Return to Miller Street Carpark

September 16th, 2009 at 10:25am Host

Urbis Blogs made a return visit to the Miller Street carpark archaeological dig. Things have moved on since our last view two weeks ago, with the archaeologists now concentrating on the north side of the site. Here the remains of the former St. Michael’s public house are being uncovered, shifting attention to the 1930s when it was last occupied.
It seems quite modern compared to your typical archaeological site, but the items recovered in the corners of the pub cellar have a strong attachment to local history, and particularly local brewing. Bottles from the now defunct Chester’s brewery which was once located near Miller Street have been uncovered as well as a 1920’s bottle of Boddingtons. Gin bottles, still a quarter full, have also been dug up.
Steve Tamburello, our guide around the site, says the dig is attracting more and more attention from passersby – particularly from those who have read The Gangs of Manchester, an account of the late Victorian youth gangs who terrorised the streets. One gang of scuttlers, the ‘Meadow Lads’, considered this area their territory and some members would have been itinerant lodgers of the houses on Charter street.
A public open day of the archaeological site is planned. We will keep you updated.

Entry Filed under: Local Geography and History