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[1]
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'.[2]
See Also
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