Manchester's history begins with the Romans who settled here around 79AD and stayed for the next three centuries. Historical records show that by 1322 there was already a textile industry in place and by 1600 cotton was being imported, fuelling Manchester's growth.

By the time of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester had established itself as a major influence in the cotton industry and was well on its way to becoming one of the world's great industrial cities. The city's achievements were so great that in 1844 the novelist and England's former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli declared Manchester to be ‘as great a human exploit as Athens'.

After the boom years, the city fell on hard times and entered a period of economic decline during the 1960s and 70s. On the verge of full recovery, Manchester suffered a further setback when the IRA detonated a devastating bomb that ripped through the heart of the city centre in 1996.

This, however, turned out to be the catalyst for the city's rebirth and huge sums of money were pumped into rebuilding the city centre, kick-starting a wave of citywide development and regeneration projects. Manchester grew from strength to strength and went on to host the Commonwealth Games in 2002.

The momentum of Manchester's growth continues today with urban regeneration schemes seemingly underway around every corner. But, as with all great cities, it is the people who really make the place special and Mancunians have a reputation for their warmth and openness.

The city supports a vibrant arts scene that has spawned such bands as the Smiths, the Stone Roses and Oasis, as well as many comedians, artists and poets. Coronation Street (Britain's longest-running television soap opera) is set in Manchester and has been a huge global success with a dedicated fan base around the world. The city is also famed for its footballing talent, with Manchester United one of the richest and most successful clubs in the world over the last 10-15 years.

The city's incredible fusion of different styles, trends and ideas has attracted a thriving gay community and one of the largest student populations in Europe. With a distinct urban flavour and an abundance of youthful energy, modern-day Manchester is viewed by many as England's ‘second city' and rightfully vies with its neighbours in the battle to be crowned the capital of the north.