A global powerhouse of a city that’s instantly-recognisable for its rich industrial and historical background, its impressive architecture, vast cultural landscape, musical exports, media links, scientific and engineering output, social impact, sports clubs, famous faces, transport connections, and so much more.
Not to mention, it’s also home to a growing population of more than 2.8 million people – the best people in the world, we might add.
But what does the word Manchester actually mean?
And how often do Mancunians genuinely stop to have a think about where our city’s name comes from?
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Our guess is probably very rarely.
Perhaps it’s a thought that pops into your head once every blue moon (or red moon, if you’re from that side of town), but you never think to act on finding out the answer, and then before you know it, you’ve forgotten about the thought entirely and you end up carrying on with your life none the wiser.
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Even if you do have a vague idea about its origins, there’s a good chance you don’t know the full story behind it, so let’s get the the bottom of it then, shall we?
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The history of the Manchester name began during the Roman conquest of Britain.
If we’re explaining it in simple terms, it all started when a simple timber fort – constructed to help defeat a local Celtic tribe named the Brigantes – was built sometime between AD 78-86 on a rocky outcrop at the place where the River Irwell and River Medlock met.
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This fort was then rebuilt in stone at the beginning of the third century and was given the Latinate name Mamucium (also known as Mancunium).
Mamucium means ‘place of the breast-like hill’, and was named for the mound on which it stood.
While these names are generally thought to represent a Latinisation of the original Brittonic word mamm – meaning ‘breast’ – and have become known as the accepted etymology for Manchester, more recent work does however suggest that it could come from mamma – meaning ‘mother’ – which is in reference to a local river goddess.
The ‘place of the breast-like hill’ definition is the first reference of occupation of the area, although the fort and small village that sprung up beside that breast-shaped sandstone bluff are understood to have been abandoned after the fourth century, with the next settlement being situated just a mile away at the site where Manchester Cathedral now stands on Victoria Street in the city centre.
It didn’t quite end there though, as the evolution of the settlement continued over the centuries, with the Anglo-Saxons changing the fort’s name to Mameceastre in 1086.
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This is believed to have come from the Old English word ceaster – which means a ‘Roman fortification / Roman town or city’ and itself being loanword from the Latin castra, also meaning ‘fort or fortified town’ – which you may also recognise as being similar to the name of the nearby city of Chester.
And as the years went by and the usage became more frequent and widespread, the name Mameceastre gradually evolved to be known as the name we so proudly use today – Manchester.
But what about the adjective to describe the city’s brilliant people?
Well, this one’s a little easier to work out.
The word has directly evolved from the medieval Latin form of the place-name, Mancunium, with linguists and historians believing ‘Mancunian’ was most likely a neologism (new word) coined in the Victorian times, before eventually being shortened to Manc
So, there you have it.
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Lantern Pike – the countryside walk with amazing views, an old railway line, and a great pub at the end
Daisy Jackson
If you’re looking for a country walk that’s got a bit of everything – we’re talking views, lakes, history, picturesque villages and, crucially, pints – this is the one.
Step across the Greater Manchester border into High Peak, and you can take on a circular walk that’s got it all.
The walk takes in all the best bits of the English countryside, from rolling hills to proper pubs.
Park in the village of Hayfield, with an optional stop at Marmalade Coffee Shop for a bacon sandwich and some caffeine.
Then head out west to join the Sett Valley Trail, which joins Hayfield and New Mills.
The trail itself is 2.5 miles and follows a former railway line – but now it’s a tree-lined trail that’s perfect for a gentle stroll, cycle or even horse ride.
Lantern Pike in the Peak District. Credit: The Manc GroupLantern Pike in the Peak District. Credit: The Manc Group
You’ll pass the Birch Vale reservoir, but won’t be following the trail all the way to New Mills.
Instead, turn off to the right to cross the River Sett and walk towards Sitch Lane.
The road will take you to the very edge of the Peak District ready for an uphill climb to the peak of Lantern Pike.
It’s not a giant by Peak District standards (373m compared to Kinder Scout’s 636m) but the views are 360 degrees – fields on all sides and the incredible Manchester skyline in the distance.
Walk straight over the summit and back down the other side, passing the Lantern Pike pub (we won’t judge if you pause for a pint here), cross the road, and join Snake Path.
This will take you past Twenty Trees, which is literally a group of trees standing on its own, and back into Hayfield.
Here you’ll find The Pack Horse, a country pub that’s gained some serious accolades in the last year.
Despite a top-notch menu, the pub is more than happy to welcome in customers (and dogs) who are covered in mud – as all good countryside boozers should.
You can see a map of the circular walking route at alltrails.com.
Featured image: The Manc Group
Feature
Hairspray lands at the Palace Theatre, proving to audience members that you really can’t stop the beat
Oli Lowe
Energetic ensemble numbers, lavish costumes and stand-out performances: Hairspray welcomes everyone to the 60s in its latest tour production.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll hold very fond memories of the 2007 movie-musical version of Hairspray, a cinematic masterpiece that breathed new life into the already iconic musical. I bring this version of the show up because until last night it was my only experience of the story.
Yes, much to my shame, I had never seen a live production of the show but after coming out of the Palace Theatre last night, I can now say that Hairspray‘s latest tour production is just as fun-loving – and as free wheeling.
From start to finish, Hairspray is a vibrant, colourful, high-energy show which takes you on the journey of teenage misfit Tracey Turnblad as she deals with the struggles of pursuing her dreams, in the face of adversity and a 1960s America that seems determined to halt progression.
The entire cast gave stellar performances from leading lady Alexander Emmerson-Kirby in the role of Tracy, all the way through to the ensemble who constantly wooed me with brilliantly executed dance routines, filled to the brim with swinging-sixties dance moves.
I’d like to take a second to highlight some standout performances, which in my opinion elevated the show to new heights. Starting with Neil Hurst in the role of Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s ‘larger-than-life’ mum.
Neil was a constant comic relief throughout a show that whilst generally lighthearted does tackle some serious issues such as unrealistic female beauty standards and racial segregation.
Neil, alongside his comedic partner Dermot Canavan, gave a standout, belly-laugh performance of their duet ‘You’re Timeless To Me’. It truly had the audience in fits of laughter and lauded huge applause from the entire theatre.
On to Gina Murray as Velma Von Tussle and Michelle Ndegwa as ‘Motormouth’ Maybelle. Both gave superb renditions of their solo numbers and showcased their experience in every scene they were in.
Murray’s rendition of Miss Baltimore Crabs (still always caught off-guard by that name) was impressive, to say the least, with the performer delivering big and bold vocals, all whilst being held upside down by a group of the male cast.
Meanwhile, Michelle Ndegwa’s version of ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ was spellbindingly beautiful. It carried with it the weight and severity of the number, all whilst delivering knock-out vocals that were filled to the brim with pain and suffering.
Hairspray Production Photos taken on 16th July 2024 in ManchesterStunning vocals all around.
Finally, a small shoutout to Reece Richards as Seaweed. Growing up (and occasionally to this day) I tried many times to stumble my way through Seaweed’s big number, ‘Run And Tell That’, and let me tell you from experience, that’s one damn hard song to sing…
Reece delivered the number expertly, all whilst dancing in a routine that even just watching, made me feel slightly exhausted. Props to Reece… One day I will nail that opening high note (I won’t).
All in all, Hairspray delights, delivering laughter, splendor, and high fuelled entertainment from start to finish – we’d consider a must-see if you’re a fan of the film, especially.
The show runs through till 27th July and with limited tickets still available, there’s no reason to not get yourself down and enjoy an evening of mesmerising, musical fun. You can grab yours HERE.
Hairspray Production Photos taken on 16 July 2024 at the Palace Theatre in ManchesterSeriously, give it a go.