Manchester, UK: The new 'cool' capital north of London

By Brian Johnston
April 16 2016 - 12:15am
The redeveloped industrial heritage district of Castlefield.
The redeveloped industrial heritage district of Castlefield.
The old Wellington Inn.
The old Wellington Inn.
Manchester is home to one of Europe's largest Chinatowns.
Manchester is home to one of Europe's largest Chinatowns.
Evening in the industrial heritage district of Castlefield.
 Photo: Supplied
Evening in the industrial heritage district of Castlefield. Photo: Supplied
Manchester, England.
Manchester, England.

Manchester was once a powerhouse of the British Empire and one of the world's great industrial cities. The looms in its mills clacked, coal-loaded barges crowded its canals, steam engines spat and hooted. Start a visit at the palatial Royal Exchange and you'll get a good impression of the panache and power of the Victorian city. Pink, cathedral-like pillars froth with gilt like exotic palm trees and hold up a vast glass dome. The chamber beneath was once the world's largest commercial room, where cottons and textiles were traded. In the early 20th century, 80 per cent of the world's finished cotton goods were traded though Manchester.

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