This illustrated history portrays one of England’s finest cities. It provides a nostalgic look at Manchester’s past and highlights the special character of some of its most important historic sites. The photographs are taken from the Historic England Archive, a unique collection of over 12 million photographs, drawings, plans and documents covering England’s archaeology, architecture, social and local history. Pictures date from the earliest days of photography to the present and cover subjects from Bronze Age burials and medieval churches to cinemas and seaside resorts. Historic England: Manchester shows the city as it once was, from its streets, squares and parks to its mills, factories and warehouses. It is a city of strong Victorian character, combining nineteenth-century grandeur and twenty-first-century vibrancy. In 2015 it was designated ‘The Northern Powerhouse’, though, being the home of the Industrial Revolution, it always was. Manchester gave the world technological innovation as well as manufacturing strength. Manchester truly is one of the world’s greatest cities and this book will help you discover its remarkable history.

Jean worked at Manchester Central library for many years. She met John when he was stage director at the Manchester Library Theatre. They are now retired and have written a number of Amberley local history books. They include Manchester A-Z, Central Manchester Through Time and Historic England Manchester. Jean is now an adult tutor, offering courses in family history. John has numerous production credits in theatre, TV & film (BBC & Granada). He has worked mainly for the last decade in portrait, film and Artscape photography.