8 Unknown Facts About Manchester [Pt.1]

From a Roman outpost to an industrial powerhouse, Manchester’s history is deeply interesting. This city is scientifically significant and of cultural importance. We’re going to tell you why; here’s 8 things you didn’t know about Manchester.

Rolls Met Royce In The Midland Hotel 

As far as luxury British motors go, Rolls Royce takes the cake. A 360 degree camera, massaging seats and signature hood ornament are just some of the top quality features included in their vehicles.

We can thank Manchester for this, as Charles Rolls first met Henry Royce in The Midland Hotel, where they both signed their first deal within the suites.

Now, Rolls Royce produces from 3,000 to 6,000 cars per year, with each one taking roughly 450 hours of labour to complete.

Atom Was First Split In Manchester

Ernest Rutherford, now known as the father of nuclear physics, was a professor at the University of Manchester.

It was in this city that he discovered how to ‘split the atom’, a magnificent breakthrough for science, laying the foundation of nuclear physics for years to come.

It didn’t only commence research into nuclear power, this discovery also assisted the crucial development of cancer-fighting radiotherapy.

Vimto Was Created 

Born in Lancashire, John Noel Nichols was a wholesaler of herbs, spices and medicines.

In 1908, he created a cordial blending grapes, blackcurrants and raspberries with fruit essences and some secret ingredients. He named it ‘Vim Tonic,’ which later was shortened to Vimto.

Production initially commenced in Salford, then Old Trafford; until Vimto finally moved to a big plant in Wythenshawe. It grew to be one of the nations favourite drinks, and now it’s available all across the world.

Filming Of Peaky Blinders 

In 2021, the TV show ‘Peaky Blinders; became the most-watched series on Netflix all year. Critically acclaimed and loved by fans globally, it follows a Birmingham gang through their triumphs and conflicts during the late 19th century.

Despite the narrative being based in the midlands, you’d be surprised that the majority of the filming takes place in Deansgate, Manchester. This is due to the old industrial architecture and Victorian red brick buildings setting the perfect scene for the shows time period. 

Mamucium

 Our city wasn’t always called Manchester, it was first named ‘Mamucium’ in 78 AD. The literal translation is ‘breast-shaped hill,’ and it was used as a fort after Roman scouts went north looking for places to build outposts.

They stored everything they could in the fort, ranging from weapons to food supplies. As the population grew and the roman occupation ended, the outpost expanded and went from strength to strength.

You can see what’s remaining of the fort to this day just off Bridgewater St, in the city-centre.

The Innovative Bridgewater Canal

Credited as the world’s first ever industrial canal, The Bridgewater Canal was originally commissioned by Duke Francis Egerton to transport coal from mines in Worsley to Manchester in 1761.

It is one of the few canals in Britain that haven’t been nationalised, remaining privately owned. It’s 65km long and runs from the River Mersey, starting at Runcorn through Manchester up to Leigh.

JP Joule’s Discoveries 

James Prescott Joule was a physicist born in Salford, who resided in and around Manchester his entire life. He studied the nature of heat and energy, which led to the creation of the law of conservation of energy.

After a lifetime of theorising and experimenting with electricity, engines and heat: he died at aged 70 in Sale, 1889. In his honour, a unit of energy was named after him, the ‘Joule’.

The Historical John Rylands Library

As the oldest public library in the English-speaking world, John Rylands is a famous landmark in Manchester city centre.

The land was bought in 1889 by Enriqueta Ryland who wanted to build something grand in honour of her husband, John, who died 2 years earlier. Construction on the library started in 1890, which finished 10 years later, opening to the public in 1900.

Today, it is home to over 1.2 million manuscripts, printed works and archival items.