I was delighted to receive a copy of, The Origins of Manchester by renowned author and historian, Alan Kidd a superb book chronicling the growth of Manchester from the Romans to the first Industrial Revolution. The research is meticulous which makes the book a delight to read and I learnt so much from reading this book, I am a proud Salfordian and yes Salford does get several mentions I am pleased to report. If you are interested to know about such diverse topics as the Roman fort and the impact it had on Manchester, the slave trade, street battles, food riots, housing conditions, religion, entertainment, politics, working conditions, Civil War, government, sanitation etc then this is the book for you. There are fascinating chapters on Manchester Cathedral, Hanging Ditch, Chetham's Library, Georgian Housing, The Shambles, St Anne's Square. Market Street etc The food riots of 1757 following a poor harvest were an eye opener for me, with the "Shudehill Fight""as troops fired upon rioters killing two of them as they protested about food prices and demanded they should be capped. Lavishly illustrated in full colour with maps, people of note, buildings, churches, handbills etc it is a must read for both the serious historian and for those with a love of Manchester and curious to know more. Published by Carnegie Publishing Ltd of Lancaster at £12.99 and available at most good bookshops Highly recommended, Manchester so much to answer for. https://www.carnegiepublishing.co.uk/product/the-origins-of-manchester/
