Introduction



This Blog is an extension to my already hugely successful Facebook group, Greater Manchester History and Architecture. Created in January 2014, the group took off during 'lockdown' and, as of 23/08/2024 has a total membership of 11, 843 and growing.

This begs the question, why create a Blog? The answer is simple. I would love to write books and articles about local history, but I have a problem. I opted out of school when I was 13, a decision that I have never really regretted. However, missing out on further levels of education meant that I lack the research skills that are essential for writing. So the intention of the group was to build my skills and to increase my confidence while also having fun. I feel that it has done its job.

I would now like to move on to writing longer pieces. I find Facebook totally unsuitable for that purpose. By contrast, a blog is just what I am looking for. That doesn't mean that I will be abandoning the group, but I will mostly be posting links from there to here.

When writing about a subject, it is pretty important that the subject interests you in the first place, so I make no apologies for my intention to major on what pushes my button. However, I hope that my interests are wide enough that there will eventually be something for everyone. My main interests are:

  • Railways and canals.
  • Coal mining.
  • Victorian industry.
  • Roman history.
  • 18th century history.
  • Architecture from all pre 20th century eras.

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