The two correspondents both recorded the event in their own homes and may never actually have met, but Crabtree's calculations were crucial in allowing Horrocks to estimate the size of Venus and the distance from the Earth to the Sun.

[4][5] In June 2004 a commemorative street nameplate in memory of William Crabtree was unveiled at the junction of Lower Broughton Road and Priory Grove.

[6] A commemorative plaque was erected in 2005 a few yards away near Ivy Cottage, which is thought to be the house from which Crabtree made his observations.

In 1772 the Manor of Broughton became the property of Mary, sister of Edward Cheetham of Nuthurst and Smedley who was married to Samuel Clowes.

Much of the land was owned by the Clowes family of Broughton Old Hall and the Byroms of Kersal Cell, and was either farmed, or supported cottage industries such as spinning and weaving.

[7] During the 19th century the population rose rapidly with the Clowes family controlling the development of the area allowing the wealthy merchants to purchase large plots in Higher Broughton to build their mansions and some grand terraces.

In 1838 Manchester Zoological Gardens were opened on a site between Northumberland Street and Broom Lane but the venture was not a commercial success and closed 1842.

[9] Businessmen from all over Europe and the Mediterranean Sea established branches in Manchester close to the source of supply.

During the course of development the Clowes family kept tight control over the area to ensure that it remained "good class".

[3] During the 20th century many of the large houses were divided up and rented out as flats, causing the area to become run down and neglected.

[13][14] In the summer months of 2000, new gardens, fences, gates and porches had begun to be fitted to the local authority houses in Lower Broughton covering the whole of the area by 2006.

Crime levels have now reduced and the unemployment rate has decreased leading to higher demand for housing in Lower Broughton, which is around one mile (1.6 km) from Manchester city centre.

This fact and the availability of affordable housing make it an attractive option for many younger first time buyers.

Brentnall Primary School, on the corner of Broom Lane and Bury New Road, was demolished as part of this scheme.

This school was on the site of a large detached house in its own grounds called Bella Vista.

The park, named in commemoration of the consort (husband) of Queen Victoria, today features a multi-use games area, bowling green, all-weather sports pitch, children's play area and informal five-a-side pitch as well as paths, shrubs and many established trees.

It provided a number of early international players and was pivotal in the formation of the Lancashire Football Union.

The Cliff in Higher Broughton was the training ground of English football team, Manchester United F.C.