These images show how our city has changed significantly
Manchester’s streets have changed drastically since Queen Elizabeth took to the throne in 1952.
We’ve taken a look back at how the area around us has transformed during her long reign – from iconic places such as Deansgate and Albert Square, to the suburban streets where we grew up. The images also give a sense of how the way we live our daily lives have altered during the Queen’s reign.
Some streets and places no longer exist, such as the homes that once lined Walter Street where an Asda superstore and shops now stand. The below images also show how much-loved stores including Woolworths are no longer in our city centre.
READ MORE: Brilliant photos of King Charles III visiting Coronation Street set while he was Prince of Wales
How has your street or area changed over the years? Let us know in the comments section below.
For beautiful, historic images from the past have a look at memorylane.co.uk/ and see what you can discover
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Housewives scrubbing the steps and pavement outside their homes on Walter Street, Harpurhey, Manchester, as residents prepare for a street party to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, May 1953
Walter Street in Harpurhey in 2021. The houses were demolished to make way for shops
Street Party in Pinnington Road, Gorton North, in celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, May 1953
Pinnington Road, 2019
Aerial view of Deansgate, Manchester, June 1954
Deansgate, 2020
F W Woolworth store on the corner of Oldham Street and Piccadilly, Manchester, November 1956
The corner of Oldham Street and Piccadilly in 2021
Watson Street, central Manchester, May 1965
Watson Street, 2020
Embden Street in Hulme before it was demolished, September 1965
Children playing football in Archie Street (the inspiration for Coronation Street) in Manchester, June 1967. The street was later demolished
Burnage Lane at the junction of Crossley Road, April 1968
Burnage Lane at the junction of Crossley Road, 2020
Withy Grove Stores, Sorrento Café and the Lower Ship Inn. Withy Grove, Manchester, June 1968
Withy Grove, 2021
Police block off St Ann’s Square, Manchester, at the start of the new non-car experiment. April 2, 1973
St Ann’s Square, Manchester, 2021
The development site at Albert Square, seen from Mount Street. On the left is Lloyd Street, in the centre is Queen Street and on the right is Brazennose Street. March 1974
Albert Square, 2021
Shopping centre in Northenden, Manchester, July 1985
Northenden shops in 2021
Market Street, Mottram in Longdendale, Greater Manchester. January 1987
Market Street, Mottram in Longdendale, Greater Manchester, 2021
Tib Street in the Northern Quarter of Manchester. Book Exchange, Dixons, Butchers and John Joseph can be seen. August 1987
Tib Street, 2021
The Gardeners Arms, Victory Street, Rusholme. December 1988
Victory Street, Rusholme, 2020
Boarded up houses in Moston on Bute Street and Ashville Terrace before they were demolished, March 1995
The new housing estate on Bute Street and Ashville Terrace, 2021
Piccadilly Plaza and Gardens, Manchester, April 1995
Piccadilly Plaza and Gardens, 2021