Thinking about a trip to Manchester and not sure where to start?
Here are some historical locations around Manchester that you don’t want to miss if you’re in the city and have some time for some sight-seeing.
Manchester as we know it today started its life as a humble wooden Roman fort with the Latin name of Mamuciam, meaning ‘breast-shaped hill’.
Trading began shortly after the Romans populated it, locals would trade in wine and food, providing a market that would later go on to outlive the Roman rule of Britain.
According to the doomsday book a village called Mamecester later went on to rename and Manchester was born.
The first appearance of the yet to be famous Manchester wool industry, came about in the late medieval times along with a tanning industry.
Jumping forward to the 17th century, after the outbreak of plague in 1603 killing more than one quarter of the population, the people of Manchester soon recovered and their wool industry had become famous. At this time Silk was another textile being woven in this early English thriving city.
Chetham’s Library
In 1653 Chetham’s library was founded, where it remains to this day the oldest public library in England. The collection kept at the library is revered both nationally and internationally.
The Library is open to visitors, but it is asked that you make an appointment if you wish to read. Groups of more than five are asked to phone or email in advance.
More information on Chetham’s library and visitation can be found http://www.chethams.org.uk Chelthams library
Manchester Town Hall
Taking nearly a decade to build, Manchester Town Hall has the prestige of being one of the most iconic landmarks in Manchester and one of the finest examples of neo-gothic architecture in the United Kingdom.
Designed by architect Alfred Waterhouse, construction was completed in 1877. Containing many grand ceremonial rooms, for example the Great Hall, artistically echoed through murals the long-standing history of Manchester itself.
The Town Hall is open all week apart from Sunday. It also features a delightful café serving a range of hot and cold drinks and meals.
To find out more about Manchester Town Hall and visitation look here: Manchester Town Hall
In the Georgian period Manchester continued with its success in the manufacturing of wool, cotton, silk and linen. A cotton exchange was built in 1729 and in the late 18th century, in the stages of the industrial revolution, Manchester’s textiles industry was at an all-time high.
By late 18th century, Manchester’s population had soared to a staggering 70,000, then in 1821 it hit an all-time high of 126,000 and 142,000 in 1831. By 1851 the population of Manchester had reached 186,000. In 1853 Manchester was officially made a city.
Museums in Manchester
Today Manchester’s legacy in the industrial revolution is well documented and can be explored further with a visit to Manchester’s Saddleworth Museum, People’s history Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry.
More information on each of the Museums mentioned can be found here:
In addition to exploring the fantastic Museums that Manchester has to offer, there is a whole range of exciting activities and places to visit.
There are a vast amount of traditional pubs offering real ales, cutting edge clubbing venues and sleek cocktail bars. With well over 300 restaurants just in Manchester’s city center to choose from there are definitely some fantastic places to grab a bite to eat whilst out and about.
Manchester also boasts some top restaurants for a night-out treat or special occasion including Simon Rogan’s award winning restaurant – “The French”. It has remained the Pride of Manchester Award-winning “Best Restaurant in Manchester” since opening in February 2013.
You should make a special detour to visit this fantastic restaurant. Both lunch and dinner reservations can be made online here:
For more information about the various activities that you can partake in when visiting Manchester check this site out What’s on in Manchester
There are some great reviews of the more of Manchester’s charming local restaurants, activities to enjoy by yourself, with a partner, or as a family and also a guide to where you might want to stay whilst enjoying this breathtaking city.
