MANCHESTER

a large city in north-west England, in the county of Greater Manchester . It first became important as an industrial city during the 18th century, producing wool and cotton goods for sale in Britain and abroad. It was also a cultural and intellectual centre with a tradition of left-wing politics. Its famous buildings include the Victorian Town Hall (1867–76) and the Bridgewater International Concert Hall (opened in 1996), where the Hallé Orchestra is based. Since the 1980s Manchester has also had a reputation for its pop groups, including Oasis and Simply Red.