Thesaurus

Located on the River Irwell; destroyed by Danes in 870 and rebuilt in 920; prototype of industrial city, with cotton mills and mining; world's first railway in 1830 and major inland port with opening of canal 1894; known for its reform movements and liberal policies; textile tradition here dates back to 14th-century Flemish weavers; home of the Halle Orchestra and Old Trafford cricket ground.