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f you have already made the decision to move to Manchester, no matter whether it is because of work, education or just since you need a change of scenery, there are many important things that you should do besides finding a man and van company to move your belongings from your current place to the city. What you should do is at least know where you are going.
Did you already know those awesome facts about the City of Manchester before?
- Manchester is home to the oldest railway station in the world. The first line ran between Manchester and Liverpool and Liverpool road was the terminus of the first railway line that was used in human history. The station opened on 15 September 1830 and was used for passenger transportation for the next 14 years. Today you can learn more about the history of the railway at the former station’s building, which was transformed into the Science and Industry museum.
- Can you imagine that there was a time in history when football was not such a big deal? Well, there was, and what is more interesting, the change, as it turns out that often happens, began in Manchester. Here, at the Manchester Royal Hotel, on 17th April 1888 the National Football League was created. And you’ve thought that everything inheritably British began in London.
- When we say that change begins in Manchester we truly mean it. As you may know, the 19th century was a time of great social turmoil caused by the Industrial revolution. That was also the time, fortunately, when the Trade Union was created. Yes, you are right – that happened in Manchester too, on the 2nd June 1868. Then, at the Manchester Mechanics Institute, Trade Union Congress was formed to be the voice of workers across the country.
- Manchester is, among other things, home to the oldest reference library in Britain. It dates back to 1653, and is still in use. With over 100 000 volumes, it is not the largest library in the world today for sure, but what is more important about it is the fact that 60% of the books held there were printed before 1851.
- While talking about libraries, the first public lending library, a result of the Library Act of 1850, was opened in Manchester too. It began operation in 1852 in the House of Science in Campfield, near the nowadays Museum of Science and Industry. Charles Dickens and William Thackeray were among the guests of honor at the opening ceremony.
- It was in 1907 when the chair of Physics at the University of Manchester was taken by none other but Ernest Rutherford. This name sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Well, that’s right, Rutherford was the scientist who literally split the atom. And he did it here, in Manchester.
All those facts make you wonder why London is UK’s capital instead of Manchester, don’t they? Well, the city has much more to offer even today – just come and see.