The strange tale of a lost Salford pub and a booze loving pig they buried in the garden

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Back in the early 1900s, The Cock Hotel on Walkden Road, Worsley, was known far and wide as the stomping ground for one of Manchester's most curious and beloved farmyard creatures.

Polly the pig, famous for her love of beer, became a familiar and endearing figure to the pub's drinkers. The mother of 200 piglets, Polly would amble around the Worsley boozer, often seen enjoying a pint from the pub's selection.

Sadly, in 1904, Polly passed away at the grand age of 15, and her remains buried in the pub's grounds. A memorial stone was erected to commemorate her life, bearing the inscription: "In memory of Polly, mother of 200 pigs - died December 23rd, 1904, aged 15 years." This headstone has intrigued locals for generations, with the legendary story of Polly being handed down through families in the area. READ MORE: The school trip that ended in horror - and inspired extraordinary bravery READ MORE: Inside the Manchester landmark left abandoned for 40 years - that nearly became a Britannia hotel Back in 2020, the Manchester Evening News spoke to local historian, Thomas McGrath, who had delved into the tale of Polly the pig with great detail.

He uncovered that in 1890, Polly was bought by Alice Taylor, who at the time managed The Cock Inn. Alice Taylor aimed to expand her collection of animals on the land surrounding The Cock Inn, and Polly proved to be quite the addition.