Jaw dropping, raw, bare truth and historical pin points sucked me in. I came for the tragic story of Kathleen Parkinson and stayed for your gripping, informative and detailed accounts. I’m not from Manchester but your enthusiasm, storytelling ability and your reverence and respect for those living in such terrible times, is outstanding. Bloody great. Thank you, keep it all up. Happy New Year to you.

Brilliant ! Better than most of the stuff on TV .

This documentary is truly impressive. I recall first walking into Angel Meadow when I first joined the Mancheste City Police in 1962. I was told then of its tragic history and even then one could feel the haunted spirits of those poor souls. At that time (1963) the area was not as it is today and was still a virtual slum area. Early in my police career I learned of the legendary Jerome Caminada and to this day within the ranks of retired Manchester police officers there exists an organisation known as The Caminada Society. The most celebrated life president of that society was the late Charles Horan the ex head of Manchester CID and later Assistant Chief Constable of GMP. He was often compared to Caminada and in my opinion was another legend under whom it was once my honour to serve. Anyhow this video is a brilliant piece of work showing both dedication and empathy keep up the good work mate.

Great stuff. Entranced all the way through without a break. A brilliant piece of Victorian journalism. Keep producing this excellent work of the history of Manchester.

Wow, where to start! This was brilliant. Loved it for many different reasons. My love of the history of Angel Meadow, knowing & having walked those streets myself numerous times and just a love of your work in general. I located Jerome Caminada's headstone myself during lockdown when I decided to take on finding as many as I could (although I keep meaning to go back and find your 'Angel of the Meadow). I have read Deans book and attended his launch night a good few years ago, fantastic read and with his Irish heritage, introduced him to Martin Logan of Irish TV on which he then did a spot (as with you with you Irish Manchester Video). Great story on how he actually stood in the ruins of his ancestors cellar before it became a car park near Victoria station.. Agree with you on the headstones, they could be used differently as maybe in Chorlton Green where they form a path on the location of the old original church, at least they can be seen and not forgotten. What a wonderful find with the name engraving, you'll have to go back with a thinner sheet of paper and maybe some chalk or charcoal. St Marys Church, or the 'Hidden Gem', that by the way is no longer hidden, is a beautiful church. One of the oldest in Manchester its wonderful that it survived where others perished. Your knowledge and presentation is spot on as always, great edits, information and sound. Detailed research invaluable and your spoken word is always down to earth genuine emotion. Think this is my fav of yours to date. Well done, you excelled once again. Look forward to the next x

I was born and bred in East London but I have a passion for social history. Quite by chance, your video of the murder of Kathleen Parkinson came up on my KZfaq recommendations. I watched it and was captivated by your video. Quite by chance, when reading about Victorian social history during the Industrial Revolution during the middle of last year, I bought the book that you that you recommend in your notes before even coming across your channel. I was captivated by the history of Angel Meadow. The poverty, the tragedies that occured; it was, as you say, a page turner. I believe that the church that you visited in this video also has a mention. William Blake, the poet who penned the words of the extremely well known anthem "Jerusalem" you will recognise the hymn as it starts, "And did those feet in ancient times..." it is usually sung at important celebrations, viewed to be extremely Patriotic. Many people don't realise that Willliam Blake used his powerful poetry and writing skills to talk of the poverty, the under classes, the abuses of workers who were factory fodder and many other social comments. Within that hymn Jerusalem, he refers to the "Dark satanic mills." By doing so, he was talking about the mills, making a social statement about how Great Britain had fallen from it's glorious past. Although now sung with pride, the poem was extremely controversial in its time. I do have to say that having watched many of your videos now, (I am working through them all) you are extremely talented. Your retelling of history and events, your pride in Manchester and Salford is evident. Your narration is fantastic, as are your video graphics and you have me captivated and spellbound with each video. I would like to say to you, congratulations upon such hard work, the love that clearly goes into each video, along with your detailed accurate narration is the best that I have seen. I wish you every success with your channel and hope that it grows, gaining the recognition that it truly deserves. Thank you for bringing your history alive. One very impressed social change academic!

I really enjoyed this video Ant. Certainly brings it home what life was like in Victorian times. The name Horridge on the bridge is a great find and all the history of Angel Meadow makes me realise that I'm thankful I wasn't born in those times. You have a way with words and bring these stories to life....Well done xx

Wow what a story! And finding his name like that was next level, it shows you how much is still hidden around us .. agree with you about the headstones especially with the amount of investment in the area, the park is big enough to have them on display as part of a historical & educational memorial , imagine seeing those peoples names and the stories that would come from it, fingers crossed one day 🤞 well done mate this was very good 💥💥💯💯👊

Fabulous job. So sad about headstones . I've seen pathways in churches made from them. Sadly after 100yrs they can move them & also reuse graves if fees are not met. But a really interesting story.

It’s a 10/10 from me pal, another absolutely brilliant vlog you have a true talent 👌. I’m going to go and have a look this weekend at Angel Meadow and the engraving, keep it up pal 👍👌

Absolutely brilliant Ant, loved every minute of it, you've definitely got a special talent, don't ever stop educating and entertaining us, thank you 💯👍✌

As usual, great production values make your videos stand out. Don't want to repeat what others have said here so I'll simply say thanks mate! You're bloody good at what you do.

Loved this one pal👍well done😎

That was so good I watched it twice, the delivery of the story was superb, thank you. I totally agree with you about the disrespect of using the headstones as edgings, just awful, they could've put them somewhere in the park where people could see them

Awesome work Ant, I love the layers of sound in this one. 😀

Oh wow ..that was brilliant, captivating it was like being taken back to the Victorian times…your knowledge and research is fantastic..everything about it I loved..8 think it’s your best yet ..gotta keep theses vids coming DM 🐒

Another belter this one 👍 And as for the engraving on the wall, that was something else! If I were you, I'd try again with the charcoal rubbing and if you get a good copy, frame it! That is the very essence of history right there.

Fabulous anthony! Addicted to the area myself having ancestors from there. Find it shocking how the history seems to be vanishing without even a nod to it in the soul less new builds. I got Dean's book a while ago and couldnt put it down so Dean......a part 2 please. 😃

Great stuff mate , the places you filmed was my playground in the 50s it brought back some memories, next to the bridge with the carving of Horridge was a blacksmiths I remember the ragboners horses being shoed We used to play football on the burial flags. We would raid Smithfield market. to get our vitamin C. and sit on the grassy bank eating our ill gotten goodies overlooking the Meadow. with lovey evening sunsets we could see Strangeways in the distance over Red Bank. The stink of the boneworks and smell of the tobacco works Happy days with the gang Paddy , George, Eugene, Slogger .Plaz, Danny , Joe. and Penny....

I agree with you. That is just beyond disrespectful what they did with those headstones!

Brilliant Anthony, I wish u put this video out last week I was in angel meadow on Sat. Had 2 hours to kill in Manchester, I was on that bridge. That church I've passed many a time ,I'll defo go in next time, it's fabulous. Great story, 2 similar men but chose different paths. This is one outstanding video pal. 👏 👏 👏 ps ( I reviewed the Marble Arch😊) well done pal

Thank you for this beautiful video. If you want to see a bit of my history, look up Ådalen -31... Military killing civilians in Sweden in 1931. Fascinating and some of my relatives were there.

Anthony what a great award winning video this should be, you are a credit to our great city. Now, I can see why the headstones have been disrespected in this way! it is a sign from the city council and local government to say '' we won '' and you mean nothing to us. These stones should never have been covered up or used this way, and they should bow their heads in shame and guilt. Keep doing this work mate and we will support you always.

Honestly, I was gripped from the minute I started watching!!!! The names on the wall aswell are just amazing. This dark history of Manchester is fascinating and I read about it all the time. Very very well put together, thoroughly enjoyed it 10/10 👌

Another great video, well executed and a fantastic storyline 👏 👍

I was borne 1949 angel meadow, great video,,, THANKS 🇬🇧

Amazing story !

I've had a night of no sleep and your documentaries on the scuttlers, Bob Horridge and high peak mysteries kept me company. I'm your latest follower - and an ex employee of Salford Magistrates as it was...thankyou SO much! Tremendous viewing x

Another GREAT story I'm so happy you mentioned The Hidden Gem my favorite church inside It is like being in heaven it's beautiful my mam was christened there more than a 100 years ago thank you.

Fabulous gripping telling Ant....you have a gift my mate....keep it up son....very addictive and interesting boss,u da mayor!!

Superb, Anthony. Superb. Caminada was truly the father of what became the CID, and Horridge pre-dated the scuttlers by decades. I'm with you on the point of history coming up through the bricks and cobbles, mate. We're all hoping the graffiti is Bob H himself, but I'm not 100%. The other names such as Bad Guy or Dale weren't prevalent at the time, and it's by no means certain gang members advertised their presence that way, whilst being constantly on the run. Marking out territory was word of mouth back then, and unwritten understanding. St Michael's Flags was used by local kids as a playground back in the day. They probably giggled about the inhabitants below and tried to scare each other.....whilst playing tag and football.

Brilliant video mate! Editing and narration are top notch quality, proper gripping 🔥👍

Goodness - Your enthusiasm in this story got me hooked! Thanks for bringing us round the haunts of these two. I think you will end up becoming a famous film maker!

I wonder if Bob Horridge was born in the dwellings I used to live in as a kid at the top of Strangeways? Sends a tingle down my spine... The video of you on the bridge looking back at Strangeways also had the church, St Chads where I went to school.. very nostalgic.

Brilliant cheers😊

Another superb documentary, about the dark murky side of Manchester’s poverty stricken communities, and the misery they had to endure. X ps….. try doing the stencils with wax crayons, they pick up the patterns, and writing better. X

Wow 10/10 again! I always learn something new with your videos. Now the name "Horridge" will be forever in my mind. Excellent video mate. Love to follow you on your journey.

Absolutely amazing DM so much history in and around Angel Meadow. To also find Horridge name etched in stone gives you the sense that he still walks the streets. The Church was a site of beauty where his words would echoed from the walls. Thank you Ant.

Brilliant - had my attention from beginning to end. Well done kiddo - perfect production and well researched. I felt quite emotional when you described the story regarding headstones in Angel Park........ Hope all is well with you and family. Thanks for sharing. X

Another wonderful look into the characters, poverty & history of our city, passionately & respectfully narrated by you, this is only my third video of yours, looking forward to the rest, thank you so much.

Brilliantly done Angel meadow became a great interest to me passing through the gardens to work at the co-op and watching the development of the the new co-operative building

Absolutely brilliant as per usual 👌 I agree with you, about the headstone’s around the seating area at Angel Meadow it seems disrespectful or is it shown as a remembrance of those who have been layed to rest there !!! You think there would have been a monument there to represent the hard working people who worked in the mills, it’s very sad 😞. Thankyou for your vlog, I love watching your videos, you definitely open our eyes. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Another gem DM.

This is amazing! Thank you for the effort you put into this

I read Dean's book about a year ago after watching your Angel Meadow video, and I agree, It's a fascinating read. Keep up the great work DM. 👍

Brilliant ♥ Ant, you bring that time to life, you can never cover history of Angel Meadow and the surrounding areas, and stories enough, so interesting x

Your videography and presentation is exceptional

Great stories brilliantly told and explained with enthusiasm and detailed Knowledge of the subject . Excellent viewing for history lovers . Thanks for taking your time to produce them .

Magnificent

UNREAL... Totally blown away again Ant at how good your video's are! Don't know why I'm so surprised each time. This is truly fantastic mate. STUNNING 👏👏👏

Another great video. Absolutely agree about the headstones, very disrespectful in my opinion, they should be displayed, maybe with a rose garden around them.

Absolutely, Top notch story and world class commentary, You my friend are wasted on KZfaq and should be doing TV, Brilliant

great vid love it

Thanks for bringing all my favourite books on Victorian Manchester into stunning documentary form. The thing I love the most is...you get it.

Nice one Anthony...I finally got round to viewing this video...brill piece of work bud...👍👍

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant.

A park museum would be good. Interesting thanks

Wow! Love this

always enjoy these

Brilliant and engrossing as always, you do this brilliantly and getting better with time

It`s a wonder Martin Zero never popped up out of the Erk, he loves the place.

Brilliant video mate about bob horridge, from David Salford lad,🏌️

Eloquently filmed from start to finish. 👍

Again another fantastic video, I just can't stop watching, excellent work.

Whow just love watching your video’s. Brought a tear to my eye this one. Well done 👏 absolutely love your voice x

Just brilliant. Thank you. :)

Brilliant, as always.

Another great video Ant, your commentary and passion for the story has us all hooked. Thanks again

Brilliant video as always from Daft Monkey. You deserve many more subscribers.

Thanks for Another Quality Vlog mate.love the History.love the way you tell the story. Top Class 👌🐒

Great channel thank you xx

Well filmed buddy love Abit of UK history

Thank you really enjoyed that

Fantastic, you bring history back to life with you videos with all your research and information . Enjoyable to watch and listen to . Thank you

I love history , this fantastic to watch i thankyou DM

Excellent as always 🙂👌

Your work just keeps getting better! Angel Meadow is my favourite subject and this is by far my favourite video. I can’t praise it enough, you definitely have a talent for this. Epic, absolutely epic and I look forward to the next one. Not rushing you like 😉👍

Just when I thought you couldn't get any better . You've smashed it with this one . Just brilliant one of your best I think 🤘😎👌 still like Fred dibnah though 😜

Anthony wow wow wow, everything it is so captivating, you really need to be making the TV your passion and work is fantastic. So much information, history, makes the audience be in there part of it, get into the moment with it. Description of the character is so well described it is as though he was a local in our village, one of those you watch out for, one upto no good, and wanting to work out what his reasonings behind his story. Thankyou so much for sharing. I know you put so much work and time into your documentaries and it feels like next week we will see the next episode. Thankfully your work is worth the wait for the next one :). your going to get to where you want to be, it will happen at the right time X

Really enjoyed this story :-) as ever brilliantly told by you.

That was a fantastic vidieo! Thank You.

Love this watched it and your others with my 10yr old son. Passing the knowledge to the next generation so they are never forgotten.

wow just wow...off work today feeling quite unwell, thanks once again for you amazing content, one proud Manc to an amazing Salford lad🙂🤢❤🐝

stunning yet again mate iam in my 60s and you are still teaching me the history of my birthplace this was fantastic mate one of the best keep it up bud .

fascinating thank you

Loved this....fascinating. Thank you 👏👏👏

enjoyed thank you

Ant, this is an absolutely amazing piece of work - you continue to blow my mind with the professionalism of everything you do. What a fantastic story, and how amazing that you found Horridge carved into the bridge (*oh my goodness, how does that get protected and preserved for future generations?? 😲) . It's a wonderful story and has inspired me to read Caminada's book (it's on Amazon!). But your story and filming brings these people to life and puts flesh onto their bones again. The Flags that were 'St Michael's flags' in Angel Meadow were all grave stones, so no doubt if you dug around further on the grass there would be more gravestones buried under the grass. From reading Dean's book, you'll know the reason the Flags came into existence was because legislation came into being that gravestones were to be laid flat to deter body snatchers ... but also came into being because at Angel Meadow the people were so poor they took to digging up the soil and selling it as fertiliser (ie bonemeal!) and laying the gravestones down as flags stopped that process. So when people refer to 'the Flags' what they mean is the gravestones laid flat which people then walked on. There were no flagstones as I understand it. And I *completely* agree with you that how in this country we permit old gravestones to simply be dug up/destroyed is beyond me. The stone you saw that is 1801 is *221yrs* old!! What other type of historical artefact that is that age could be destroyed so disrespectfully??? But all I would say is those remaining stones are, as you described - the small fragments of Angel Meadow's past still peeking through, still reclaiming their history - and long may they continue to do so. Angel Meadow was *such* a 'den of iniquity' at its end that it was detested absolutely by Manchester Council who had been in this war for well over 100yrs with the criminal elements, the poverty, and the slum housing. As I understand it, when the Council wanted to undertake slum clearance and relocate the remaining residents they didn't want to go and it took a bomb to fall in the war for that process to start. I could never understand why St Michael's church was completely destroyed/demolished when this was a church and graveyard area, but as I understand it Manchester Council so despised the entire area by that time they just wanted to lay it waste and wipe it from the face of the earth; so even the church was demolished. It's such a hard thing: because we look back now through rose-coloured spectacles at these lives when in reality everything about it must have been as it was described by Frederick Engels - hell on earth. And so you can possibly understand how a Council, wanting to improve/better the City, would take the view of wiping it from the face of the Earth. But then more time passes and it becomes our history; and the Council should now be bringing that history back to sit alongside the green park-space; because that is what its history is. It's wonderful that so many of the original buildings survived in the area and have been restored. But I think somewhere there's room for a museum that tells all the amazing stories Dean documented. And so long as Dean's amazing book is around and your fantastic VLOGs, those people stay alive. I can vouch for the brilliance of Dean's book (it's jaw-dropping from start to finish) and you help to keep more of it alive. A great piece of work, Ant 🙂

Insanely good production as always, completely fascinating , will have to get Dean's book ,do you know the best book to buy to learn more about Jerome Caminada, thanks

Absolutely fascinating documentary. Outstanding 👏👏

All your work is amazing in my opinion, but you have out done yourself with this one DM, fantastic work. well researched and put onto film. Well done and cheers.

Superb.

Hi. .VERY informative video,so enjoyed all. Lovely church.

Wow..Bob's Victorian tagging..nice one Anthony..

Been watching you're channel a few days now. Found it late but you're work and presentation of history is exceptional. Do you have a patreon brother? If so i will more than happily fund youre work that goes into this phenomenal channel. Much love stay safe and have a good xmas brother.

Absolutely brilliant mate. Gonna have a cycle down this week and take look around 👍🏻

Another top video mate I’m gonna go and look at that writing on that bridge,I’ve parked on that side street many times next to angel meadow and only realised what it was when reading the book on scuttlers

Fantastic video Ant and amazing history. Make me really sad that headstones can be moved, finally erasing any memory of people who once walked our streets. That name of horridge in that style had to be done by Bob himself. I've seen similar writing on stonework in that style from around that era. Has your channel got an email address mate?

Brilliant

Another amazing video Ant. Wow how that area has changed even since I last visited about 12mths ago. Looks like another new high rise going up behind Angel Meadows 😡😡 And what's going on with the old Ragged school building?