Castlefield
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| Castlefield | |
  Castlefield shown within Greater Manchester |
|
| Metropolitan borough | City of Manchester |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan county | Greater Manchester |
| Region | North West |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | MANCHESTER |
| Dialling code | 0161 |
| Police | Greater Manchester |
| Fire | Greater Manchester |
| Ambulance | North West |
| European Parliament | North West England |
| List of places: UK • England • Greater Manchester | |
Castlefield is a component area of the city of Manchester, in North West England. It is historically notable for its Roman era fort of Mancunium or Mamucium (both forms are found) which later gave its name to Manchester.
After lying in disuse for years, Castlefield became the United Kingdom's first designated Urban Heritage Park. This was motivated by the fact that a great deal of Manchester's industrial heritage was still intact in Castlefield. The juxtaposition of the railway viaducts and the canal systems was regarded as attractive.
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[edit] Landmarks
[edit] Mamucium
A Roman fort, Mamucium (also found as Mancunium), was located at Castlefield. A facsimile of part of this Roman fort now exists. The name Castlefield is a short form of 'Castle in the field'. This designation was used after the Romans abandoned the fort around 410 and the castle was literally left decaying in the fields. The designation 'The Castle-in-the-field' was in use in the Middle Ages, but eventually came to be abbreviated to Castlefield, as it is in use now.
[edit] Industrial landmarks
The area was once a site of warehouses around the basins still found in Castlefield. These warehouses were later abandoned and the area became a derelict place where the Bridgewater Canal meets the Victorian railway viaducts.
Most of the buildings have now either been restored to their former glory or renovated. Many warehouses have been converted in modern apartments (warehouse flats). Numerous archaeological digs have taken place and revealed a great deal about the early history of the city. Recently there have been new developments to accompany the converted warehouses.
[edit] Present day
Castlefield has several bars and restaurants. Venues such as Dukes 92 [1], Alberts Shed [2], The Ox [3], Choice [4] Cask and the Knott Bar are particularly popular during the summer months when people flock to the area to enjoy the large outdoor drinking areas and regular live music events. Including this Friday when a horde will descend from the trafford area as part of late night entertainment. Unfortunately Mannion will be there so look out ladies. If you are not aware of this creature he wears a jumper round his shoulders and some very, very bad sunglasses.
[edit] Redevelopment
As part of the renewal of the Castlefield site, an extensive outdoor area was developed as an events arena. The arena is used for a wide variety of events including the annual Dpercussion [5] music festival. The Manchester Museum of Science and Industry is located in the area, as are the studios of Granada Television and the now closed Granada Studios Tour. Castle Quay in Castlefield is home of radio stations Key 103 and Piccadilly Magic 1152.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Castlefield Canal Basins - photo tour
- Manchester City Council's brief introduction to the Castlefield Regeneration Area
- Website of the annual D-Percussion festival
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