Manchester is one the world's most iconic cities. Not only was it the first industrial city, it can claim to be the first post-industrial city. This book uses historic maps and unpublished and original plans to chart the dramatic growth and transformation of Manchester as it grew rich on its cotton trade from the late 18th century, experienced periods of boom and bust through the Victorian period, and began its post-industrial transformation in the 20th century. The Peterloo Massacre, the Bridgewater Canal, the railway revolution, Trafford Park industrial estate, the Ship Canal, Belle Vue theme park, Wythenshawe garden city, the 1996 IRA bomb, Coronation Street, iconic football stadiums, and MediaCity are just some of the events and places that have put Manchester on the world's perceptual map and are explored through a wealth of published and unpublished maps and plans in this sumptuously illustrated cartographic history.

An “utterly brilliant” and deeply researched guide to the sights, smells, endless wonders, and profound changes of nineteenth century British history (Books Monthly, UK). Step into the past and experience the world of Victorian England, from clothing to cuisine, toilet arrangements to transport—and everything in between. A Visitor’s Guide to Victorian England is “a brilliant guided tour of Charles Dickens’s and other eminent Victorian Englishmen’s England, with insights into where and where not to go, what type of people you’re likely to meet, and what sights and sounds to watch out for . . . Utterly brilliant!” (Books Monthly, UK). Like going back in time, Higgs’s book shows armchair travelers how to find the best seat on an omnibus, fasten a corset, deal with unwanted insects and vermin, get in and out of a vehicle while wearing a crinoline, and avoid catching an infectious disease. Drawing on a wide range of sources, this book blends accurate historical details with compelling stories to bring alive the fascinating details of Victorian daily life. It is a must-read for seasoned social history fans, costume drama lovers, history students, and anyone with an interest in the nineteenth century.

Publisher Description

This richly illustrated history explores every aspect of life in Manchester.Manchester is noted for the ‘Industrial Revolution’ – its factories, working-class people and urban development all based around its production of cotton textiles. But this is not the complete story. Manchester has always been a more vibrant place which dates back to Roman times. This book traces the development of this important city and its people from the earliest times to the present, where each period in its progress links to the next.The history of Manchester is very much based around its people, who were often pioneers, whether this be the first railway line, the first public library, fighting for greater political rights, or key wealth creators for the nation. As we advance through the twenty-first century, Manchester’s role in the United Kingdom remains undiminished as it becomes ever more cosmopolitan and a northern powerhouse of economic, social and political progress.

This book raises awareness of the wide range and the varied character of the historic buildings which make up the Northern Quarter's townscape and the forces and trends which contributed to its appearance. It also shows how the area has evolved over the last two and a half centuries, forming the historic backdrop to everyday life in a particularly vibrant and culturally distinctive quarter of the city. The book will have a broad appeal, both to the established urban community and to those with an interest in the city of Manchester and its buildings.