history organisations at Manchester Central Library. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Blogs by volunteers and staff. Visit archivesplus.org for events, visitor information and more.
During these uncertain times we hope Archives+ can help you to stay in touch by publishing our popular memory boxes online which can be used as a starting point in discovering your family history, finding out what your family’s childhood was like, looking back at the area where they grew up, discovering their fondest childhood memories and maybe uncover some hidden gems in your family’s story.
Whilst children are still off school and many adults remain at home, why not take this opportunity to find out about those important stories thus ensuring this history is passed on to the next generation which can often get lost or put off for another day as we lead our busy lives. Sharing memories of days gone by can bring families closer together, listening to elderly relatives can be a comfort for families as they gain an insight into their life stories.
Each week Archives+ will publish a memory box for an area in Manchester, this week’s online memory box takes a look at Fallowfield, with glimpses into the surrounding streets. Below you will find a collection of images from Fallowfield, alongside 6 worksheets. The worksheets are set around 6 themes: Industry, Place, Health and Living Conditions, Fallowfield Campus, Pastimes and Communities. Using the worksheets as prompts to start up a conversation, write down your findings on a piece of paper, or if you prefer type into a tablet or PC.
Dig out your old photos too, these can also be a brilliant resource to trigger fond memories of family times. We encourage you to share your findings on social media, either as comments on our Facebook page or on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #ArchivesPlusMemorybox
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Twitter @archivesplus
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If you are unable to share your photos and stories online, when the libraries reopen bring copies of your family memories into your local library. In the coming year we will produce an exhibition in your local library of selected submissions, shared both online and in person.
Please make sure that if you share any information with us that the person you have spoken to is happy for you to share it with Archives+.When sharing your findings try to avoid sharing too much personal information such as surnames and date of birth as these details can identify your loved ones.
Resources:
Unlocking Your Sound Archive have produced a blog about conducting oral history interviews with family members. The audio clips included in this online memory box have been kindly supplied by Unlocking Your Sound Archive.
Dunlop Rubber Co Ltd, Wilmslow Road, east side 1959J and J Wray, Moseley Road, south side, no 198 – 1963Culver’s Cart Mart Ltd, Moseley Road, south side 1963Wilbraham Road 1973(1103/26) e01 Mrs. Hughson recalls her search for work at the Labour Exchange and being offered a place at a training school for domestic servants. “She said ‘Would you lke to go to it It’s at Mabfield Road, Fallowfield…Try it…'” Courtesy of Tameside Local Studies and Archives CentreLandcross Road/Wilmslow Road 1973Landcross Road 1973Platt Lane 1983
Mabfield and Kings Parade 1900The Village just before Wilbraham Road, 1900. Tram Terminus for short trips from town, turned in Sherwood Street, by the Sherwood Hotel and Railway Station on the left.Platt Bridge, Wilmslow Road 1908Fallowfield Station 1910, Wilmslow Road at junction with Ladybarn Road, now Sainsbury’sPlatt Hall photographed in 1910. The Platt family sold the estate to Ralph Worsley, a wealthy textile merchant in 1625. Manchester Corporation bought the estate in 1907. NCTD Transport Depot, Birchfields Road 1963Manchester University Owens Park, Hall of Residence 1965
Platt Fields, opening day 28/05/1910The Lake, Platt Fields 1910Boating at Platt Fields Park 1913Fallowfield Allotments, notice board and footpath leading to allotments 1921Princess Margaret at Platt Hall Costume Gallery 1953. The gallery is currently closed but some of their collections can be viewed online at https://manchesterartgallery.org/visit/platt-hall/ or on Instagram @mag_platthallCresta Cinema, Princess Road, East Side 1959, near junction with Wilbraham Road – now a BP petrol stationFallowfield Cultural Centre 1990, now “The Place at Platt”, a community library and resource centre
Brailsford Road 1900Moseley Road, (Alwyn Road), Wilbraham Road extension, view from Balmoral Road 1905Marbury Avenue 1973Furness Road 1973Albion Road, 1973 (“The Rookeries” erected by T. Holmes 1892)Hilltop Court, Wilmslow Road 1973 Grangethorpe Hospital 1915. It was a military hospital 1916-1929. Manchester High School for Girls was later built on the site.
One Mile Championship, Manchester Athletic Club Ground 1914Ashburne Hall, Manchester University Women’s Hall of Residence 1925Cycle Racing, Harris Stadium 1950 – named for a while after its owner Reginald Harris (world sprint champion). Formerly Fallowfield Stadium, now site of Richmond Park Halls of Residence Oak House, Manchester University Owens Park, Wilmslow Road 1974Manchester University Owens Park Hall of Residence 1975UMIST Sports Ground, Firs Farm Buildings, Botany Centre in the rear 1975Woolton Hall, Manchester University Owens Park, Wilmslow Road 1975
Holy Innocents Primary School, built in 1882 – closed in 1980, now “The Studio Bar”Church of Holy Innocents, Wilbraham Road, looking from Moseley Road 1961Moseley Road Secondary School 1967Wilbraham School (juniors and infants), Platt Lane 1973(1103/498) e01 Mrs. Whitehead used to attend the Dock Mission; she also remembers childhood trips to Fallowfield from St. Cyprian’s school and church. “When we went to Fallowfield [at Christmas] we always got a lovely doll and a big parcel of groceries to bring home…from these ladies at Fallowfield, I don’t know who they were…” Courtesy of Tameside Local Studies and Archives CentreHart Road Council School, Waverton Road 1973South Manchester Synagogue, Wilbraham Road 1973, built to designs by Joseph Sunlight in 1912-13Manchester High School for Girls, Grangethorpe Road 1973Platt Lane Methodist Church, off Hart Road 1983
We hope you have enjoyed looking back at the photographs of Fallowfield. More areas will be covered each week and if you would like to see more images, don’t forget to check out the photograph albums on Flickr and the Manchester Local Image Collection .
When I arrived at Manchester University in 1970, I was in Owens Park. Every day walking into the University I passed on my left a Jewish tailor’s shop with the tailor sitting cross-legged on a table sewing. Does anyone else remember him?
On Hart Rd was a shop run by the Lane family Carol Lane was in my class at Wilbraham junior school which just round the corner from the shop. Last saw Carol on the ‘ lane’ too many years to mention. Where is she now? I forget the name of the shop but think it was something like The Cheshire. :::::::::::::::::::::? Shop.
Hi there, I don’t know if you will see this reply as you posted anonymously however, I was googling some family history and it brought up your comment. Carol Lane was my Great Aunt and I think the name of the shop was the Cheshire Cheese Shop, although I could be wrong. Sadly, Auntie Carol passed away in 2018 but lovely to find a comment here about her. I am looking into the history of my family and if you did have any helpful anecdotes or stories, I would love to hear from you. Thanks, Sarah
manchesterarchiveplus.wordpress.com 
When I arrived at Manchester University in 1970, I was in Owens Park. Every day walking into the University I passed on my left a Jewish tailor’s shop with the tailor sitting cross-legged on a table sewing. Does anyone else remember him?
I was born at 11rink street Fallowfield Manchester 14
I had a shop in fallowfield from 1974 to 2005 Taylor’s newsagents happy times it was lovely area then with great people David Taylor
I used to work for you on a Saturday!
On Hart Rd was a shop run by the Lane family Carol Lane was in my class at Wilbraham junior school which just round the corner from the shop. Last saw Carol on the ‘ lane’ too many years to mention. Where is she now? I forget the name of the shop but think it was something like The Cheshire. :::::::::::::::::::::? Shop.
Hi there, I don’t know if you will see this reply as you posted anonymously however, I was googling some family history and it brought up your comment. Carol Lane was my Great Aunt and I think the name of the shop was the Cheshire Cheese Shop, although I could be wrong. Sadly, Auntie Carol passed away in 2018 but lovely to find a comment here about her. I am looking into the history of my family and if you did have any helpful anecdotes or stories, I would love to hear from you. Thanks, Sarah