Now I am fully prepared to admit that other parts of the city have their fair share of historians, but that said Chorlton has a lot.
Not all live or lived in Chorlton but it is an impressive list, and never wanting to be churlish or exclusive I have featured all of them, going back to the Reverend Booker who wrote his book in 1853.*
And today I want to add two more who while they live here have written about other places.
I have known Michael Billington for almost 40 years, during which time we have swapped information, appeared together at presentations, and supported each other in our writing enterprises.
Added to which Michael taught one of our children.
His book on the Story of Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme was published earlier this year, and is the first substantial book on the area since 1898.
It draws on a variety of sources to tell the story of these three areas.
And along with the development of the the areas there are case studies focusing on some of the people and the companies which have contributed to the history of Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme.
My own favourite is the story of Simpson's ... makers of all things meat and pies. **
The other historian is Graham Phythian, who writes extensively on a range of historical topics from football, the Manchester Blitz, and Peterloo.***
Manchester At War, is "based on transcripts of recorded interviews with senior civilians and former members of the Armed Services, this is an invaluable first-hand record of what it was like to live under the shadow of war.
The everyday hardships and heroism are recalled: the Blitz, rationing, the Home Guard, evacuees, war work, and the American presence prior to D-Day. Despite all the tragedy and difficulties, the Mancunian spirit shines through with frequent dashes of unquenchable humour.
Richly illustrated, and filled with true narratives of the courage and unbreakable spirit of the people of Manchester during those tumultuous years, this book looks at how the city fared during the Second World War, played her part in victory, and how the day-to-day life of her people was affected.
And of course in a year that has seen much media and public interest in the events of Peterloo, there is Graham's book on the subject.
All four books are available from Chorlton Bookshop.
Location; Chorlton
Picture; Michael Billington and book, 2018, from the collection of Peter Topping
*Chorlton Historians, https://chorltonhistory.blogspot.com/search/label/Chorlton%20Historians
**The Story of Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme, Michael Billington, 2018
***Manchester At War, 2014, Manchester & Salford Blitz , 2015, Peterloo, 2018
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| Michael Billington, 2018 |
And today I want to add two more who while they live here have written about other places.
I have known Michael Billington for almost 40 years, during which time we have swapped information, appeared together at presentations, and supported each other in our writing enterprises.
Added to which Michael taught one of our children.
His book on the Story of Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme was published earlier this year, and is the first substantial book on the area since 1898.
And along with the development of the the areas there are case studies focusing on some of the people and the companies which have contributed to the history of Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme.
My own favourite is the story of Simpson's ... makers of all things meat and pies. **
The other historian is Graham Phythian, who writes extensively on a range of historical topics from football, the Manchester Blitz, and Peterloo.***
Manchester At War, is "based on transcripts of recorded interviews with senior civilians and former members of the Armed Services, this is an invaluable first-hand record of what it was like to live under the shadow of war.
Richly illustrated, and filled with true narratives of the courage and unbreakable spirit of the people of Manchester during those tumultuous years, this book looks at how the city fared during the Second World War, played her part in victory, and how the day-to-day life of her people was affected.
All four books are available from Chorlton Bookshop.
Location; Chorlton
Picture; Michael Billington and book, 2018, from the collection of Peter Topping
*Chorlton Historians, https://chorltonhistory.blogspot.com/search/label/Chorlton%20Historians
**The Story of Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme, Michael Billington, 2018
***Manchester At War, 2014, Manchester & Salford Blitz , 2015, Peterloo, 2018
Many thanks for this Andrew. Writing my book was a fantastic journey of discovery about my home town (although I have lived in Chorlton for some two thirds of my life) and also a very humbling experience. The more you find out, the more you find that you don't know. I do home visits in the south of Manchester to deliver my book so contact me should you wish to buy. Otherwise it is on sale at both Chorlton and Urmston bookshops.
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