In 1901, Manchester was a thriving industrial city located in the northwest of England. It was one of the leading industrial centres during the height of the Industrial Revolution. Here are some key aspects of what life was like in Manchester during that time:

1. Industrial Powerhouse: Manchester was known as the “Cottonopolis” due to its prominence in the cotton industry. The city was home to numerous textile mills and factories that employed a significant portion of the population. The cotton industry brought great wealth to the city and contributed to its rapid growth and urbanization.
2. Population and Housing: The population of Manchester in 1901 was around 544,000 people. The city’s population was diverse, with many immigrants arriving to work in the factories. The housing conditions varied depending on social class, with workers often living in cramped and overcrowded slum areas, while wealthier residents resided in more comfortable homes.
3. Urban Environment: Manchester was characterized by a bustling and crowded urban environment. The cityscape was dominated by the towering mills and factories, with their tall chimneys billowing smoke. The streets were filled with horse-drawn carriages, trams, and a growing number of automobiles.
4. Social Conditions: The working conditions in Manchester’s factories were often harsh, with long hours and low wages. Labour movements and unions were gaining strength during this period, as workers fought for better rights and improved working conditions. Child labour was still prevalent in many industries, although efforts were being made to regulate and restrict it.
5. Cultural and Intellectual Life: Manchester was a hub of cultural and intellectual activity. The city had a thriving literary and artistic scene, and many notable writers, artists, and intellectuals of the time were associated with Manchester. The University of Manchester, founded in 1824, was an important centre for education and research.
6. Political Landscape: Manchester had a strong tradition of political activism and radicalism. The city was known for its support of the suffragette movement, with prominent suffragettes like Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters being based in Manchester. The early 1900s saw the rise of socialist and labour movements in the city, which advocated for workers’ rights and social reforms.
7. Infrastructure: Manchester had a well-developed infrastructure for its time. The city had a network of tramways, which provided an essential mode of transportation for the residents. The Manchester Ship Canal, completed in 1894, connected the city to the sea, boosting trade and commerce.

Overall, Manchester in 1901 was a bustling industrial city, driven by the cotton industry and marked by rapid urbanization. It was a city of contrasts, with wealth and innovation alongside social and economic challenges.