A century ago, Manchester was a minor town; today it is an exciting metropolitan area that is located in the heart of the Greater Manchester Urban Area of England. Manchester is also known as the Capital of the North and is considered a centre of arts, education and commerce. It played a key role in the Industrial Revolution as the world’s first industrialized city. In the 21st century it has evolved into a post-industrial city with a rich base of sporting, educational and broadcasting institutions.

Research reveals evidence of Bronze Age settlement in the Moston region, but overall primary occupation appears to have begun during the Roman period. One of the oldest remains is the fort, Mamucium. Originally built from wood, it was rebuilt in stone. During the Dark Ages the fort was abandoned and slowly deteriorated over the centuries as the settlement of Manchester shifted to the rivers of Irwell and Irk.

Several of Manchester’s well known landmarks include a variety of architectural styles from Victorian to Contemporary. Manchester Town Hall in Albert Square is built with a Gothic Revival style and is considered one of the most important Victorian buildings in England.

In the 16th century the wool trade birthed a flourishing market town and 17th textile development brought Manchester to the centre of Puritanism. For a period, the city was the most productive centre of cotton processing.

Today Manchester has been referred to as the ‘second city of the United Kingdom not because of size, but due to the beauty, cultural and historical aspects it has to offer. With 135 parks and gardens, including one of Europe’s largest, Heaton Park, the town has much to offer. Heaton Park includes and 18th century country house that houses a museum and is open to the public. The Park offers an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, lake, animal farm, woodlands and observatory.