Guided Walking Tour of How Manchester Invented the Modern World

This is Manchester's oldest building- 1421- Inside the second floor alcove Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels researched their theories of Communism! Here I give an overview of the tour, what people will see and learn, and a quick overview of Manchester before the Industrial revolution. Also health and safety advice.

At the statue of Robert Owen I describe his legacy as the father of the Co-operative movement and emphasis that the process of industrialisation produced many ideas. This was one of the first

I discuss why not all inventions are significant. In fact before late 18th century Manchester, most made no economic difference at all.

Once the world's first factory stood here. Why is there no evidence of such a momentous place. I explain. You'll be stunned!

Built in 1785 its façade has never been altered, making it unique in Manchester and rare in the UK. More, we know who lived here in the late 18th and 19th centuries giving a fascinating insight to Manchester away from smokey factories!

It used to be a river. It is still there deep beneath us. IT has a strong connection to animals!

For centuries where workers came to protest and riot over bread, the vote and mechanisation. Like London's Speaker's Corner, but with added violence.

It was crucial to the development of banking and insurance infrastructure in the city.. the back rooms where deals were made remains!

Friedrich Engels gave a vivid descriptions of it in his key work Conditions of the Working Class in England. What is there now? Why is it called Anita Street?

Also a strange tale about ice cream

Connecting Manchester to the east and west coasts. From now on it becomes the commercial capital of the industrial revolution, as manufacturing moves away

It connected canals to the railways. Today it features the city's oldest warehouse a beautifully restored building featuring some clever engineering

the Industrial Revolution's greatest Engineer established his workshop...who was he?

I'll explain why

t and thought collided, and a the plot hatched for (possibly) the greatest art exhibition of all time!

St Peter's Square where the fight for the vote is bookended by two memorials- to a massacre and a brilliant woman!

Civic power and pride represented in architecture -the iconic Manchester Town Hall

Manchester's 'power street' where politics, money...and shopping meet!

Decline and fall - why the Royal Exchange represents both the beginning and end of Manchester's industrial revolution epic. Also conclusion and farewell!