The origins of Manchester’s Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter has long been at the centre of Manchester’s social scene, but what are the origins of the city’s cultural capital?

Transcript

00:00The Northern Quarter has become one of the staples of Manchester's cultural identity.

00:03The area is home to some of the best and most creative bars, restaurants and activities in the whole city.

00:08And it's become a home to uni students and Manchester locals alike.

00:11But what are its origins?

00:13Well, Manchester's existed since the medieval times,

00:16but the Northern Quarter wasn't fully developed until the Industrial Revolution,

00:18when it became a powerhouse of industry, with cotton mills and textile factories dominating.

00:22The area became a social place where political speeches and public debates were commonplace,

00:27and by the early 20th century, a street dancing culture had emerged.

00:31Following the World Wars and the move away from textiles, the Northern Quarter became less prominent.

00:35But as the 90s neared, something changed again, and certain businesses were attracted to the area.

00:39Independent, alternative shops and bars catered to the wishes of a young, music-obsessed population,

00:44and a real community was created.

00:46Now, the Northern Quarter is known as the centre of the city's music, comedy and student scene,

00:50with shops like Affleck's Palace being its beating heart.

00:53It has endless wonderful bars and spaces, and as Mancunians,

00:56we should never forget how fortunate we are to have it.

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