In this fascinating podcast episode, Dr. Dean Kirby, a historian, journalist, and professional genealogist based in Manchester, England, shares his deep-rooted interest in the Manchester slums. Inspired by his discovery of his ancestor’s history in a Manchester slum, Kirby delved into extensive research, leading to his PhD and the book “Angel Meadow: Victorian Britain’s Most Savage Slum.” Kirby discusses the harsh living conditions in Manchester during the Industrial Revolution, including overcrowded homes and cellar dwellings. He also touches on the impact of the American Civil War on Manchester’s cotton industry, the notorious gangs known as scuttlers, and his passion for genealogy and historical research.

• Key Inspiration: Discovery of great-great-great grandfather’s history in Angel Meadow, a notorious Manchester slum.
• Research Focus: Manchester slums during the Industrial Revolution, leading to a PhD and the book “Angel Meadow: Victorian Britain’s Most Savage Slum.”
• Living Conditions: Overcrowded homes, cellar dwellings, and poor sanitation in 19th-century Manchester.
• Impact of American Civil War: Blockade of southern ports affected Manchester’s cotton industry, leading to starvation.
• Scuttlers: Notorious gangs of street fighters in Manchester with distinct attire and territories.
• Genealogy Tips: Use of poor rate books, prison archives, and newspaper records for historical research.
• Historical Insights: The connection between Manchester and the American Civil War, and the Peterloo Massacre of 1819

Related Episodes:

Episode 180: Photos, Memories, and English Genealogy with Emma Jolly

Episode 197: What You Need to Know about Heraldry with Dr. Nathaniel Taylor, FASG

Links:

• The Manchester History Club 
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About My Guest:

Dr Dean Kirby is an award-winning British investigative journalist, a non-fiction history author, family historian and a tour guide. Based in Manchester, he has a PhD in urban history and is an associate of the UK’s body for professional genealogists, the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives. His interest in family history was sparked when archaeologists dug up his Irish ancestor’s home in one of Manchester’s worst slums – the inappropriately named district of Angel Meadow. Dean now runs the professional family history research service www.manchesterfamilyhistory.com which helps families around the world research their Manchester and Lancashire roots. He also writes the Manchester history newsletter www.manchesterhistory.uk, which reveals forgotten stories from the streets of the Victorian city. His debut book, Angel Meadow: Victorian Britain’s Most Savage Slum, has been in the Amazon bestseller lists.

About Maureen Taylor:

Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective^Òhelps clients with photo related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.com

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The post Episode 238: Uncovering Manchester’s Dark Past: Dr. Dean Kirby on Angel Meadow and the Victorian Slums appeared first on Maureen Taylor.