Greenheys, Manchester facts for kids
Greenheys is a part of south Manchester, England. It is located between Hulme to the north and west, Chorlton-on-Medlock to the east, and Moss Side to the south.
Long ago, Greenheys was a countryside area outside the city. The famous writer Elizabeth Gaskell described Greenheys in her first novel, Mary Barton, published in 1848.
Other important people also lived here. The writer Thomas De Quincey and Robert Owen, who was an early thinker about how society could be fairer, both lived at Greenheys House. This house overlooked the Cornbrook river, which is now underground.
Today, the Manchester Science Park is located in Greenheys, on Pencroft Way, Lloyd Street North. It is a place where new scientific ideas and businesses grow.
A Stand for Fairness
On September 30, 1953, something unfair happened at the Old Abbey Taphouse pub in Greenheys. A black boxer named Len Johnson and his friends were not allowed to be served because of the color of their skin. This was an example of racial segregation, where people were kept apart based on their race.
Police were called to the pub, and Mr. Johnson and his friends were asked to leave. Mr. Johnson was upset by this unfair treatment. He decided to get help from important people, including the Lord Mayor of Manchester and the Bishop of Manchester, to fight against this rule.
Over the next three days, more than 200 people, both black and white, gathered outside the pub. They held a peaceful protest to show their support for Mr. Johnson. Because of their strong protest, the pub's unfair rule was changed. Mr. Johnson was invited inside the pub to share a drink with the owner.
This event helped to build momentum against unfair rules that separated people based on race in the United Kingdom. Later, the Race Relations Act 1965 was passed. This law made it illegal to treat people differently in public places because of their race. A special painting, called a mural, is now outside the pub. It reminds everyone of this important event and honors Len Johnson.
