River Irk

River Irk looking upstream from Scotland Bridge

A short distance downstream, the river turns to head south over a weir, and then disappears from sight before joining the Irwell. The disused area on the viaduct formerly housed a turntable and small engine shed

The Irk is one of the rivers which was vital to the development of Manchester as 'the world's first Industrial city'. The largest of these modestly-sized rivers was the Irwell, followed by the Irk and the River Medlock. A remarkable number of factories and property owners freely used and badly abused these waterways.

1897: 'Its present loathsome condition in the heart of Cottonopolis is a standing reproach to those in whom the authority is vested to abate what is at the present time an most unmitigated nuisance'.

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