Manchester History

Greater Manchester has always been a place of firsts — not because we shout about it, but because we just get on with it. While London was busy polishing its image, we were grafting, building, and quietly starting revolutions. From libraries to nightlife, co-ops to community organising, this region’s been leading the way for centuries — often without the credit. So here’s 10 times we set the pace, and the South just followed.

An article honouring World War II heroes from Greater Manchester, including Marine James Conway, William Speakman, David Teacher, John Beeley, Alan Turing, Dougie Farrington, Tony Johnson, Oldham’s munitions workers, and Bolton’s Harry Goslin. It shares their stories of bravery and sacrifice, celebrating their legacy on VE Day.

For over 140 years, Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was Manchester’s gateway to the extraordinary. More than just a zoo, it was a thriving epicentre of culture, entertainment, and childhood wonder—a place that conjured magic in the heart of an industrial city. Yet today, only echoes remain, preserved in faded photographs, nostalgic tales, and the memories of those fortunate enough to experience its vibrant heyday.