Introduction

No matter where you go in England each and every city, town and village has its own stories of war and conflict. Pen and Sword Military books present a series detailing some of our cities military legacies, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Review

This soft back book, published by Pen and Sword consists of 128 pages on good quality paper, with many black and white photographs throughout and a glossy section containing colour photographs and paintings. Written by Steven Dickens, a local man to Manchester who has an interest in the history of the area and how it became the city it is today. This offering is priced at £14.99. The book starts with a dedication to Private Charles Henry Dickens of the 8th Battalion King’s Own, who died in August 1916 at the Battle of the Somme.

The publication consists of
Introduction
The Roman Fort of Mamucium c.AD 79 to c. Ad 411, and its legacy for the Development of modern Manchester.
The siege of Manchester, 24 September to 1 October 1642, and its Legacy for the development of the Political Liberalism in Manchester.
The Peterloo Massacre, 16 August 1819, and its Legacy for the Establishment of National Political Freedoms.
The Boer War of 1899 to 1902, the Great War of 1914 to 1918, and the Legacy of the Manchester Regiment.
The Home Front, Air Raids and the Legacy of the Manchester Regiment in the Second World War.
Bibliography
About the Author

The book focuses on five major military events in the history of Manchester, that has shaped the city and made it what it is today. The history starts with the establishment of a Roman fort in 79 AD, this over time developed into a stronghold, which in turn meant that surrounding areas began to develop. The English Civil War in 1642 along with the siege of the city was an influence on the political views of the city, meaning that Manchester had no Parliamentary representation until 1832. The Peterloo massacre in 1819 again influenced politics in the region. The Manchester Regiment played a significant part in the Boer War and the two World Wars, along with the local men who served in the ‘Pals’ battalions.

Conclusion

I found this book to be well presented, and in an easy to read format. Full of really interesting information, with varied photographs depicting the evolution of the city’s military. This is the type of book you would pick up if you went to a museum or if you are a collect of military history books.