Manchester was Cottonopolis. The Industrial Revolution changed lives, and changed the face of a sleepy northern town forever. Why Manchester, and what were the consequences of this upheaval?

On our walk along the streets built by the cotton trade, we will see how the city centre was transformed in the nineteenth century because of the riches made when Manchester clothed the world. The Cotton Exchange, cotton warehouses, weavers’ cottages, a library fit for a prince, and commercial buildings fit to oversee an empire will all feature as we stroll through the city centre. The wealth of cotton made Manchester the shock city of its day. The industry that made us has come and gone, but Manchester is built on the bones of cotton.

There is no charge for this walk. Numbers will be limited to 25 people, so please register in advance. You can do this at any time before the Congress by emailing tours@ichstm2013.com with your details; or you can sign up in person at the Congress Events Desk.

Please arrange your own travel to the Visitor Information Centre.