Sir Ralph Abercromby, Bootle Street

Image: © David Dixon Taken: 19 Sep 2016

The Sir Ralph Abercromby pub is said to have been the inspiration for the local in BBC TV series “Life on Mars” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_on_Mars_(UK_TV_series) . It dates back to the early 19th Century and is the only structure remaining from St Peter’s Field, site of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre. Unfortunately, it is probable that the 200-year old pub will be demolished as part of the proposed redevelopment of the Jackson’s Row area which also includes the former Bootle Street police station and Manchester Reform Synagogue to make way for two skyscrapers, a 5-star hotel and a public plaza. Applications to Historic England to list the 200-year-old pub as well as asking Manchester council to make it an ‘asset of community value’ both failed (http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/only-way-save-sir-ralph-11753462 Manchester Evening News). Sir Ralph Abercromby KB (sometimes spelt Abercrombie) (1734 - 1801) was a Scottish soldier and politician. He rose to the rank of lieutenant-general in the British Army, was noted for his services during the Napoleonic Wars, and served as Commander-in-Chief, Ireland (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Abercromby Wikipedia).

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