Once-great escape from city life
IT was once at the centre of Manchester’s entertainments scene.
During the industrial revolution, the island was home to botanical gardens and the Royal Pomona Palace – which was bigger than the Albert Hall.
Opened originally in 1845 by William and Joseph Beardsley Cornbrook, Strawberry Gardens was at the heart of Manchester’s leisure time activities.
Just south of the congested city centre, it was an idyllic escape.
Due to the abundance of horticulture, the name was later changed to Pomona Gardens – after the Roman goddess of fruit.
People could enjoy a shooting gallery, a billiard room, flying swings, an archery ground, a bowling green and a hedge maze.
Just 20 years earlier, in 1827, Manchester-based scientist John Dalton founded the Royal Horticultural and Botanical Gardens, in Old Trafford.
Studies found the area, south of the bustling city centre, had cleaner air and was ideal for sports and recreation.
According to Chetham’s Library: “Pomona Gardens was one of the most important pleasure gardens in 19th Century Manchester. The gardens were small, but were within easy walking distance of Manchester, and were advertised a place to ‘enjoy all the pleasures of a rural fete, without the expense of a railway trip’.”
Despite the roaring success of the region’s flora, businessman James Reilly felt there was more to be done.
Buying the gardens in 1868, for £75,000, Reilly decided indoor entertainment was a must considering the seemingly constant Manchester rain – and the idea of the Royal Pomona Palace was born.
The building was 216 ft long and 220 ft wide, with a clock tower in the centre 100ft high.
The island later became docklands serving the Manchester Ship Canal. That too didn’t last.
Developers have tried for years to build on the deserted land – and they’re finally set to do just that.