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City of Salford Outline Map
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Local History
The City of Salford, which we see today, is the result of a relatively modern grouping of a number of previously independent local authorities, but its origins go back to pre-Roman times and a Roman road passed near today’s town. When the Romans left, a settlement slowly established itself on the banks of the river Irwell and under the influence of later Saxon and Danish invaders grew. Twenty years after his Conquest of England in 1066 King William had a record made of his new domain. This was known as the Domesday Book and mentions the Great Hundred of Salford, which at that time included Manchester.
In 1228, king Henry 111 granted a charter which included powers to hold an annual fair and a weekly market. Another charter, granted by the Earl of Chester in 1230, established Salford as a free borough.
In common with other northern towns, Salford was transformed as a result of the Industrial Revolution which began in the 18th century. New machines, especially in the textile trades, were invented and steam replaced water power.
Salford’s population grew from about 12,000 at the beginning of the 19th century to more than 200,000 by its end. During the 20th century, some of the neighbouring towns were amalgamated with Salford which became a city in 1926.
Though remaining firmly based on the cotton trade, Salford with its access to local coalfields attracted many other industries, especially in heavy engineering. The Manchester Ship Canal opened in 1894, linking Manchester to the sea, and providing economic and convenient access to the big ships bringing in raw materials and taking exports out.
The cotton trade peaked at the beginning of the 20th century and Salford and many industrial towns suffered as other countries developed their own industries. One of the victims was the Manchester/Salford Docks which fell into disrepair. In an ambitious plan, the docks site is now being developed as a recreational, residential and commercial complex known as The Quays.
One of the special features in the Quays is the art complex devoted to the work of L S Lowry. Though born in Manchester the artist spent most of his life in Salford, using the town’s industrial landscapes as a setting for his famous “matchstick” men and women pictures.
In 1974 Local Government Reorganisation led to Eccles, Irlam, Salford, Swinton & Pendlebury and Worsley being combined into Salford Metropolitan District.
Map used with the kind permission of Ken Craven, Research Officer, Life Times, Salford
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