Remember Grindlow Marsh? That’s what they used to call Longsight. Now, it’s a vibrant part of Manchester. Longsight is just three miles south of the city center.
Let’s dive into the story of Longsight. Once known as Grindlow Marsh, Longsight officially became part of Manchester in 1890. This change sparked its development into the community we see today. Longsight sits bordered by Ardwick, Rusholme, Levenshulme, and Gorton.
For years, Longsight faced challenges with gang violence. Tensions between rival groups caused shootings. The Gooch Gang’s imprisonment in 2009 helped reduce gun crime in Greater Manchester. Shootings decreased significantly.
Longsight’s population is ethnically diverse. A large percentage identifies as South Asian or South Asian British. Many residents are Pakistani or Bangladeshi. The Muslim community forms a significant portion of Longsight. Several places of worship serve this diverse population. You’ll find a Jain temple here. There is also the Russian Orthodox Church of the Pokrov and Saint Agnes’ Church.
The Longsight Market is always bustling. It’s easily recognized by its bright roofs. The market offers a variety of goods. It hosts general markets on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. A second-hand market takes place every Tuesday.
Longsight has several notable buildings. Daisy Bank Road features Edgar Wood’s First Church of Christ, Scientist. Chadlington House showcases Edwardian art nouveau architecture. Historically, Charles Hallé and Emmeline Pankhurst lived here.
The railway line connecting Manchester and Stockport runs through Longsight. Longsight railway station closed in 1958. Ardwick and Levenshulme are now the closest stations. The Longsight Electric TMD and Longsight Diesel TMD service trains.
Buses are very important in Longsight. The 192 bus route is one of the busiest in Britain. It carries around nine million passengers each year.
Several notable people have called Longsight home. Aziz Ibrahim played guitar for The Stone Roses. John Thaw was born in Longsight. He was a famous actor. Ethel “Sunny” Lowry, the first British woman to swim the English Channel, was also born here. Oasis members Liam and Noel Gallagher were born in Longsight too.
Ian Brown, also from the Stone Roses, immortalized Longsight in his song “Longsight M13”. This reflects the area’s postcode.
Today, Longsight continues to evolve. It embraces its diverse community and rich history. The area continues to be an important part of Manchester.