The Northern Quarter has long been at the centre of Manchester’s social scene, but what are the origins of the city’s cultural capital?
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00:00The Northern Quarter has become one of the staples of Manchester's cultural identity.
00:03The area is home to some of the best and most creative bars, restaurants and activities in the whole city.
00:08And it's become a home to uni students and Manchester locals alike.
00:11But what are its origins?
00:13Well, Manchester's existed since the medieval times,
00:16but the Northern Quarter wasn't fully developed until the Industrial Revolution,
00:18when it became a powerhouse of industry, with cotton mills and textile factories dominating.
00:22The area became a social place where political speeches and public debates were commonplace,
00:27and by the early 20th century, a street dancing culture had emerged.
00:31Following the World Wars and the move away from textiles, the Northern Quarter became less prominent.
00:35But as the 90s neared, something changed again, and certain businesses were attracted to the area.
00:39Independent, alternative shops and bars catered to the wishes of a young, music-obsessed population,
00:44and a real community was created.
00:46Now, the Northern Quarter is known as the centre of the city's music, comedy and student scene,
00:50with shops like Affleck's Palace being its beating heart.
00:53It has endless wonderful bars and spaces, and as Mancunians,
00:56we should never forget how fortunate we are to have it.
00:58Follow Manchester World for more.