🚶🏻The Meander #1: Explore the hidden ginnels that connect two churches

By following a series of hidden passageways used by Victorian criminals off Deansgate, you can travel unseen from St Ann's Square to the Hidden Gem

Hidden passageways tale ypi frp, St Ann’s Church to the Hidden Gem. (Copyright: Manchester History Club)

Ever since I began exploring Manchester city centre as a teenager in the early 1990s, I’ve been finding my own shortcuts through the backstreets.

In this new series exclusively for paid Manchester History Club subscribers, I’m going to start sharing these shortcuts.

We’ll also discover some new routes through historic, but less visited streets, alleys and canal towpaths of Manchester and Salford.

I’m also aiming to create a map with these hidden paths that see how they can be connected together into longer journeys.

In this first walk, we’ll follow one of my favourite routes down some hidden passageways that connect St Ann’s Church to the Hidden Gem.

So pull on your Adidas Gazelles and let’s see where we end up…

The rose-tinted sandstone blocks of St Ann’s Church can be clearly seen in the sunshine. (Copyright: Manchester History Club)

This hidden walk starts at the back of St Ann’s Church, which was consecreted in 1712.

If you look skyward you can see the blocks that form the tower have pink tinge to them in the sunshine.

They are cut from Collyhurst red sandstone, known to geologists around the world, that also gives its name to Red Bank.

With the church at your back, you will be looking down the first passageway, St Ann’s Passage — a rather refined, tiled walkway.

Inside, you can peer into expensive shop windows before popping out into King Street.

It was in this passageway that a police sergeant, James Howarth, arrested a preacher and book thief, John “Angel” Gibbons, in 1895.

An Angelic Book Thief

This is the widest of the four passages that will take you to the Hidden Gem.

The entrance to St Ann’s Passage with its tiled floor and shop windows. (Copyright: Manchester History Club)

A note before you set off…

I’ve explored these off-beat routes so you can read and enjoy them from the comfort of your own home.

If you do decide to go for a walk in Manchester, please stay aware of your surroundings, especially in quieter or less-travelled areas.

Consider walking with a friend or during busier times of day if that feels safer, and definitely don’t go wandering at night.

There may be obstacles on some of the routes and the walks are not wheelchair friendly.

Trust your instincts, take your time, and enjoy the journey. Just a reminder: you’re responsible for your own safety as you explore.🚶🏻