MANCHESTER'S MILITARY LEGACY

In Mamucium in 79AD, the establishment of the Roman fort is the first known record of any formal military presence in the area that is now the Castlefield district. The site was previously occupied as a defensive hill fort by the ancient Britons or Brigants who were native to the area. Roman auxiliaries used the fort to protect the road from Chester (Deva Victrix) to York (Eboracum). The next major era of military activity at Manchester occurred in the Civil War and the Siege of Manchester in 1642. Manchester's declaration as a Parliamentarian town had far-reaching consequences in terms of its military legacy and on the voting rights of Mancunians. The Peterloo Massacre of August 1819 was a scene of a mass rally brought about by demands to repeal the Corn Laws, introduce universal suffrage, and reform other repressive legislation. The cavalry charge that resulted in the deaths of 18 innocent protestors and the wounding of over 500 took place at St. Peter's Fields, now St. Peter's Square. It resulted in the establishment of the Manchester Guardian and also the rise of radical free-thinking in the city, not always welcomed by those in authority. Both world wars had a profound influence on the city and through the pages of the local press, the establishment of the Manchester Regiment is detailed as is the later Manchester Pals. Heaton Park became their base while Field Marshal Kitchener visited the city to boost recruitment. Later the Luftwaffe's bombing campaign of December 1940, the Manchester Blitz, left the city with a legacy that has changed it beyond all recognition into the 21st century. Other chapters include The Boer War and The Home Front. Packed with nostalgic photographs throughout, 128pp in large softback, maps and colour plates.