Manchester attracts a wealth of people from all over the world. It’s home to the Industrial Revolution and has a profound impact on music and science. It has some fun facts and hidden gems that will certainly fascinate you whether you are a tourist, an international student, a native of the city, or simply a fan of the culture.
- Manchester was named after boobs!
Yep! When the Romans established in AD70, they positioned a fort near a crossing point on the River Medlock, in between two hills that looked like boobs. The name ‘Mamucium’, meaning ‘breast-shaped hills’ was then given
- The Curry Mile is renowned for being the largest hub of South Asian restaurants outside of Asia.
Stretching along Wilmslow Road, this vibrant and diverse culinary destination offers a wide array of delicious dishes from various South Asian cuisines, including Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi. It’s a foodie’s paradise and a testament to Manchester’s rich cultural tapestry.
- Over 200 languages are spoken in the city
This is one of the most remarkable fun facts about Manchester. It is basically a linguistic melting pot because half of the adult population is multilingual, and four out of every ten young people can speak more than one language. From English to Urdu, Polish to Punjabi and many more, Manchester’s linguistic landscape is a testament to the global influences shaping the city. It’s like a linguistic feast!
- Manchester prides itself in being the home of football.
The city is synonymous with a deep football culture, hosting two of the most iconic football clubs in the world, Manchester United and Manchester City. These clubs have a rich history, a massive fan base and a legacy that has left an indelible mark on the global football scene. The passionate rivalry between the two clubs adds to the city’s football fervour.
- The world-famous brekkie, Kellog’s, has its largest factory in Manchester
Kellog's largest headquarters is in Trafford, Greater Manchester where it also has its main UK headquarters. The plant, founded in 1938, has been producing all of your favourite cereals, including Coco Pops, Corn Flakes, and many others. Despite being an all-American business headquartered in Michigan, the Trafford mill is the largest Kellog’s factory.
- The Industry Revolution began in Manchester
Manchester is arguably best known for being the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, which began in 1761 with the opening of the Bridgewell Canal. The city became the primary stopping point for the textile industry as a result of the development of steam power and the rising need for produced cotton.
- The city is home to the first free public library ever
Chetham’s library, near Victoria Station, is the first and oldest public library in the English-speaking world. It’s a gorgeous building that houses 100,000 books, including 60,000 that were written before 1851 and has been in continuous use since 1653.
- Manchester is home to Coronation Street; the world’s longest-running TV soap opera.
Coronation Street is a classic for every British family. Chances are you’ve watched it at some point even if it’s only one episode or at least heard about it. It’s been running since 1960 and its set is located at the ITV Trafford Wharf Studios in Mediacity.
- Manchester University boasts 25 Nobel prizes
The University of Manchester, the third-best university in the nation after Oxford and Cambridge, can boast 25 Nobel prize winners among its faculty, staff and students.
- Salford is the British birthplace of the vegetarian diet
This is one of the most interesting facts about Greater Manchester. The vegetarian movement was founded in Salford in 1847 by Reverend Willam Cowerd, who advocated the benefits of a vegetarian diet. The Beefsteak in Salford was the first vegetarian church in the UK and the first long-term modern organisation to not eat meat.
There are so many things to know about the city and its heritage. Want to find out more about Manchester? Check out the top Things to do in Manchester and also learn What Manchester is Famous for.
