Kersal Moor, with its soft sandy soil and its wide open spaces, was the ideal place for a racecourse. Situated just north of both Manchester and Salford, and south of the northern mill towns, it was perfectly placed to service the growing populations of the cotton towns.
This Racecourse was advertised even in London and existed from 1687 to 1847; two hundred years of excitement, racing, money making and even crime.
Those of you who have walked the wide dirt pathway, towards the rear of the Moor, will have recognised it as a remnant of this Racecourse. If you follow this pathway off the current Moor, crossing Moor Lane into Oaklands Road and left into Nevile Road, you will arrive at the last furlong of the course.
The actual starting post for the races was at the current entrance to the Salford City FC football ground. Across the track from here were little betting booths, which were used for housing by the homeless, being recorded in the 1841 census. The betting, together with cock fighting, drinking and getting drunk, of course, added to the atmosphere. A pavilion, for the wealthy, with more refined behaviour, was built opposite the Turf Tavern, at the turn of the race track.
These race days attracted 'sharpsters' and pickpockets, as well as novel attractions. One of these quirky events was the Male Nude Races, said to give females a chance 'to study form and choose a mate.' This actually happened when Roger Aytoun was chosen this way by the 65 year old wealthy heir to three Moston Halls. He became known as 'Spanking Roger' doing financially well out of his cheeky race.
The cheering, the gambling, the loud music, dancing and singing, as well as the pounding of the horses' hoofs as they galloped around the track, brought a tremendous atmosphere to the Moor.
I must encourage you to imagine the scene. As you sit on one of the Moor's rustic benches, just rest your eyes, let your imagination drift away and join the crowds of happy, cheering ghosts reliving the tremendous excitement of a race day on Kersal Moor...
See previous episodes of the Kersal Moor history...
Why Is The Moor Not A Moor? - click here
Suicide and Ghosts - click here
Words by Alice Searle – the author of two books on Kersal Moor, A Celebration of Kersal Moor and More Moor Tales
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