Barton Upon Irwell, The Swing Bridges 1894

Photo ref: 33691

This picture shows both the Barton road bridge and the swing bridge carrying the Bridgewater Canal across the Manchester Ship Canal in the 'open' position. I used to visit this site as a child when there were still barges operating on the Bridgewater. It is a fascinating and unique example of Victorian engineering. Today, the site is a wilderness when it should be a tourist ...see more

I went to St Catherine's from about the age of 7 in 1958 along with my siblings. Some of my best friends were Sandra Humphries, who wanted to be a pop singer and I remember she had a great voice, Gillian Andrews, she also had a big brother at the school called Christopher and Lynn Wilkinson, her parents owned the sweet shop just over the bridge. The head teacher was called Mrs Willey, she ...see more

This photograph shows the Barton Road Swing Bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal, taken from the Bridgewater Canal Aqueduct, which stands alongside this bridge and carried the Bridgewater Canal over the MSC. The swing bridge used to be a source of frustration in the 1960s before the new Barton High Level Road Bridge (M60) was opened. Many motorists hurrying to work would find the bridge swung, and their way into Trafford Park held up, making them late for work.

I remember the small school well. I went there 1953 -1957 close to the Manchester Ship Canal. Lunch was brought around in big steel cans and we had much fun and laughter. Christmas plays were fun too. I also lived at 513 Barton Lane before moving to Australia late 1958. My grandparents lived 569 Barton lane and their garden skirted the Bridgewater canal before it crossed over Barton Lane. I ...see more