Manchester is a large city located in the north-west of England. The city grew during the Victorian era and it played a key role in the industrial revolution, helped by the Manchester Ship Canal.
The Manchester Ship Canal is a 36-mile-long (58 km) inland waterway, linking Manchester to the Irish sea. This served as a network for exports. During the industrial revolution the primary product was textiles (as captured in contemporaneous texts like The Condition of the Working Class in England by Friedrich Engels.)
Even some of the hotels are contained within magnificent old buildings.
Manchester is a university town. Manchester University is one of the world’s top rated universities, and in the U.K. it is part of the prestigious Russell Group.
Manchester, like London, has a chinatown. This area of Manchester has many thriving restaurants and shops, including supermarkets selling intriguing goods and food. There are also cultural activities too, in 1989 the Chinese Arts Center opened in Chinatown.
Unlike most other cities in the U.K., Manchester has a functioning tram system. In the background is the Wheel of Manchester. This is a Ferris wheel that offers a panoramic view of the city.
Near the Town Hall was the site of the infamous Peterloo Massacre of 1819. On August 16 at St Peter’s Field, there was a cavalry charge into a crowd of some 80,000 people. The crowd had gathered to demand the reform of parliamentary representation, including the right of all working people to vote. The term ‘Peterloo’ was coined as an ironic comparison to the Battle of Waterloo, which took place four years previously.
The park in the center, called Piccadilly Gardens, of the city contains some interesting art work.
In the summer the park is busy, especially at the time of the evening commute, with many people stopping off to relax or for a drink.
The city has many cultural offerings and the theater productions rival those of London.
Other places of interest include museums and art galleries.
Manchester also has a large shopping area. While there are many well-known retail outlets, some stand out such as Dawsons music shop. The photo below shows a glass drum-kit in the shop window, with the passing traffic reflected back.
Manchester boasts many old and traditional pubs. Although many have been taken over by corporate breweries selling insipid larger, many still stock a range of fine craft ales.
Manchester is an interesting place to visit for a weekend. It has many great places to eat, plenty to see, some fien cultural institutions and a good shopping area.
