Discovering Manchester

Written to coincide with the Commonwealth Games, this walking guide gives detailed topographical information placed in historical context and with details of recent developments in Manchester.

Are you ready to embark on a remarkable journey through the vibrant streets of Manchester, UK? Look no further! Our comprehensive Manchester travel guide is your key to unlocking the best experiences this captivating British city has to offer. Unveil Manchester's Treasures. Delve into the heart of Manchester as you explore its diverse neighborhoods. Wander through the bohemian vibes and creative scene of the Northern Quarter, where independent boutiques and vintage finds await. Marvel at the Roman ruins and picturesque waterways of Castlefield. Indulge in upscale shopping and fine dining in Spinningfields. Experience the suburban charm of Didsbury with its leafy parks and charming village atmosphere. Architectural Marvels and Iconic Landmarks. Prepare to be awestruck by Manchester's architectural marvels. Visit the magnificent Manchester Cathedral, a Gothic gem that stands as a testament to the city's history and spiritual heritage. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the John Rylands Library, a Victorian masterpiece. Behold the neo-Gothic splendor of the Manchester Town Hall. For panoramic views, ascend the heights of the Beetham Tower, the tallest building in Manchester. Immerse in Culture and Art. Manchester is a cultural hotspot with a thriving arts scene. Lose yourself in the artistic brilliance of the Manchester Art Gallery, where masterpieces from various eras await your admiration. Explore the fascinating story of democracy at the People's History Museum. Experience the perfect harmony of art, nature, and architecture at the Whitworth. And don't miss the National Football Museum, a tribute to the beautiful game. Entertainment and Nightlife Extravaganza. Experience the vibrant energy of Manchester's music and entertainment scene. Catch world-class concerts and events at the renowned Manchester Arena. Immerse yourself in the legendary music venue, Band on the Wall. Dance the night away at The O2 Ritz. And when it comes to nightlife, Manchester's pubs, bars, and clubs offer an endless array of experiences to suit all tastes. Sports and Outdoor Adventures. For sports enthusiasts, Manchester is a paradise. Embark on a journey through football history with a visit to the Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour. Discover the home of Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy. And if you're craving outdoor adventures, explore the city's parks, canals, and sports facilities. Shopping, Dining, and Culinary Delights. Indulge in retail therapy at the Trafford Centre, a shopper's paradise. Experience the eclectic shopping at Afflecks. Discover independent boutiques and vintage finds in the Northern Quarter. And when it's time to satisfy your taste buds, the Curry Mile beckons with its vibrant South Asian flavors. Manchester is a city that captivates with its history, innovation, cultural offerings, and warm hospitality, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend of tradition and modernity in a vibrant urban setting. Get ready to immerse yourself in the dynamic energy of Manchester and create memories that will last a lifetime!

For readers with family ties to Manchester and Salford, and researchers delving into the rich history of these cities, this informative, accessible guide will be essential reading and a fascinating source of reference.Sue Wilkes outlines the social and family history of the region in a series of concise chapters. She discusses the origins of its religious and civic institutions, transport systems and major industries. Important local firms and families are used to illustrate aspects of local heritage, and each section directs the reader towards appropriate resources for their research.No previous knowledge of genealogy is assumed and in-depth reading on particular topics is recommended. The focus is on records relating to Manchester and Salford, including current districts and townships, and sources for religious and ethnic minorities are covered. A directory of the relevant archives, libraries, academic repositories, databases, societies, websites and places to visit, is a key feature of this practical book.

“A record of how a city of great wealth ignored the desperate poverty at its very heart . . . It is a lesson in the price of capitalism.” —North West Labour History Journal “It is all free fighting here. Even some of the windows do not open, so it is useless to cry for help. Dampness and misery, violence and wrong, have left their handwriting in perfectly legible characters on the walls.” —Manchester Guardian, 1870 Step into the Victorian underworld of Angel Meadow, the vilest and most dangerous slum of the Industrial Revolution. In the shadow of the world’s first cotton mill, 30,000 souls trapped by poverty are fighting for survival as the British Empire is built upon their backs. Thieves and prostitutes keep company with rats in overcrowded lodging houses and deep cellars on the banks of a black river, the Irk. Gangs of “scuttlers” stalk the streets in pointed, brass-tipped clogs. Those who evade their clutches are hunted down by cholera, typhoid and tuberculosis. Lawless drinking dens and a cold slab in the dead house provide the only relief from a filthy and frightening world. In this shocking book, journalist Dean Kirby takes readers on a hair-raising journey through the gin palaces, alleyways and underground vaults of this nineteenth-century Manchester slum considered so diabolical it was re-christened “hell upon earth” by Friedrich Engels. ENTER ANGEL MEADOW IF YOU DARE . . . “In this book the author expertly achieves driving home the grim horror that was Angel Meadow. These were conditions at the bottom of human endurance and conditions that go beyond imaginations of modern-day citizens.” —Crime Traveller

From the beginnings of a small town along the Hockanum River in the early 1700s, Manchester developed into a major manufacturing center with a unique history. Events, personalities and inventions have reached out from this central Connecticut city to touch homes across the nation. Common daily objects invented right here include shaving soap and the envelope. Industries essential to everyday life once dominated the town, including the Cheney Brothers Silk Company, Bon Ami Soap, a Pitkin family glass monopoly and many others. Local author and historian Robert Kanehl brings these forgotten treasures to light through the stories from his beloved newspaper column.

Famous for its dominance in textile production, Manchester was also affectionately called "Shoe City." More than seventy different shoe companies once called Manchester home, and thousands of area residents worked tirelessly to produce some of the best-known shoes in America and throughout the world. The largest manufacturers were the F.M. Hoyt Shoe Company, maker of Beacon Shoes, and the granddaddy of them all, the McElwain Company, known for its popular brands, including the iconic Thom McAn shoes. Authors Kelly Kilcrease and Yvette Lazdowski reveal how these and other Manchester-based shoe shops were vital to the area's economic and employment prosperity, especially among the immigrant population, as well as how the McElwain Company was an integral part of the Melville Corporation, known today as CVS.