When you think of England, the cities that come to mind are London, Liverpool, Oxford, and Cambridge. However, Manchester’s second largest and most populous city is the island Nation. This city has a storied history and a strong influence on artists, theorists, and even a few footballers. So make a day of it because there is so much to see in England’s second city.
What is Manchester’s Greatest Claim to Fame?
To the shock of many, there is more to the city than a certain flaxen-haired, tattooed footballer—although Mr. Beckham is undoubtedly a draw, we will get to him later. Manchester was the world’s first industrialized city and is still known for its textile industry. However, outsourcing of factories overseas has made a significant impact on the economy and landscape of the city. It perhaps might be why a town of its size does not get the attention one would expect.
Women Factory Workers in Lancashire, 1908, via Pinterest
Due to this history, one of the top places is the Museum of Science and Industry. This clever locale gives a historical perspective of how technology developed and cotton built the city. Unlike other museums, visitors get to take a hands-on approach and try experiments and even try their hand at making textiles. To boot, this museum has free admission, although donations are accepted. It’s the perfect way to spend a morning, and given the free access, your party can stay for as long or short a period as they want.
The older visitor or history buff can visit the nearby John Rylands Library where Marx and Engels met to draft the Communist Manifesto. The library also has notable examples of early printing. Charlotte Bronte also wrote Jane Eyre in the vicinity. Finally, one can end their morning of exploration to the era of invention at the Castlefield Conservation area. There is a clear view of the 18th-century canals that transported the fine textiles from Manchester across the globe.
Where’s the Best Bite in Town?
Food is a central part of any trip. A hungry traveler is grumpy, so filling up is essential. It is even better if the location offers a local ambiance. The centerpiece of any British town is, of course, the pub. The pub one chooses essential, especially if they are interested in history. Manchester’s pubs offer Victorian flair with ornate tiles and lighting fixtures. Some even date back as far as the 1400s, which is mind-blowing for those of us who call North America home. In Manchester’s northwest neighborhood, the place to go is the Castle Hotel, established in 1776.
Castle Hotel, via Pinterest
Aside from the typical pub fare and local brews– steak and kidney pie, anyone? This pub holds special significance for the post-punk era. It was notably where Ian Curtis gave an interview to John Peel in 1979, not long before Curtis’ unfortunate death by suicide. Joy Division/New Order was not the only band of that era to call Manchester home. Other notable bands from Manchester include the Smiths, Oasis, and even the Monkees (at least Davy Jones). If you visit The Castle Hotel in the evening, you can even catch a live performance by one up-and-coming local band. Who knows, they might be the next big thing?
Is Soccer (or football) an artform in Manchester?
As promised, we get back to the tale of David Beckham, or as locals say, Becks. Beckham is perhaps the best-known resident of Manchester and with reason. The way he played football innovated the game. Not to mention, he was best known for his bend, which was a pass that helped his teammates score more goals. What better location for the National Football Museum? A must-see for anyone interested in the sport or wishes to understand how this game captivated a nation. The fast-paced game developed to keep boys on the straight and narrow has evolved into its own culture and language and is central to the Manchester people know today. If the textile industry put Manchester on the map, then football and the Premier League are what has kept this city alive and is its newest industry. With two major teams including Manchester City and Manchester United, there is certainly a fanaticism around the sport.
David Beckham of Manchester United by Clive Rose, 2003 via Pinterest
