Thursday, 4 March 2010

Astley Arms, Great Ancoats Street


Former Astley Arms, Great Ancoats Street. (c) Google 2010. View Larger Map.

The Astley Arms still stands on Great Ancoats Street (EDIT 2013: not any more it doesn't), at the top of Port Street, opposite the end of Jersey Street.  The Cotton Tree would have faced it, and off to its right is the still-standing (EDIT 2013: not any more - see here) Lord Nelson.  

Paganini Tavern advert, 1840. (c) Neil Richardson [1].

The Astley Arms was first recorded in 1821, the tenant Thomas Evans.  It was renamed to the Paganini Tavern in 1840 by Thomas Inglesent - another of Ancoats' pubs to fall under the influence of the Italians.  Inglesent was a rarity; a blind publican (though his brother worked behind the bar most of the time).

Former Astley Arms, Great Ancoats Street. (c) Neil Richardson [1].

By the 1850s it was back as the Astley Arms, remaining open until 1928 as a Cornbrook house.  The building was partly rebuilt in 1986 which explains its more modern look today compared to above [1]. The below shot shows the Lord Nelson in the centre, looking towards New Cross with Swan Street beyond.


Former Astley Arms, Great Ancoats Street. (c) Google 2010. View Larger Map.

1. The Old Pubs of Ancoats, Neil Richardson (1987).
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7 comments:

  1. Unknown6 September 2010 at 01:27

    Thank you for posting photos of Astley Arms. My GGG Grandfather Thomas Evans was the original owner. His sister in law owned the Smithfield during the same period just up the street on Swan...Many newspaper accounts of meeting of the cardgrinders society during the labor unrest of the period...

    Dennis Evans Texas

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    Replies
    1. prodi.gee@live.com26 September 2016 at 15:15

      Dennis - http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/port-street-pub-building-site-11221280 a pub was discovered here with some pottery featuring your great grandfathers name, I hope you still check this email address.

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    2. Anonymous28 September 2016 at 16:59

      Dennis (my brother) has been informed. The article appeared on my Yahoo newsfeed this morning. Have contacted the Manchester Evening News concerning the story. Hoping to find where the artifacts are stored and if we (the family) may be able to see them. Thank you much.
      Gail Evans Kopp
      Benton, Louisiana

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    3. Nomad Clan13 June 2018 at 14:37

      Hi Dennis I hope you still pick up these messages, Im an artist based in Manchester who has been commissioned to paint a mural inside the new building that stands where the old Astley Arms used to be. It would be amazing if I could incorporate an image of you great grandfather within the mural. if you could help in anyway with reference material that would be amazing. Please check out our website so you can see the type of work we do. www.nomadclan.co.uk We want to honour the history of the building and the surrounding areas as much as possible. please email with any information info@nomadclan.co.uk

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  2. granata6 September 2010 at 18:37

    You're welcome Dennis, thanks for commenting. You must be our furthest flung reader!

    On the reverse of the 1849 map the Slater's Manchester Directory 1848 information shows a Peter Lythgoe at the Smithfield Tavern, 37 Swan St - this must be after she had it.

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  3. Anonymous24 July 2011 at 20:33

    It seems this place was owned by Domenico Antonelli in the 1920. He was an organ factory owner and established the fine sounding International Wafer Company.

    http://www.mcrh.mmu.ac.uk/pubs/pdf/mrhr_12_de_felice.pdf

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  4. Jo N30 April 2012 at 23:12

    This has now been pulled down, according to Google Streetview. Just parking in its place; can't understand why when the building had been renovated.

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