ABSTRACT
Charles Russell moved to Manchester in 1892 at the age of twenty-six. Russell adopted an indulgent and sympathetic approach to these leisure activities, noting some instances of gambling or rowdiness, but generally accepting the need for amusement and leisure on the part of working-class youth. The possession of a football shirt and, if possible, knickers, is a matter of supreme importance to the budding player. Of all indoor games, billiards and bagatelle are probably the most popular with the majority of lads, from fifteen to twenty years of age. In recent / years, police efforts have happily made the street quieter, and nowadays the older youths seem to prefer Market Street and Stockport Road. Usually few lads are seen in Oldham Street in their week-day clothes. By 9-30 the street is rapidly emptying, and by ten, or very shortly afterwards, Manchester’s boy population is mostly at home.
