This is a bridge – an iron bridge, so called, carrying weary walkers from Kings Road to Chester Road and beyond.
Possibly to Stretford Station and even further beyond beyond.
The bridge traverses the former Manchester South Junction and Altrincham Railway, the southern part of the MSJ&AR’s route has been part of the Manchester Metrolink light rail system since 1992.
This may seem sufficient to satiate the local historian’s voracious appetite for facts and general tittle tattle, but wait.
384 King’s Road was once home to pop sensation Steven Patrick Morrissey – seen here imitating himself in Elisabeth Blanchet’s photograph.
More than once this charming lad would have walked the bridge himself – on the way to goodnesses knows where.
In later life he changed his name to The Smiths and wrote a chart topping tune Still Ill name checking the Iron Bridge.
Under the iron bridge we kissed
And although I ended up with sore lips
It just wasn’t like the old days anymore
No, it wasn’t like those days, am I still ill?
The location is now a place of pilgrimage for Morrissey’s deluded fans, who with depressing regularity, adorn the structure with their misquoted quotes.
Sun drenched faux-Californian Mr Morrissey does seem to be still ill in his own unique and unpleasant manner.
Let’s take a look at what he’s been missing.
What indifference does it make?
Self confessed Smiths sceptic Mr Mark Greer – currently incognito.
modernmooch.com 
Good work, Matthew.
I’m a bit of a Stretford novice, need to visit a few (non Beer Guide) pubs there.
Quosh is the expert.
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“He changed his name to the Smiths”??
Utter tosh.
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It’s a light hearted pop at the king of pop – can’t tell tosh from laughter?
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Our first house in September 1981, was at 417 Kings Road, just a little further down. Morrisey was still living there at that time and still unknown and I feel I must have passed him in the street at some point. I never really like The Smiths’ music in the mid 80’s, describing it as music to commit suicide to. A couple of years later though, I changed my mind
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Apologies, we lived at 441 Kings Road. It was a long time ago
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He’d have to walk over it twice a day as St Mary’s – his secondary school – was on the other side. The school was knocked down for the new housing estate that you see today. I used to run passed the school frightened for my life and I didn’t even go there.
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I used to go over iron bridge 10 days a week giong to st marys secondary school
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Ive kissed more than one girl under that bridge Mr Moocher Xx
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