Manchester
The city of Manchester, belonging to the county of Greater Manchester located in North West England is home to about 502,000 Mancunians. The third most populous city in the United Kingdom was established in the first century and was the first industrialised city in the country. It is now a creative and multi-cultural hub that is known worldwide for its sporting prowess and home to Manchester United, one of most famous football teams in the world. Its music scene is nothing to sneer about as well, for the city is home to The Smiths, The Stone Roses, New Order, Happy Mondays, Oasis, Take That, Morrissey and Tony Wilson, the founder of Factory Records. If you are planning to visit England, make Manchester a part of your itinerary because there’s more to discover in this charming city that’s also called the Cottonopolis.
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History
Manchester’s recorded history started with a settlement that was closely related to the Mamucium, a Roman fort. At the turn of the 19th century, the town started to expand and rapidly became an urban center due to the textile industry boom, making Manchester the country’s first industrialised city. It was followed by the building of the Bridgewater Canal which facilitated the transport of coal. With its speedy urbanisation and economic boom, it was given city status in the mid-19th century.
The city became known as a hub for radical ideas, many of which changed the world. It has the world’s oldest railway station, which is now a part of the Science and Industry Museum. It is also the birthplace of football or soccer league, as some would call it and where the first ever soccer matches were held in 1888.
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In 1917, Ernest Rutherford, who was the University of Manchester chair of physics, together with his team of top scientists, succeeded in splitting the atom. It was the breakthrough that brought about atomic energy and weapons discovery and creation. The University of Manchester also holds the distinction of building the first stored program computer in the world.
Manchester has several outstanding citizens. The leader of the Suffragette Movement, Emmeline Pankhurst, was a Mancurian. Writer Russell T. Davies, who wrote “Queer as Folk” was instrumental in bringing “Doctor Who” back to British TV screens. Henry Royce, who was half of the world famous Rolls Royce, built his first car, the Two Cylinder Royce in 1904 in a car factory in Manchester.
What You Can See and Explore
Manchester is an ancient city with a glorious past. It has architectural wonders that stood the test of time, such as the city’s symbol, the Manchester Town Hall that exhibits High Victorian architectural style. You should also not miss out on visiting the Manchester Cathedral, which was built in the Perpendicular Gothic style, with its fantastic medieval woodwork. Behind the Cathedral is the oldest free public library in the UK, Chetham’s Library. Another city gem is the John Ryland’s Library, which has one of the world’s largest collections of printed works and manuscripts.
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Wandering around the city brings many surprises as well. In Castlefield you will see the reconstruction of the Roman Fort where the city started and the Urban Heritage Park as well as the Museum of Science and Industry. At Cross Street you will see the marvelous Royal Exchange. Take the Metrolink tram to Old Trafford so you can visit the Manchester United Museum, one of the most popular places to visit in Manchester. The city has several modern skyscrapers as well. The CIS Tower used to be the tallest building in Manchester before it was topped by the Beetham Tower. The current tallest building in the city will be overshadowed by the Piccadilly Tower, once its construction is finished.
Shopping
What’s a trip to a foreign country without shopping? Manchester may not be that large a city, but it has its fill of shopping districts that will satisfy most shopaholics. If you want cutting-edge fashion, retro and even kitsch, Afflecks Palace in the Northern Quarter will give you plenty. If you are looking for bespoke bags, check out A Few Fine Things or browse the shops in the Manchester Craft and Design Centre for interior accessories, ceramics, furniture and jewellery.
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You may not have time for anything else but shopping to your heart’s content at the Arndale Centre on Market Street. All the way down Market Street is Cross Street where designer bags might blow your shopping budget away. At the end of Cross Street are Triangle Shopping Centre, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. You’ll encounter more designer boutiques at King Street. If you want to bring home some souvenirs and cheaper items, then you can spend some time in the numerous shops at The Trafford Centre just outside the city limits.
Soccer Culture
Manchester is a city of sport with first class sporting facilities for soccer, cycling, squash, aquatics, cricket and rugby, among others. It is home to two premiere league soccer teams, Manchester City and Manchester United. Manchester United F.C. was established in 1878. It has won 20 league titles, 20 FA Community Shields, four League Cups and 11 FA Cups. It also has won three European Cups aside from a FIFA Club World Cup and an International Cup. Manchester United is one of the most supported soccer clubs in the world and the world’s second most valuable sports club that is worth $3.165 billion as of 2013. Of course Man U is not only about soccer. The club has some of the sexiest men in the sporting world, from the likes of David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo to Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.
Manchester City, the arch rival of Manchester United had several changes of ownership. The club is now fully owned by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with Khaldoon Al Mubarak acting as the club’s chairman on the Sheikh’s behalf. The new owner has spared no expenses in acquiring new players for the club and has signed Mario Balotelli, Yaya Touré, David Silva, Robinho and Carlos Tévez. It is said that Manchester City is now the world’s richest football club.
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Competition
We’ll take you to Manchester and back! While your there you’ll get the chance to join the multitude of fans to cheer for your team during the Manchester City and Hull City match on 7 February 2015! Get the chance to win return flights to Manchester via Etihad Airways and have a blast watching an exciting game of soccer. Your friendly budget travel expert, Skiddoo Pty Ltd and our partner, Etihad Airways are giving away two return flight tickets to Manchester.
All you have to do is visit Skiddoo’s Facebook page and answer the question. Hurry and try your luck. Who knows? You and your mate could be the lucky ones to fly to Manchester.