The next stop on our grand adventure is in Manchester, England; the third most visited city in the UK. The first recorded documentation of habitation here occurred in 79 AD when Roman General Agricola built a fortress, called Mamucium at the confluence of the rivers Irwell and Medlock. However, research suggests that the Celtic Tribe known as the Brigantes, had previously created a stronghold here on the site of the current Manchester Cathedral. There has been a permanent settlement of one sort or another ever since. In 1653, the Chetham Library was opened and has remained the oldest free public reference library in the UK. Although the woolen and linen trades have been strong in Manchester since the 14th century, the industrial revolution sparked a phenomenal growth spurt, especially with its cotton mills. This earned Manchester the nickname of "Cottonopolis" during the Victorian era. The 1894 opening of the Manchester Ship Canal linked the city to the sea, 36 miles to its west, which also helped the city's growth. During the American Civil War, Manchester supported Abraham Lincoln's. Union blockade of Southern cities. This severely impacted Manchester's cotton trade, causing great hardship on its citizens. Lincoln expressed his appreciation for their efforts in an 1863 letter. A statue of Abraham Lincoln is located in Lincoln Square, with an audio transcript of this letter. We are so looking forward to our stay here. Canal street is one of the liveliest night spots in the city. Manchester's splendid Town Hall sits facing Albert's Square. The smaller spired structure on the left side of the picture is a monument to Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria. The Prince Albert memorial faces Manchester's Town Hall. Located between Picadilly Gardens and Town Hall is the Manchester Art Gallery, which has free admissions. Manchester's Metrolink is the largest tram system in the UK. The Irwell is one of two major rivers through Manchester (the other being the river Medlock). Circa 1820 painting of the cotton mills of Manchester. The Lancaster House is one of the opulent warehouses from the textile trades. The Chetham Library is located on the grounds of the School of Music... ...and is the oldest free public reference library in the UK. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels often would sit at this table in the library, discussing social philosophy. Abraham Lincoln's statue in Lincoln Square, a short distance from Town Hall. Copy of Lincoln's letter to Manchester, thanking them for their support of the Union during America's Civil War.
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Carl and Lorraine Aveni are two retirees planning on traveling through Europe for at least one year.
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