Birt Collection

Huty18568, construction site, T / BRI / MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL / LANCS, construction machinery
Workers stop for a meal in the cutting at Irlam, Salford, Greater Manchester, during the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal, circa 1890. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Mrs Louisa Birt
Louisa Birt was the sister and colleague of childrens emigration promoter Annie Macpherson. From 1873 to 1915 she was Superintendent of the Liverpool Sheltering Home. Date: circa 1910

Mrs Rachel Merry
Louisa Birt was the sister and colleague of childrens emigration promoter Annie Macpherson. Rachel and her husband Joseph Merry superintended Macphersons Home of Industry for several years

Walton Locks Under Construction
Walton Locks, near Warrington, under construction during the building of the Manchester Ship Canal, circa 1890. Completed in 1894, the canal links Manchester with the river Mersey and the Irish sea

Huty18568, construction site, T / BRI / MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL / LANCS, construction machinery
Latchford Railway Viaduct over the Manchester Ship Canal at Warrington, Cheshire, in northwest England, circa 1890. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Huty18568, construction site, T / BRI / MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL / LANCS, construction machinery
Construction workers with a jumbo at work on the Manchester Ship Canal at Weston Point, Runcorn, Cheshire, in northwest England, circa 1890. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Huty18568, construction site, T / BRI / MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL / LANCS, T 23327 BOX 1108 5 / 4
The foundations are laid for the Acton Grange Railway Viaduct over the Manchester Ship Canal at Warrington, Cheshire, in northwest England, circa 1890. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Huty18568, construction site, T / BRI / MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL / LANCS, Manchester Ship Canal
The construction of Bridgewater Lock on the Manchester Ship Canal in northwest England, circa 1890. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Fire in Winnipeg, Canada. The Bulman Block fire of October 11th 1904 destroyed the building backing onto the Duffin block (Birt Saddlery)

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"Mrs. Louisa Birt and Mrs. Rachel Merry: Two Remarkable Women in History" In the early 20th century, two extraordinary women made their mark on society - Mrs. Louisa Birt and Mrs. Rachel Merry. Their stories intertwine with moments of triumph, resilience, and dedication. Mrs. Louisa Birt was a trailblazer in the construction industry, defying societal norms to pursue her passion for building structures that would stand the test of time. Her expertise could be witnessed at the Huty18568 construction site along the Manchester Ship Canal in Lancashire, where she fearlessly commanded teams of skilled workers and operated heavy machinery. Walton Locks Under Construction became a testament to Mrs. Birt's unwavering determination as she oversaw its development with precision and skill. The sight of her orchestrating operations amidst towering cranes and bustling workers left an indelible impression on all who witnessed it. Meanwhile, across continents in Hungary's capital city of Budapest, another remarkable woman emerged - Mrs. Rachel Merry. She found solace in traditional Hungarian blue & yellow pottery while living amidst the beauty of Buda's Castle Hill. However, tragedy struck when news broke about a devastating fire engulfing Winnipeg, Canada - a place dear to both these incredible women's hearts due to personal connections or shared memories there. Through these glimpses into their lives and experiences spanning different countries and industries, we are reminded of how individuals like Mrs. Louisa Birt and Mrs. Rachel Merry can shape history through their contributions – whether it be constructing monumental landmarks or cherishing cultural traditions from afar. Their legacies continue to inspire generations today as we strive for progress while honoring our roots.