Here’s Pendleton Broad Street. What stories do these old platforms whisper? Pendleton Broad Street was once a vital railway station. It connected Pendleton to the wider world. Pendleton is an inner-city suburb of Salford. It sits just northwest of Manchester city center.
Before 1780, Pendleton was a rural village. Cottages clustered around a village green. A maypole stood as a community symbol. The Industrial Revolution changed everything. Large cotton mills sprang up. Dyeing, printing, and bleaching premises provided jobs. Pendleton Colliery also developed in the early 19th century.
Pendleton Broad Street station played a role in this transformation. The Lancashire and Yorkshire Company’s railway passed through. It had a station at Pendleton and another here at Broad Street. These lines connected on the southeast border of the township.
Pendleton’s growth led to the construction of many churches. St. Thomas Church is the parish church. It replaced an original chapel. Francis Goodwin and Richard Lane designed it. It stands in Perpendicular gothic revival style.
Pendleton has been recorded by many different names through time. In 1199, it was Penelton. By 1600, it was Pendleton. The manor was held by the Hultons of Hulton Park in the Middle Ages.
Pendleton is on the Manchester Coalfield. Early coal mining exploited seams near the surface. Eventually, deeper shafts were sunk. By the 20th century, Pendleton Colliery had the deepest shafts in Great Britain. They reached 3474 feet.
The area is also known for the Pendleton Fault. This is a geological feature. It is one of four large faults under Manchester. These faults are active. They cause earthquake tremors.
Pendleton railway station, including Pendleton Broad Street, sadly closed in 1998. Arson damaged it beyond repair. Salford Crescent railway station now serves the district.
Notable people have called Pendleton home. George Bradshaw was born here. He was a cartographer and publisher. He created the railway guides. Tommy White was also born in Pendleton. He played football for Everton and England. Peter Hook from the bands Joy Division and New Order grew up in the area.
Pendleton has a rich history. It transformed from a rural village to an industrial hub. Pendleton Broad Street station was a key part of that change.