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Step back in time to the rain-lashed streets of Angel Meadow – the Victorian Manchester slum so vile it was dubbed ‘Hell upon Earth’ by Friedrich Engels.

In the shadow of one of the world’s first cotton mills, 30,000 souls trapped by poverty are fighting for survival as the Industrial Revolution is built upon their backs.

Mancunian families are struggling to keep body and soul together in overcrowded lodging houses and deep cellars on the banks of the River Irk as gangs of scuttlers stalk the pavements outside.

In this tour by me, historian and writer Dean Kirby, the author of the bestselling book Angel Meadow: Victorian Britain's Most Savage Slum, you will hear the hidden story of how the district and its people shaped one of the world’s greatest cities.

Whether, like me, you are a descendant of Angel Meadow ancestors or have a burning passion to explore the history of Manchester, this tour is for you.

The price of your ticket includes:

• A 90 minute guided walk through the streets of Angel Meadow with Dean Kirby, the leading authority on the area’s history.

• Walk alongside the River Irk, through the tree-lined Angel Meadow park and down streets where new apartments stand alongside former ragged schools.

• Regular stops where you’ll hear about the unusual characters who called this place home and historic incidents that took place right where you are standing.

• Small group sizes so you can ask questions and have plenty of time to take photographs.

• If you have bought a copy of my Angel Meadow book, bring it along and I'll sign and dedicate it for you.

• Personalise your tour: If your ancestors lived in Angel Meadow, contact me when you buy your ticket with their details and I'll do my best to mention them during the tour.

• New start point for 2025 in Sadler's Yard off Hanover Street with convenient public transport access.

• A penny from every ticket is given by TicketTailor to charities tackling climate change including the Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

*** The walk is just over one mile/1.6 kilometres and includes a descent down a long flight of steps, some shorter steps and an uphill climb. The steps mean that unfortunately the walk is not wheelchair friendly or suitable for people with limited mobility. Please dress for the weather. Manchester is known as the rainy city and the walk will go ahead come rain or shine.***

REVIEWS

More than 400 people have been on my Angel Meadow tours since I launched them in March 2024 including many descendants of people who lived in the district when it was one of the most notorious working class districts of the Victorian city. Here's a sample of the reviews.

Christine Radford: "It really was the best of days. Even with the poor souls buried there, you brought those streets to life Dean with rich and informative history and I could feel we were walking the streets of our ancestors. As the sun shone on us, there was a tranquil beauty and quietness over St Michael's Flags and it felt like coming home, bringing the new and the old together. You made it memorable for us. It was a day to remember for us all. For anyone going in the future, it is worth every penny in the company of like-minded people, with Dean sharing so much with you. Enjoy - you won't for get it."

Alison Barton-Simmons: "Dean's tour of Angel Meadow was superb. It brought the history of the area to life and took you through places you wouldn't even know were there. Dean even made the tour personal to the group by pointing out streets and houses that their family members had lived in. Would definitely recommend to anyone familiar with that area, or anyone interested in the rich history of Manchester."

Janice Wilson: "Dean's tour was superb. I was one of the group members for whom Dean did additional research from what I had known about my Irish ancestors. I cannot thank him enough. I have recommended this tour to friends and will certainly be looking out for further tours of our wonderful city."

Nicola Simpson Mills: "Dean is extremely knowledgeable on the subject and surrounding history of the area. Cannot recommend it enough. Fascinating subject. Great way to pass the time, exercise and a history lesson. Wonderful."

TOUR EXTRAS

If you're interested in Manchester history, please consider subscribing to my Manchester History Club newsletter, www.manchesterhistory.uk. In each edition, you'll hear stories from the streets of the world's first industrial city and the people who made Manchester what is is today and will be able to learn more about the Angel Meadow characters I talk about on my tours. 

If you've hit a brick wall in your Manchester family history research, I also provide professional genealogy services in Greater Manchester and Lancashire. Find out about the services I offer by visiting www.manchesterfamilyhistory.com.

I also provide bespoke, private tours for Angel Meadow descendants, including in depth research on your family and showing you where they lived, please click Contact The Event Organiser for details of these private tours or email me at dean@mancunianhistorian.uk