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Then and Now: Abbey Hey Lane, Gorton

THEN: Abbey Hey Lane, Gorton

In fact, the long and winding road was renowned for being the home of the Abbey Hey Club, and, come the weekend, was a far from a quiet enclave for those living nearby.

Performing solo artists and bands booked to appear at the club used to draw huge crowds to the area, and, at Christmas anyone who wanted to get in, had to be prepared to queue for a very long time to be sure of a seat.

Gorton, once a village with a small population, and approximately three miles from Manchester city centre, was labelled the workshop of the world because of the heavy industry that existed in its heyday.

NOW: An inner-city suburb

One little known fact about Gorton is the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra - formed in 1854, and still going strong.

From 1887 the historic orchestra - it is three years older than the Halle - gave concerts at Belle Vue, and continued to do so through two World Wars.

THE archive photograph is part of a collection chronicling the changing face of Manchester during the past 250 years on a computer at Manchester Central Library.

What are your memories of Abbey Hey? Have your say.

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