Our new-build flats to rent in Manchester are part of an exciting new future here in the Northern Quarter, but what stood on this site before we did? And just what’s the story of how we came to be called The Astley? Now as custodians of this site and our place in the local community, our heritage is as important to us as our future is bright.
The story of our name dates back to the early 1800s; a time when fewer than 90,000 people lived inside the boundaries of our city as we know it today. It’s certainly a far cry from the 500,000+ that called Manchester home at the time of the 2011 Census. We’ve come a long way and things have changed since then, that’s for sure.
At a time when Napoleon had sights set on European conquest, here on the corner of Port Street and Great Ancoats Street stood a humble public house – The Astley Arms. First recorded in 1821, it served the people of this part of Manchester until closure in 1928. And then it would lay dormant and undisturbed; lost in time until 2016.
A Time-Capsule Unearthed
As we came to build our new flats to rent, however, an awesome discovery was made; the 200-year-old pub emerging out of its time capsule, apparently ‘forgotten’. Unused bottles of brandy and personalised crockery dating back decades and bearing the name of its former landlord Thomas Evans came to light as our own building took shape.
Mulbury City site developer James Alderson told the Manchester Evening News: “It’s amazing knowing there’s so much history at this site. It’s really exciting. I never expected this kind of thing to be found but we are really fascinated by it all.”
And, because there is such history at the site that we now occupy, it’s only right our name reflects that. From the old Astley Arms to the new Astley; we’re shaping a new future in this part of the Northern Quarter. At the same time, though, we’ll strive to be as much a part of our community as The Astley Arms was in now bygone times.
INSPIRED BY THE CHANCE TO BE PART OF A NEW CHAPTER IN THE STORY OF OUR SITE? COME AND SEE WHAT THE ASTLEY HAS TO OFFER. CALL US ON +44 (0) 333 210 0043 OR DROP US AN EMAIL – AND LET’S WRITE YOUR PLACE INTO THIS SITE’S HISTORY TOO…
