Hotels in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is highly urbanised, having the largest population density of any county outside Greater London. It is centred on the major communication centre of Manchester, but also incorporates the former spinning towns of Bolton and Rochdale, and some areas of attractive countryside surrounding the towns.

Although an important town in Roman times, Manchester did not really develop until the 14th century, when Flemish weavers moved to the city establishing it as a major industrial textile centre. The industry suddenly took off in the late-17th century, with technological advances that included the fly shuttle and spinning jenny. By 1787 there were over 40 cotton mills in Greater Manchester.

The opening of a new railway between Manchester and Liverpool in 1829, and the creation of the Manchester Ship Canal in 1894, brought great advantages to the area. It was not until the mid-20th century that the industry faltered and the region steadily declined as a textile centre. Now new industries have taken the place of the cotton mills, and the city is a major cultural and educational centre.