PROBATE VALUATIONS IN MANCHESTER
The History of Manchester
The history of Manchester begins in the prehistoric period, with the discovery of stone tools. Evidence of burial sites in the area also suggests that Manchester was inhabited during the Bronze Age. However, the development of Manchester occurred more predominantly during the Roman occupation which began in around AD 70.
It’s thought that Roman occupation of Manchester is the orgin of the city’s name, which is derived from the Roman name for the fort and settlement in the area ‘Mamucium’; the name itself means ‘breast-shaped hill’. The Roman fort was built in AD 79 (although it was re-built and changed multiple times over the next 100 years) and is one of many to have been built at the time. The purpose of the fort was to guard the roads to Chester, York, and Ribchester.
Roman occupation led to considerable civilian settlement in the area, along with a high level of industry. The Romans are known to have abandoned the fort in entirety by the early 4th century at the latest. Manchester then became a territory owned by many different kingdoms. By the 7th century, parts of Manchester were owned by the Danish, Angles, and British. In 919, Manchester was referred to as ‘Mameceaster’.
After the Norman Conquest, Manchester became part of the Salford Hundred, and by 1086, was populated by around 3,000 people. There were at least two churches in Manchester, and by the end of the 13th century, the castle was replaced by a manor house.
The textile industry started to thrive in Manchester during the 16th century, and by the time of the industrial revolution in the 18th century, it really began to flourish, transforming industry in Manchester. Off the back of the textile industry, Manchester expanded, until the late 19th century, when the city went into decline.
The creation of the Manchester Canal improved the prospects of Manchester, but this was not set to last; the closure of the Manchester docks in 1970’s caused significant unemployment. Manchester has received significant investment in recent years to rebrand the city.