Ardwick is a suburb of Manchester about a mile from the city centre.

Ardwick Green, a park of some 5 acres, was established in front of the parish church of St Thomas, complete with fountain and ornamental pond. The park, which was built for the local wealthy residents, exists to the present day.

The area was very fashionable in the early 19th Century, and bordered by very elegant regency houses. Surgeons, Solicitors and many a ‘Gentleman’ are recorded in the local parish records.

The Ardwick Empire was built next to the park and was later renamed the Ardwick Hippodrome.

The area eventually became heavily industrialised. Chemical Works, Builder’s Yards, Railway Goods Yard, Factories and rows of terraced houses were the norm.

By the mid 20th Century, when the industries fell into decline, Ardwick became one of Manchester’s most deprived areas. A massive slum clearance with rehousing of the local people began in the late 1960’s.

Fortunately, some buildings escaped demolition, including St Thomas Church (now closed) and the Apollo at Ardwick Green. This famous Art Deco building is still used as a venue for performing artists.