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The Mark Addy Pub and River Irwell

The Irwell flows through and separates the city centres of Manchester and Salford, before joining the River Mersey. The Mark Addy riverside pub is built on the site of the New Bailey Landing Stage where 18th Century horse drawn packet boats loaded and unloaded their cargoes prior to the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal. Mark Addy was one of the most famous characters associated with the river. Born nearby, his father owned several racing boats and pleasure craft and from a young boy he rescued many people from drowning. He was awarded a number of medals including the gold and silver medals from the Humane Society for the Hundred of Salford, and the Royal Humane Society's bronze medal. In 1878 he became the only civilian ever to be awarded the Albert Medal (first class), which was later superseded by the George Cross as the highest civilian or non-combat gallantry award in the British honours system.
He died of tuberculosis in 1889, at the age of 51, by which time he had rescued over 50 people from the river.