Manchester is the ‘original modern’ city and has earned a reputation as being revolutionary, innovative and entrepreneurial. The city was at the forefront of the industrial revolution, leading in the development of the modern world…“What Manchester does today, the world does tomorrow” Read on to find out more about this fascinating city….
1. Manchester Population In Manchester there is a population of 437,000. Within the Greater Manchester region which includes the ten districts of Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan there are 2.5 million people.
2. First Computer In 1948 at Manchester University, the first computer to have a stored programme and memory was developed by Professors Tom Kilburn and Fred Williams. It was nicknamed ‘The Baby’ and has made the computer what it is today. A replica can be seen at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.
3. Votes for Women The Women’s Social and Political Union, later known as the Suffragettes, was founded by Mancunian Emmeline Pankhurst in 1903. Emmeline dedicated her life to the campaign for women’s votes. Visit the Pankhurst Centre, previously the home of Emmeline, this museum displays the work and struggle of women suffragettes, as well as reflecting everyday domestic life in the Pankhurst parlour.
4. Birthplace of Vegetarianism Inspired by the sermons of Rev. William Cowherd the vegetarian movement began in 1809 in Salford Bible Christian Church. The Altrincham-based Vegetarian Society holds events all year round, visit www.vegsoc.org for more information. Manchester is now a culinary city with a burgeoning restaurant scene offering a multitude of cuisines.
5. First Commercial Canal Opened in 1761, The Bridgewater Canal was the first man-made waterway in Britain. This instant commercial success invoked ‘canal mania’. In Manchester today the existing network of canals are now home to uber chic apartments, restaurants and bars.
6. First Commercial Railway The Duke of Wellington opened the Liverpool to Manchester Railway in 1830, this moment in history began the railway revolution. The site of the first passenger railway station celebrated its 175-year anniversary in 2005 and is a feature at the fascinating Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.
7. Professional Football League In 1888 the world’s first professional football league was set up at the Royal Hotel, Piccadilly. Today, Manchester is home to two premiership football teams, including Manchester United and Manchester City Football Clubs. For the football fanatic, enjoy the stadia and museum tours of the UK’s most successful football region or visit the National Football Museum in Preston.