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1970s Manchester: Fascinating Pictures That Give A Complete Snapshot of Old Manchester

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In the 1970s, Manchester went through enormous changes. It was the decade of confusion, of a loss of direction, of new music, and the arrival of a vast city center monster. During the 1970s, the City Council lost most of its remaining vital responsibilities. Manchester’s famous red buses became grotesque pop orange and brown under a broader transport authority. The heavy industry suffered a considerable downturn; thousands of people lost their jobs. Here are some fascinating photographs that give a complete snapshot of 1970s Manchester.

#1 Loxford Tower, shortly after completion in 1974. This was the first newly-constructed building for Manchester Polytechnic and occupied part of the site of the new MMU Business School.

Loxford Tower, shortly after completion in 1974. This was the first newly-constructed building for Manchester Polytechnic and occupied part of the site of the new MMU Business School.

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#2 View along Market Street towards St Mary’s Gate and Deansgate in 1975, during construction of the Arndale Centre (right).

View along Market Street towards St Mary’s Gate and Deansgate in 1975, during construction of the Arndale Centre (right).

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#3 iew along Brazennose Street from Deansgate to Albert Square, 1972.

iew along Brazennose Street from Deansgate to Albert Square, 1972.

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#4 The Gaumont Cinema on Oxford Street in September 1972.

The Gaumont Cinema on Oxford Street in September 1972.

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#5 The Oxford Road entrance to the quadrangle at the University of Manchester, around 1970.

The Oxford Road entrance to the quadrangle at the University of Manchester, around 1970.

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#6 The airport was taken out of Manchester’s hands

The airport was taken out of Manchester’s hands

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#7 Manchester Central Station from Windmill Street, around 1975.

Manchester Central Station from Windmill Street, around 1975.

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#8 Mural depicting pansies on the gable-end wall of terraced houses in Rochdale. Painted by Walter Kershaw in the early 1970s.

Mural depicting pansies on the gable-end wall of terraced houses in Rochdale. Painted by Walter Kershaw in the early 1970s.

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#9 Manchester’s famous red buses became grotesque pop orange and brown (London Road, 1975)

Manchester’s famous red buses became grotesque pop orange and brown (London Road, 1975)

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#10 The vault in the Lloyds Arms pub on Higher Ormond Street, All Saints, Manchester, around 1974.

The vault in the Lloyds Arms pub on Higher Ormond Street, All Saints, Manchester, around 1974.

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#11 The University of Manchester’s Whitworth Park student residences in 1976

The University of Manchester’s Whitworth Park student residences in 1976

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#12 A well used Manchester dartboard in the vault of the Lloyds Arms on Higher Ormond Street around 1974.

A well used Manchester dartboard in the vault of the Lloyds Arms on Higher Ormond Street around 1974.

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#13 The opulent Oxford Pub was demolished and later became a car park

The opulent Oxford Pub was demolished and later became a car park

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#14 The elevated section of the Mancunian Way, crossing Oxford Road. Taken from the Cavendish School at All Saints, c. 1970.

The elevated section of the Mancunian Way, crossing Oxford Road. Taken from the Cavendish School at All Saints, c. 1970.

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#15 View north along Oxford Road, towards St Peter’s Square in 1976.

View north along Oxford Road, towards St Peter’s Square in 1976.

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#16 Display of posters and reproduction paintings outside the Old Curiosity Shop on Chapel Street, Salford, September 1973.

Display of posters and reproduction paintings outside the Old Curiosity Shop on Chapel Street, Salford, September 1973.

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#17 The On the Eighth Day shop at 111 Oxford Road, photographed around 1973.

The On the Eighth Day shop at 111 Oxford Road, photographed around 1973.

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#18 Interior of the Manchester Arndale Centre in 1979

Interior of the Manchester Arndale Centre in 1979

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#19 The BBC’s Broadcasting House at Piccadilly, Manchester, photographed about 1970.

The BBC’s Broadcasting House at Piccadilly, Manchester, photographed about 1970.

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#20 Boarded-up shops (once Georgian houses) on the west side of Oxford Road at All Saints, Manchester, 1976

Boarded-up shops (once Georgian houses) on the west side of Oxford Road at All Saints, Manchester, 1976

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#21 View along George Street from Oxford Street towards Piccadilly in 1972

View along George Street from Oxford Street towards Piccadilly in 1972

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#22 View of the Liverpool Road railway station site in Manchester, shortly after its closure in 1975.

View of the Liverpool Road railway station site in Manchester, shortly after its closure in 1975.

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#23 The Merseyway shopping precinct, Stockport, 1973

The Merseyway shopping precinct, Stockport, 1973

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#24 Hulme Walk footbridge, 1972

Hulme Walk footbridge, 1972

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#25 The Church Inn on Cambridge Street, All Saints, around 1972.

The Church Inn on Cambridge Street, All Saints, around 1972.

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#26 View along Market Street during construction of the Arndale Centre

View along Market Street during construction of the Arndale Centre

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#27 The opulent Oxford Pub was demolished and later became a car park

The opulent Oxford Pub was demolished and later became a car park

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#28 View along Hulme Walk in 1972, showing lift tower and walkways linking Charles Barry Crescent, Robert Adam Crescent and Hawksmoor Close.

View along Hulme Walk in 1972, showing lift tower and walkways linking Charles Barry Crescent, Robert Adam Crescent and Hawksmoor Close.

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#29 Peter House on Oxford Street/St Peter’s Square in 1972

Peter House on Oxford Street/St Peter’s Square in 1972

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#30 View across Oxford Road at All Saints, looking east from the Chatham Building, November 1970.

View across Oxford Road at All Saints, looking east from the Chatham Building, November 1970.

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#31 Advertisement by a Graphic Design student displayed in the degree show at Manchester Polytechnic’s Faculty of Art and Design in 1978.

Advertisement by a Graphic Design student displayed in the degree show at Manchester Polytechnic’s Faculty of Art and Design in 1978.

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#32 George Best’s ‘Edwardia’ boutique on Motor Street, about 1972.

George Best’s ‘Edwardia’ boutique on Motor Street, about 1972.

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#33 View of St Ann’s Square, from the church towards St Mary’s Gate in 1976.

View of St Ann’s Square, from the church towards St Mary’s Gate in 1976.

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#34 View north along Deansgate in June 1976.

View north along Deansgate in June 1976.

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#35 The Midland Bank building from Spring Gardens, around 1971.

The Midland Bank building from Spring Gardens, around 1971.

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#36 The Arndale Centre from Cateaton Street, around 1979.

The Arndale Centre from Cateaton Street, around 1979.

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#37 Exterior of the former Bridgewater Theatre, a small Victorian music hall that occupied a site between Cambridge Street and Cowcill Street c.1973

Exterior of the former Bridgewater Theatre, a small Victorian music hall that occupied a site between Cambridge Street and Cowcill Street c.1973

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#38 The Studio 1 to 5 cinema on Oxford Road in September 1972

The Studio 1 to 5 cinema on Oxford Road in September 1972

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#39 Mural depicting Alvin Stardust on the gable-end of terraced houses in Heywood, in the early 1970s.

Mural depicting Alvin Stardust on the gable-end of terraced houses in Heywood, in the early 1970s.

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#40 The Victorian buildings of the University of Manchester on Oxford Road, looking north towards the city centre. Photographed in September 1971.

The Victorian buildings of the University of Manchester on Oxford Road, looking north towards the city centre. Photographed in September 1971.

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#41 View of the Liverpool Road railway station site in Manchester, shortly after its closure in 1975.

View of the Liverpool Road railway station site in Manchester, shortly after its closure in 1975.

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#42 Model displaying student work at the dress show at Manchester Polytechnic’s Faculty of Art and Design in 1975.

Model displaying student work at the dress show at Manchester Polytechnic’s Faculty of Art and Design in 1975.

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#43 The Forum at Wythenshawe civic centre in 1975

The Forum at Wythenshawe civic centre in 1975

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#44 View of Wakefield Street towards Oxford Road Station and The Salisbury pub, around 1974.

View of Wakefield Street towards Oxford Road Station and The Salisbury pub, around 1974.

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#45 Interior of the Manchester Arndale Centre in 1979

Interior of the Manchester Arndale Centre in 1979

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#46 View from Hulme Walk footbridge looking south along Princess Road, 1972

View from Hulme Walk footbridge looking south along Princess Road, 1972

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#47 Model wearing clothes designed by a student at Manchester Polytechnic Faculty of Art and Design’s fashion show, 1979

Model wearing clothes designed by a student at Manchester Polytechnic Faculty of Art and Design’s fashion show, 1979

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#48 Northcliffe House at the junction of Deansgate and Hardman Street, around 1971.

Northcliffe House at the junction of Deansgate and Hardman Street, around 1971.

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#49 The Tatler cinema on the corner of Whitworth Street and Oxford Road Station Approach in 1974 – later became part of the Cornerhouse arts venue

The Tatler cinema on the corner of Whitworth Street and Oxford Road Station Approach in 1974 – later became part of the Cornerhouse arts venue

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#50 Withy Grove, Manchester, looking towards Shude Hill, around 1972.

Withy Grove, Manchester, looking towards Shude Hill, around 1972.

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#51 The work of a Manchester Polytechnic fashion student modelled at the Fashion Show in the Undercroft Gallery, June 1976.

The work of a Manchester Polytechnic fashion student modelled at the Fashion Show in the Undercroft Gallery, June 1976.

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#52 The Cavendish Hotel on Cavendish Street, All Saints, around 1972.

The Cavendish Hotel on Cavendish Street, All Saints, around 1972.

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#53 The Grosvenor Picture Palace at All Saints photographed when occupied by the Star Bingo and Social Club, circa 1971. The building is now The Footage pub.

The Grosvenor Picture Palace at All Saints photographed when occupied by the Star Bingo and Social Club, circa 1971. The building is now The Footage pub.

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#54 St Andrew’s Chambers and Bridgewater Buildings on Lloyd Street, on the south side of Albert Square, photographed around 1970.

St Andrew’s Chambers and Bridgewater Buildings on Lloyd Street, on the south side of Albert Square, photographed around 1970.

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#55 The west front of St George’s church on Chester Road, Hulme, around 1970

The west front of St George’s church on Chester Road, Hulme, around 1970

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#56 Grosvenor Square (All Saints Park), looking east towards Oxford Road, about 1970.

Grosvenor Square (All Saints Park), looking east towards Oxford Road, about 1970.

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#57 The Eagle pub on Hulme Walk, Hulme, around 1972

The Eagle pub on Hulme Walk, Hulme, around 1972

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#58 View along Hulme Walk towards All Saints, with Royce Road in the foreground and Ribchester Walk beyond

View along Hulme Walk towards All Saints, with Royce Road in the foreground and Ribchester Walk beyond

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#59 The Hotel Piccadilly from Piccadilly Gardens in 1972

The Hotel Piccadilly from Piccadilly Gardens in 1972

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#60 Shudehill near the junction with Nicholas Croft, around 1972.

Shudehill near the junction with Nicholas Croft, around 1972.

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#61 The Oxford cinema (also called the New Oxford) on Oxford Street, formerly The Picture House, in September 1972.

The Oxford cinema (also called the New Oxford) on Oxford Street, formerly The Picture House, in September 1972.

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#62 The Manchester Ear Hospital on Lower Ormond Street, photographed in 1972-3, shortly before being transferrred to Manchester Royal Infirmary

The Manchester Ear Hospital on Lower Ormond Street, photographed in 1972-3, shortly before being transferrred to Manchester Royal Infirmary

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#63 The Cooper House block of flats under construction, 1973

The Cooper House block of flats under construction, 1973

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#64 View along HIgher Chatham Street showing the Cavendish Street Chapel and School, which were demolished in 1974 to make way for the Cavendish Building.

View along HIgher Chatham Street showing the Cavendish Street Chapel and School, which were demolished in 1974 to make way for the Cavendish Building.

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#65 View north along Oxford Road at All Saints, looking towards Manchester City Centre, 1976.

View north along Oxford Road at All Saints, looking towards Manchester City Centre, 1976.

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#66 Deans Court and Cumberland House (the offices of the Manchester Education Committee) on Crown Square, 1976

Deans Court and Cumberland House (the offices of the Manchester Education Committee) on Crown Square, 1976

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#67 View along London Road and Piccadilly Station Approach, 1976

View along London Road and Piccadilly Station Approach, 1976

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#68 Deck access flats and maisonettes built using the Bison wall frame system, on Coverdale Crescent, Ardwick, 1970. Known locally as ‘Fort Ardwick’.

Deck access flats and maisonettes built using the Bison wall frame system, on Coverdale Crescent, Ardwick, 1970. Known locally as ‘Fort Ardwick’.

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#69 Pedestrian ramp to the access decks of Charles Barry Crescent, with children’s play area beneath.

Pedestrian ramp to the access decks of Charles Barry Crescent, with children’s play area beneath.

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#70 View of Highland House on Victoria Bridge Street, designed by Leach Rhodes Walker and built in 1966. In the foreground is the Grosvenor Hotel at the northern end of Deansgate, demolished c. 1970.

View of Highland House on Victoria Bridge Street, designed by Leach Rhodes Walker and built in 1966. In the foreground is the Grosvenor Hotel at the northern end of Deansgate, demolished c. 1970.

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#71 View of Mosley Street at its junction with York Street in 1972, showing shops in the podium element of the Piccadilly Plaza development.

View of Mosley Street at its junction with York Street in 1972, showing shops in the podium element of the Piccadilly Plaza development.

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#72 View up Oxford Road towards the city centre from the tower of the University of Manchester’s Mathematics Building in 1972

View up Oxford Road towards the city centre from the tower of the University of Manchester’s Mathematics Building in 1972

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#73 View across Oxford Road to the Royal Northern College of Music in 1976

View across Oxford Road to the Royal Northern College of Music in 1976

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#74 View north along High Street from the junction with Church Street in March 1970.

View north along High Street from the junction with Church Street in March 1970.

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#75 Liverpool Road at the junction with Water Street, around 1975.

Liverpool Road at the junction with Water Street, around 1975.

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#76 Manchester Polytechnic’s theatre school adjoining the Righton Building on Cavendish Street c.1973

Manchester Polytechnic’s theatre school adjoining the Righton Building on Cavendish Street c.1973

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#77 View north towards Manchester city centre from the Chatham tower in March 1979.

View north towards Manchester city centre from the Chatham tower in March 1979.

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#78 Grosvenor Square (All Saints Park), looking north towards the Cavendish School (the site of the current All Saints Building), about 1970.

Grosvenor Square (All Saints Park), looking north towards the Cavendish School (the site of the current All Saints Building), about 1970.

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#79 The Odeon cinema on Oxford Street, photographed September 1972

The Odeon cinema on Oxford Street, photographed September 1972

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#80 The Memorial Hall, on the south west corner of Albert Square. Designed by Thomas Worthington and built in 1863-66. This photo was taken, around 1970

The Memorial Hall, on the south west corner of Albert Square. Designed by Thomas Worthington and built in 1863-66. This photo was taken, around 1970

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#81 Mural depicting pansies on the gable-end wall of terraced houses in Rochdale. Painted by Walter Kershaw in the early 1970s.

Mural depicting pansies on the gable-end wall of terraced houses in Rochdale. Painted by Walter Kershaw in the early 1970s.

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#82 The White Horse pub on Hulme Walk, Hulme, around 1972

The White Horse pub on Hulme Walk, Hulme, around 1972

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#83 Williams and Glyn’s Bank, Market Place, Middleton, early 1970s. Designed by Edgar Wood for the Manchester and Salford Bank and built in 1892.

Williams and Glyn’s Bank, Market Place, Middleton, early 1970s. Designed by Edgar Wood for the Manchester and Salford Bank and built in 1892.

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#84 View across the northern part of Hulme from the top of the Chatham Building in November 1970

View across the northern part of Hulme from the top of the Chatham Building in November 1970

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#85 The CIS Building on Miller Street in 1970

The CIS Building on Miller Street in 1970

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#86 Entrance Hall of the CIS Building in 1970

Entrance Hall of the CIS Building in 1970

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#87 Post-graduate sculpture students take part in a performance entitled ‘Murphy’ in the gallery of Manchester Polytechnic’s Faculty of Art and Design in March 1971.

Post-graduate sculpture students take part in a performance entitled ‘Murphy’ in the gallery of Manchester Polytechnic’s Faculty of Art and Design in March 1971.

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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Baron burger says:

September 22, 2023 at 21:23 Copy Link of a Comment

That’s wonderful, thank you for sharing.

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Doctor Doofus says:

September 22, 2023 at 21:24 Copy Link of a Comment

Amazing how few people were out and about, feels like there was so much room back then.

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King Klutz says:

September 22, 2023 at 21:24 Copy Link of a Comment

There’s something I keep noticing about the older stone buildings – they look black with grime.

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Baron BoogerFace says:

September 22, 2023 at 21:24 Copy Link of a Comment

There’s something oddly modern about those pansies, I need them back. Up until 1998, I studied at Loxford Tower.

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- Sheriff Donut says:
  
  September 22, 2023 at 21:25 Copy Link of a Comment
  
  Unfortunately often the excuse for demolition. A prime example is the Grosvenor hotel in those pictures. The crime that was demolished
  
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Chief Cheeseburger says:

September 22, 2023 at 21:24 Copy Link of a Comment

It was a sad day when they shut those viewing platforms at Manchester Airport.

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- Golden Gazelle says:
  
  September 22, 2023 at 21:25 Copy Link of a Comment
  
  I remember going with scouts to see planes take off on a trip with our uncle sometimes. Many of us had never flown before, so it was an entirely new experience. When I was 15, flying was still considered a novelty.
  
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