An ancient Roman fort, the world’s largest textile industry, rich rock’n’roll history, records in the field of science and technology, and 25 Nobel Prize winners – how eclectic and intriguing Manchester is! It is also one the most cosmopolitan metropolises in the United Kingdom.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Most famous for football teams:
Manchester United and Manchester City.
A breakthrough moment in history:
the Industrial revolution and flourishing of the textile industry.
Famous historical monuments:
Manchester Town Hall, 15th-century Gothic Cathedral in Manchester, the building of Assurance Refuge.
Most interesting architectural styles:
The Georgian and Victorian architecture and industrial styles.
One definitely needs to:
visit Castlefield, the oldest district in Manchester, with the ruins of an ancient Roman fort, numerous canals and historic viaducts.
Something for gourmets:
curry that comes from the Indian Peninsula and is considered an official British dish.
A place for a walk:
Heaton Park, one of the biggest parks in Europe.
Off the beaten track:
the Jodrell Bank Observatory that is a part of the University of Manchester, with a large mobile radio telescope, located 13 miles away from Manchester Airport.
Famous citizens:
Ian Curtis – the leader of the band Joy Division, previously known as Warsaw; Sir John Alcock – a pilot known for the first non-stop transatlantic flight; Ian McShane – an actor awarded the Golden Globe in 2005.
Celtic roots
The place where the 15th-century cathedral in Manchester proudly stands today, was once occupied by the Celtic Brigantes, who built their stronghold next to the River Irwell. The Brigantes acknowledged the Roman authority in 47 AD, but were eventually conquered in 70-74. Following their defeat, General Gnaeus Julius Agricola ordered construction of a fortress, which stood there until the 5th century. Manchester itself, however, was founded in 1086, and held the status of a village until the 19th century.
The biggest changes came with the industrial revolution. In the 19th century, Manchester became the largest textile industry centre in the world. During the Second World War, however, most factories had to be immediately repurposed to produce weapons, which was the reason the city became a target for bombardings. In December 1940, during one of the most inexorable raids, as many as 37 thousand bombs were dropped on Manchester.
Castlefield – Urban Heritage Park
Castlefield is the oldest district of Manchester and a must-see place for those who would like to learn about the city’s history. It is a place where you can see the ruins of an ancient Roman fort, set off on a trip along the canals resembling those in Venice, and enjoy the beauty of the Victorian architecture.
While in Castlefield, you can also visit Liverpool Road – the oldest inter-city passenger railway station, and the stunning historic Salford, Great Northern and Cornbrook viaducts. You also definitely should visit the Museum of Science and Industry adjacent to the station, where not only great replicas of steam locomotives are presented, but also such exhibits as Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka, a rocket-powered kamikaze attack aircraft, are stored.
Following the trail of the greatest monuments
Fans of classic tourism will be happy to visit the most famous city monuments. Among them stands the grand neo-Gothic town hall, whose interior hides murals painted by Ford Madox Brown, associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. The list of objects to be seen should also include the famous cathedral from the 15th century. This building was heavily damaged during the bombing in 1940, and its restoration process took almost 20 years. Another exceptional attraction is also the Neo-gothic church of Divine Mercy, erected in 1873 for the Welsh Methodists.
Nearly 100 years later, in 1958, the temple was purchased… by our countrymen, who made it the first Polish church established abroad after the Second World War II. Another extremely original monument is the prison built in 1868 on the plan of a six-pointed star! Of course, it is not possible to see its interior, but it is worth standing at its gates and admiring the 71-meter-high guard tower, and the magnificent gates crowned with two towers. The final destination may be the Old Wellington Inn – the oldest pub in the city, built in 1552 and possessing picturesque half-timbered construction.
The city of rock’n’roll
There is also a rock-side to Manchester. It here that the Gibb brothers, known to the world at large as Bee Gees, grew up and started playing. It is also the city of the most popular band of the new wave – Joy Division, whose members later created a band called New Order. Manchester was also home to the punk band Buzzcocks, the rock band Oasis, and the electronic duo of the Chemical Brothers.
Manchester is a multicultural metropolis, where you can visit one of the largest Chinatowns in Europe, as well as try the best Indian curry. You can also enjoy dishes from almost the whole world and, of course, fusion cuisine, as well as revel in the beautiful sounds of dozens of languages.
SPECIAL MARKS
Chinatown
The second largest Chinatown in England.
Polish church of Divine Mercy
the first Polish church established abroad after the Second World War.
Beetham Tower
an original 170-meter-high skyscraper – the tallest building in England, excluding London.
Drive
At the airport in the passage between the terminals there is an entrance to the railway station. Trains run very often, and the journey to the center takes no more than 20 minutes, while the ticket costs about 4 pounds.
