Welcome to Castlefield

My neighbourhood is a short stride away from Manchester city centre, but has been called a village in the middle of an urban sprawl. Castlefield has Roman origins, but came into its own during the Industrial Revolution. Set on a confluence of canals, it’s a knot of railway viaducts, bridges and cobbles. The area wears its heritage on its sleeve, but is now a vibrant residential area studded with bars and restaurants.

A short walk in any direction from my building brings you to water, narrowboats gently puffing wood smoke and the canal towpaths. This is just a glimpse of the area, and it’s no wonder tourists always find their way here…

Click first image to view the gallery

Tags: architecture, canals, Castlefield, industrial, Manchester, narrowboats, nice butt, photography, regenerated, travel, viaducts

15 thoughts on “Welcome to Castlefield”

notjustagranny on December 11, 2016 at 16:56 said:

just checked the link you provided…fascinating heritage. although I didn’t see any mention of the Domesday Book. I’ll have to do some research ;)

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- mikeosbornphoto on December 11, 2016 at 17:00 said:
  
  I’m not sure myself, although it was certainly here. Maybe it was in the post-Roman pre-Industrial Age doldrums!
  
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notjustagranny on December 11, 2016 at 16:54 said:

Looks amazing Mike. Funny I always figured you lived in Greater London area. Was Castlefield mentioned in the Domesday Book? If it was then I’ll add it to my list. Love the photos…as always, intriguing angles.

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- mikeosbornphoto on December 11, 2016 at 16:59 said:
  
  Thanks so much, Cindy, good to see you. Yes, I was London-based for 17 years and resettled here in Manchester two months ago. It’s a whole new landscape to capture!
  
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  - notjustagranny on December 15, 2016 at 15:10 said:
    
    Ahhhhh!!! Okay cool. Big move? Wow, I thought perhaps I had been mistaken ;) Hope your time in Manchester is great. Looking forward to your photos of new areas.
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on December 17, 2016 at 22:05 said:
      
      Thanks Cindy! Yes, quite a change but so far so good and definitely plenty of new material to photograph.
      
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ckponderings on December 11, 2016 at 11:21 said:

Beautiful area, Mike, and not dissimilar to the canals we meandered along a year or two ago! I love the viaduct shot – the light is spectacular! I’m not sure of the name though. Manchesterford is much more you! ;)

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- mikeosbornphoto on December 11, 2016 at 11:54 said:
  
  It’s a lovely place, Richard. Probably shows off more of its industrial heritage than the London canals – true Northern grit! Acorn Antiques?!
  
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  - ckponderings on December 11, 2016 at 14:39 said:
    
    ;)
    
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Cos on December 11, 2016 at 10:21 said:

Beautiful neighbourhood, Mike!

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- mikeosbornphoto on December 11, 2016 at 10:38 said:
  
  Thanks Koos :) Perhaps with all the waterways and boats it’s a litle Dutch with an industrial heritage feel?
  
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  - Cos on December 11, 2016 at 11:29 said:
    
    The canals give indeed a Dutch feeling. I love the industrial look and the sun softens the darker tones.
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on December 11, 2016 at 11:55 said:
      
      Well one day the weather was dull and the next day brilliant sunlight. It’s obvious which was the best scenario.
      
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Jane Lurie on December 11, 2016 at 00:09 said:

Creative shots, Mike. Excellent post.

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- mikeosbornphoto on December 11, 2016 at 09:31 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Jane. Welcome to my neighbourhood – I’m already very proud of it :)
  
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