Northern Quarter

 

The section now designated as the Northern Quarter was not fully developed until the late 18th  century, the area between Shudehill and Victoria Station was first built upon in the 14th century, as the village of Manchester expanded as a local centre for the wool trade. The expansion of the area was gradual up to the mid-18th century, when Manchester markedly increased in size and significance with the onset of the Industrial Revolution

Despite their modern facades, the buildings lining Thomas Street hold a hidden history. Erected in the 1780s, they were part of a massive urban boom that transformed Manchester from a provincial town into a powerhouse city. Nicknamed the "shock cities" of 19th-century Britain, these rapidly growing urban centers fueled the Industrial Revolution.  Back then, Thomas Street bustled with a diverse mix of residents. Many families and individuals lived and worked under the same roof, a testament to the close-knit nature of the early industrial community.

The cellars may have been part of the WW2 air raid shelter?

 The area's unique architectural character has made it a magnet for film and TV productions. Its versatility allows it to transform into different locations.  For instance, the brick buildings with fire escapes have often been used as stand-ins for New York City, appearing as Manhattan in films like "Alfie" (2004) and "Morbius" (2019).  Meanwhile, Dale Street specifically has doubled for 1940s New York in "Captain America: The First Avenger" (2011).

On December 7th 2023, Thomas street was transformed into a catwalk for the  Métiers d'Art 2023-2024 fashion show.  A-listers also  graced the temporary catwalk, a dramatic change for the typically down-to-earth, Mancunian vibe of the area.While Thomas Street boasts trendy bars and boutiques, it also embraces the quirky side of cool.  An old-fashioned jeweler sits cheek-by-jowl with bars and boutiques, half-demolished workshops, and buildings adorned with graffiti that add a touch of grit, and the whole Northern Quarter remains infused with the city's signature blend of street art and history.