We begin at the site of the Peterloo Massacre, a place that still echoes through Manchester’s story of protest, reform and civic identity. From here, we explore how the city’s public spaces, institutions and architecture reveal long-running tensions between power, progress, culture and who the city is really built for.
As we move through the city centre, we uncover layers of industrial growth, political change, music, trade and redevelopment. Along the way, we look at how wartime damage, post-war planning and recent development have reshaped Manchester - sometimes preserving its character, sometimes erasing parts of its past.
We finish at the Royal Exchange, a building that reflects Manchester’s global trading power, civic ambition and later reinvention. Here, the story comes full circle: from a city built on commerce and industry to one still debating how its past should shape its future.
Further details about the tour can be found here.
A 2-hour walking tour meandering through the backbone of the city.