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Manchester History

The beating heart of northern England’s industrial revolution, Manchester is a city built on the textile boom of that period.

Although a settlement has existed in this part of northwest England since Roman times, the arrival of Flemish weavers in the 15th century is said to have set about a train of events that would make Manchester one of the most famous cities in the world. Wool and linen were produced in large quantities from the start of the 17th century, but it was the conversion of locals rivers into navigable waterways in the 18th century that saw the start of Manchester’s fast–paced growth.

The opening of the Bridgewater Canal in 1761 helped bring coal directly into the city, while its extension to the Mersey made it easier than ever for goods to get out to the nearby port of Liverpool, with raw cotton coming the other way. The mechanisation of the textile industry led to the building of many of the stunning brick mills which still dominate Manchester’s skyline to this day. The first was built by Richard Arkwright in 1780.

With industry came urbanisation as rural workers flocked to the city in search of work. Its population boomed and with it the city became a blend of industrial wealth and grinding poverty. The infamous Peterloo Massacre of 1819 saw 15 people die when the cavalry charged into protesters demanding parliamentary reform.

Manchester’s status as the city at the vanguard of technological development in the 1800s was reaffirmed after the world’s first intercity railway was opened to Liverpool in 1830, with Britain’s first telephones provided by a Manchester company in 1878. The Manchester Ship Canal opened in 1894, bringing huge vessels to the heart of the city.

Decline was sharp in the 20th century, as Manchester suffered at the hands of the German Luftwaffe and then experienced a marked decline in its textile industry. Following an IRA bomb in 1996, the city centre was largely regenerated, many of its old mills now used as homes, offices and bars.

Did you know?
• 84,569 crammed into Maine Road for Manchester City v Stoke City in 1934, the largest ever crowd at an English football league game.
• Karl Marx first met Frederick Engels at Chetham’s Library, the oldest public library in the English speaking world.
• Charles Stewart Rolls and Frederick Henry Royce met at the Midland Hotel in 1904, leading to the creation of Rolls Royce.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Radisson Blu Edwardian

Retaining the vintage features of the Free Trade Hall, where the suffragettes rallied, Bob Dylan went electric in 1965, and the Sex Pistols played in 1976, the Radisson Edwardian is a contemporary hotel with every kind of creature comfort. Within easy walking distance of some of the city's best attractions, the hotel has an indoor infinity pool, a fitness centre and high-speed Internet access.

Lowry Hotel

Located in the Chapel Wharf area on the Salford-Manchester boundary, this is one of the finest hotels in Manchester, a stunning haven of glittering glass and steel, with 164 elegant rooms that include intense flashes of colour amid quietly expensive neutral colour schemes. Bathrooms are marble-lined and there's also a gym and spa, and a spectacular riverside restaurant. There is live entertainment in the River Bar and Terrace most evenings.

The Midland

The Midland is a Grade II-listed Edwardian building that exudes elegance and charm, but is reasonably priced. There are 312 en-suite bedrooms decorated in a contemporary style that's in keeping with the building. Rooms are dotted with polished wood furniture and each comes with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs and Internet access.

Great John Street

Housed in a former Victorian schoolhouse, the Great John Street Hotel is one of Manchester's slickest new boutique hotels. Duplex suites come with flatscreen TVs, free Wi-Fi and rainforest showers. Some even have views of the set of Coronation Street. Be sure to try out the swanky bar too.

The Light Aparthotel

If you want a place to hunker down for a longer stay, this apartment hotel is the perfect fit. It's slap bang in the middle of town and rooms are surprisingly good value considering the space offered. There's even a penthouse if you're feeling flush.

Novotel

This hotel is not unlike the others in this well-established chain with contemporary bedrooms featuring in-room entertainment and eco-friendly toiletries. There are also two junior suites should you wish to upgrade. Novotel has extensive dining facilities too plus a fully-equipped gym and relaxation zone featuring a sauna steam room and heated loungers.