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During the next few centuries a settlement developed around the fort; however, quickly after the Roman army left the area in 407, this settlement disappeared. A new village was created on the spot in the 7th century, by the Saxons. The Saxon name for a Roman town or fort was ‘caster’ – and thus this old fort became known as ‘Mann caester.’ It was re-named once again, though, in 919, when the king reinforced the fort to defend against the Danes, calling it ‘Castlefield.’ By the 12th century, the village of Manchester grew due to its role in regional trade; and its population grew significantly during this time as well. In the early years of the 13th century, Lord Robert Grelly built his manor house nearby. The 18th century saw the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution, and it was during this period that the population of Manchester mushroomed. The town’s fame in the manufacture of cotton, linen, silk and wool strengthened. The 18th century also saw the building of St Ann’s church, and a quay on the Irwell River. During the 19th century, Manchester underwent major improvements in its infrastructure: beginning in 1828, buses drawn by horses began providing passenger service; and in 1830, rail service to Liverpool was inaugurated. Also at this time, the Royal Institution for the promotion of Literature, Science and the Arts was established, and by 1882, housed an art gallery. Paper-making became an important industry; and iron foundries were established here as well. By the end of the century, the Manchester ship canal was opened, further increasing the city’s importance in world trade, by turning it into an inland port. In the latter half of the 20th century, many attractions were constructed in the city, and historic Castlefield became an 'Urban Heritage Park,’ which also incorporated the reconstructed Roman Fort. The 1970s saw a Chinatown emerge in Manchester; and by the late 1980s, the Chinese Arch and Chinese Arts Centre had been built. | |
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