pronunciation large town seaside resort borough non metropolitan county east sussex south coast england miles east brighton immediately east head highest chalk sea cliff great_britain consisting largely victorian hotels pier napoleonic era fort military museum developed duke separate growing population broad economic base home companies wide range industries relatively new town evidence human occupation area stone age town grew fashionable tourist resort largely thanks prominent landowner william later duke appointed architect henry design street plan town sending europe draw inspiration resulting mix architecture typically victorian remains key feature seaside resort derives large increasing income tourism revenue traditional seaside attractions augmented conferences public events cultural main industries include trade retail healthcare education construction manufacturing professional scientific technical sector population growing increased census shows average age residents decreased town attracted students families london brighton history flint stone age artefacts found surrounding countryside roman remains buried beneath town roman bath section pavement present pier fortress roman villa near entrance pier present queens hotel anglo saxon charter circa describes landing stage stream local metal simpson found coin reign east died field near town believed coin led struck sign independence describing coin christopher head coins said new discovery important unexpected addition history 8th century england sold auction june estimate following norman conquest held robert count william half brother book lists church fisheries salt charter weekly market granted increased status lord manor improved local industry middle ages town visited king henry edward evidence medieval past seen twelfth century church mary manor house called place mid sixteenth century house home burton family acquired land present town stands manor house owned duke extensively early georgian era renamed place grade listed buildings town earliest claim seaside resort came following summer holiday visit king george iii children princes edward elizabeth following survey coastal defences southeast approval given positioning infantry artillery defend bay head hastings attack french fourteen towers constructed western shore bay continuing far tower wish tower towers survive wish tower important feature town subject painting james tower forms basement house hill construction took place fortress known built barracks storage depot armed cannons remained area small rural settlements 19th century villages occupied site modern town distinguish east known old town surrounded stream rises present park downs meet coast south near town hall fishing settlement known simply sea houses situated east present pier mid-19th century area fallen hands landowners john davies gilbert davies gilbert family land east dean william earl gilbert family holdings date late seventeenth early eighteenth centuries nicholas gilbert married owned eventually manor house today lives eponymous park doctor richard russell medicinal benefits seaside views considerable benefit south coast course known empress places early plan town named abandoned london brighton south coast railway arrived scenes great arrival railway town growth accelerated 7th duke hired henry lay plan essentially entire new town resort built gentlemen gentlemen town grew rapidly population nearly incorporated municipal borough purpose built town hall opened period growth elegant development continued decades royal visit george queen mary march commemorated plaque number second world war saw change fortunes initially children evacuated assumption safe german bombs soon evacuated fall france june anticipated town lie invasion zone operation sea lion german invasion plan envisaged landings people sought safety away coast shut houses restrictions visitors forced closure hotels private boarding schools moved away buildings later taken services royal_navy set underwater weapons school royal_air_force operated radar stations head marshes near thousands canadian soldiers july run day town suffered badly war victorian buildings damaged destroyed air raids end conflict designated home office raided town south east region situation especially bad june hit run raids fighter bombers based northern france summer town came national worldwide attention john adams general serving town patients arrested murder elderly widow rumours circulating frequency named patients times gifts given including rolls figures murders reported british foreign newspapers controversial trial old bailey nation days march adams found guilty struck years resumed practice according scotland yard archives thought killed patients area war development continued including growth old town green street farm estate housing estates park trees half 20th century controversies demolition 15th century manor house housing estate granting planning permission storey block western end project south cliff tower realised despite storm protest led newly formed district preservation committee later civic society renamed society local failed prevent construction glass conference holiday centre successful purchasing saving demolition redevelopment expansion took place northern eastern margins town gradually surrounding villages richer western constrained downs remained largely unchanged large section town centre replaced indoor shops centre 1990s growth controversy accelerated rapidly new plan launched develop area known bank coast east town centre area known sovereign harbour containing marina shops thousand houses luxury flats apartments home rare plants continued growth parts town central farmland nature reserves turned centre appearance hollow ring currently review demolition town centre extend existing shopping centre adaptation existing roads form inner ring road new arts centre opened listed congress theatre built local history society local history society founded charitable profit organisation united_kingdom objective pursuit encouragement active interest study history immediate outcome studies major landowner family strong connections 18th century current president society william earl containing articles history society journal local historian major historical resource town published quarterly inception years society published books history seven currently print geography south downs dominate seen town originally chalk deposits laid sea late cretaceous later lifted plate movements formed european alps middle period chalk clearly seen eroded coastline west town area known head seven sisters continuous erosion keeps cliff edge vertical white chalk contains fossils town area built recent drift result bay changes clay estate south downs designated site special scientific interest archaeological interest camp burial grounds area nationally uncommon tract chalk grassland rich species partially falls district head site biological geological interest covers coastline plus seven sisters country park valley nature trails lead downs areas nearby villages east dean gap landmarks like seven sisters lighthouse head districts greater area comprises town civil parishes stone cross bay village district limits rise village marina point park park village trees farm inner areas seaside town centre town centre little old town sovereign harbour north harbour south harbour community known norway triangle bounded road seaside drove corruption north way route north area housing estate evidence norway norway road local church sign reads andrew church norway fishing hamlet local pronunciation holly situated cliff yards southwest public garden known retreat approached road lane present helen gardens school leads chalk pinnacle known locally gibraltar sugar ground pinnacle site lime worked fishermen fishing hamlet taken local water board exploit springs cliffs water board successors site pumping station little evidence hamlet foundations cottages gone cliff climate rest british isles south coast experiences maritime climate cool summers mild winters local climate notable high sunshine levels relative rest england holds record highest recorded sunshine month hours july temperature extremes recorded range july january coastal location means tends areas particularly night months year recorded air frost july temperature fallen temperature figures relate period onwards climate classification climate marine west_coast climate oceanic climate governance borough council responsible local governance representation provided seven elections council held years election resulted council liberal democrat conservative council operates victorian town hall designed built supervision henry duke architect east sussex county council responsibility education libraries social services civil registration trading standards transport seats filled east sussex county council election resulted conservatives liberal democrats labour independent provided liberal democrats conservatives parliament constituency covers greater area local extending north east marginal seat contested conservatives liberal democrats member parliament liberal democrat stephen lloyd took seat sitting conservative swing turnout general election general election lloyd lost seat conservative caroline gained constituency majority votes european level represented south east region holds seats european parliament election returned conservatives liberal democrats independence labour green whilst overall population growing population grew age profile dropping younger people town town white small minority groups including chinese white minority groups countries europe census indicated largest non white ethnic group chinese studies conducted local council indicated growth people arriving eastern_europe particularly poland unemployment national average compared england wales percentage economically active people increased upward trend number people qualifications increase economy population people second fastest growing seaside town economic driver fastest growing counties country broad economic base home companies wide range industries town home largest book distributor number specialist advanced manufacturing engineering companies based industrial estates town base growing number successful commerce companies distribute goods europe high availability affordable commercial property nearby planned new homes promise continued economic growth development sovereign harbour marina britain largest composite marina created new luxury homes past years future plans include construction innovation mall small businesses start ups business community connected mutually supportive chamber commerce strong members holds networking events facilitate local links business events local promote goods services healthy buy local ethic large revenues generated tourism conference tourism reports showing million revenue visitors greater estimated support jobs council blueprint future development town centre maps strategy numbers attracting residents visitors town tourism consists entirely victorian hotels pier serves preserve somewhat timeless manner duke retains rights buildings allow developed shops stretch miles beach stretches sovereign harbour east head west survey visitors said beach best features listed beach dislike recreation facilities include swimming pools fitness centres smaller sports clubs including diving children adventure park sited eastern end establishments scattered town crazy golf laser quest pier obvious place visit hold events international competition held annually cancelled lack competitors annual competition takes place competitors usually local businesses pier attacked water cannon major event tourist calendar world biggest air annually held day international air started based long relationship red arrows display team event features battle britain memorial flights aircraft raf museums lived museum shops local history exhibits representing complete scenarios shops houses life sized museum contains exhibits covering period 1800s second world war culture council owned theatres grade listed congress theatre grade listed park theatre grade listed winter garden grade listed royal theatre park theatre fine example victorian theatre ornate interior decorations royal longest running summer britain theatre venues town include volunteer run underground theatre basement town central library lamb theatre based lamb inn old town launched august gained new cultural centre replacing manor house sold home art gallery located cultural district congress theatre park cinemas cinema cinema small family run independent cinema road town centre large cinema screens located retail park near sovereign harbour london orchestra makes regular appearances annual season congress theatre lies wish tower pier stages concerts rock roll nights big band concerts concerts tribute nights tributes artists elvis_presley queen second similar built music gardens near fortress removed way pavilion built tea rooms sites smaller music gardens having moved position opposite hotel music gardens originally toll entrance pier local radio station sovereign broadcasts nearby regional radio stations heart sussex previously southern broadcasts sussex bbc sussex broadcasts brighton connections notably visible high cross churchyard mary church brought unspecified location cornwall inventor steam locomotive claim disputed grave churchyard reported spent time connection india comes shape 18th century monument mary commemorates survivor black hole calcutta led british conquest proximity london led home actors television personalities including comedian tommy cooper metal silhouette seen wall house opposite gardens iconic cliff head scenes feature films local council set film liaison unit encourage facilitate shooting film sequences town academy_award nominated film notes scandal includes scenes filmed head hotel royal parade head seven sisters backdrops scenes world cup harry potter fire scenes half filmed pier near area film angus perfect directed hotel filming location featured pier sequence rainy day seaside family backdrop wish tower hotel pier british american drama film cross road directed david jones television backdrop series little britain character emily howard brief appearances television series french war scene bang bang shot based known seaside road bbc south east today itv regional news channels parks gardens numerous parks gardens smaller open spaces including gardens carpet gardens western public park park originally owned lord opened august facilities include football pitches rugby club indoor large lake pond cafe children recreation area tennis courts facility disc golf course target woodland largest newest park park located west opened large fishing lake basketball football pitches park children playground park large open park located town centre old town popular families children playground cafe tennis courts disc golf course target smaller adjoining manor gardens combines areas rose garden manor gardens home gallery gallery incorporated permanent exhibition local art historical items plus temporary art exhibitions regional national significance relocated new million purpose built facility adjacent congress theatre park opened april princes park obtained visit duke windsor prince wales located eastern end children playground pool cafe large lake noted lake nearby water sports centre offers training princes park lake home model club model yacht club close tennis basketball courts football pitch north park united park home pre ladies tennis championships located towns cultural district parks include helen gardens italian gardens western end sovereign park main marina gardens old town feature heavily promoted floral displays notably carpet gardens coastal road near pier displays town frequently win awards coastal resort category britain bloom competition sport park venue international tennis tournament held town serving warm previously women tournament lawn tennis association merged men event nottingham open senior football clubs borough play conference south town united association play southern combination league premier play southern combination league division eagles club located arlington stadium outside town competed elite league highest level champions compete national_league arlington stadium sees stock car racing wednesday evenings summer months local sports clubs include cricket hockey rugby golf golf courses royal downs park annual extreme sports festival held eastern end sovereign sailing club eastern end sailing members visitors easter boxing day usually holds national championship series popular class summer months landmarks head head cliff west town infamous suicide spot statistics officially published reduce unofficial statistics common suicide spot lighthouse foot cliff came operation october originally manned keepers remotely monitored trinity house june prior construction shipping warned lighthouse cliff metres west lighthouse operational closed light visible mist low cloud private residence severely damaged second world war canadian artillery rebuilt house remains dwelling day march structure moved feet cliff edge save sea structure need moved safeguard cliff erosion pier pier built junction grand marine pier ribbon development buildings west high class hotels modest family hotels boarding houses east pier company registered april capital april work began opened lord edward june actually completed years later new year day half swept away storm rebuilt higher level creating drop end pier pier effectively built rest cups sea bed allowing structure rough weather roughly metres long pavilion constructed cost end theatre bar camera office suite replaced time built midway pier access camera destroyed arson attack restored new built pier fire july fire broke middle building pier bbc news reported firefighters attended scene pier badly damaged august worker died falling damaged pier government promised support lost trade caused pier fire lost tourism revenue royal parade examples type fortress built withstand potential invasion napoleon forces early nineteenth century houses collections royal sussex regiment queen royal irish sussex combined services collection including victoria crosses general von automobile staff car education reputation health enhanced air sea contributed establishment independent schools 19th century year saw arrival ladies college town beginning period growth prosperity listed private schools boys girls economic difficulties inter war years saw gradual decline number independent schools established boarding school girls referred heavy financial losses experienced schools past years school forced merge junior senior departments buildings sold school closed altogether finally indicative changes later larger buildings town school demolished way block flats completed blue book lists independent schools town fall france june risk invasion left majority return number reduced andrew school college preparatory school house girls school state secondary schools state primary schools primary special school secondary special schools parts university brighton based area town language colleges schools students coming mainly europe sussex downs college large education college campus state funded college provides range level programmes students aged years age plus range adult programmes gained current structure merger park college old sixth form college college college arts technology health emergency services town served district general hospital east sussex healthcare trust unit hospital permanently transferred conquest hospital hastings years campaigning save unit earlier hospital mary opened road local demolished fire station road town police station grove road station new boat named diamond jubilee launched earl blind society founded support war blinded veterans centre road opened today society members religious life medieval parish church mary old town remarkable church building peter originally consecrated designed george street merged peter redundant demolished catholic_church lady ransom building tall gothic interior windows commemorates exiled polish lithuanian nobleman prince lived town artwork building recently formed personal reconciled catholic_church meets victorian gothic building tall flint tower michael landmarks church consecrated built site mission hall nonsense writer lewis clergyman known preached holidays town souls italian style finely building evangelical church tradition holy trinity strong history particularly early 20th century canon stephen warner vicar years greek orthodox church converted 19th century chapel strict baptist chapel grove road interesting building despite grim street frontage united reformed church road tall rogue gothic windows set red brick walls denominations similarly interesting church buildings including 20th century design baptist church road known hymns english speaking world handled music tradition judaism jewish rest home islamic community uses small mosque social club transport connected road london brighton hastings nearby car form transport town journeys taken bus local council transport plan aims reduce car usage bus services provided group november company acquired buses service run local council subsequently independent company motor services buses formed county borough local authority world authorised run motor buses local journeys town runs routes wells east frequencies routes hastings run south east hastings main operator brighton owned ahead group runs frequent services seven days week brighton limited numbers additional buses run buses regular national express coach service operates daily london victoria coach station main railway station situated town centre served southern present station town designed dates originally termed branch rarely triangular junction closed stone cross allowed trains bypass branch track lifted branch park railway station north town regular services coast invariably served trains layout pass park direction effect making park level crossing busy thought busiest country regular services london victoria airport hastings international commuter service brighton trains leave london victoria journey time miniature ran mile undeveloped near princes park road point opened ceased operation relocating devon owners fallen council notable people claim notable regular visitors frederick area ashes scattered head request finished composing grand hotel darwin bulldog thomas henry spent years life notable residents include charles writer graduate moved wife housed social services pianist conway resident years henry briefly world oldest man died aged director lived town 1950s novelist children writer annie died town leading canon stephen warner vicar holy trinity novelist angela carter born relocating south yorkshire child bands formed including divided musician robin resident written song named town notable scholars passed education system frederick economist born studied college mystic attended college later edited chess column gazette polar explorer lawrence attended south school mill gap road george noted attended preparatory school road count basis lead character english patient educated private tutor member pioneering flying club douglas successful second world war fighter pilot despite having lost legs flying accident attended temple grove preparatory school place road philosopher pupil vincent school road artist grew educated taught addition listed school blue plaque writers jacob attended school biographer historian philip pupil music historian politician historian clark politicians richard wood lost legs war david gore later ambassador usa artists morris david attended school military figures general sir major general henry foot pupils sporting connections include amateur jockey anthony director outside broadcasts bbc reigning school pupils include war blinded life peer lord submarine commander nasa engineer bruce attended grammar school principal investigator designer space imaging installed space modern celebrities studied town include scales eddie following suggestion borough council civic society society joint project set erect blue plaques buildings associated famous people principles selection broadly established english_heritage plaques london erected november road home sir explorer popular culture season episode red dwarf entitled white hole jokes way claims people deal elderly leaving freeze death asks case responds absolutely word presumably referring climate demographics time episode premiered


town near hills bath north east somerset england miles south west bath miles north east wells miles north west miles south east bristol population large civil parish town council right authority bath north east somerset characterised river runs length town centre river new plant life summer bid improve aesthetics town centre town long history seen number early churches remain started grow transport hub development somerset years provided employment local men ceased operations 1960s time town railway stations closed good employment opportunities remained town elements print industry plants begun close overall employment levels area remain high provides shopping service industries surrounding areas supports music venues bands town primary schools large secondary schools home leisure centre sports clubs provides youth opportunities scouts guides birthplace home notable people history means north enclosure old english use distinguish late origin mentioned sources point town situated midway branches river brook joins short distance east near spelling variation wrote village said called allusion festival held day john patron saint john wrote local road conditions ensured simon winchester notes book map changed world roads somerset thick mud rough surface moon church records town referred alternative local link london dissolution monasteries parish following norman conquest william gave large parts north somerset including manor bishop held manor held lincoln manor held family thomas west 1st baron west descendants cornwall owned mineral rights small pits opened exploit coal mining somerset gave town area impetus industrial centre war monument marble plaques built site mother frederick savage benefit poor grounds house georgian mansion built thomas savage investor area house demolished features estate visible silver street nature reserve governance electoral town town council elected mayor north east somerset constituency member parliament house_of_commons parliament united_kingdom south west england constituency european parliament council offices built mid late 18th century town hall built style thomas harris smith geography main geological feature area hills south consists pennant measures includes upper coal measures sandstone relics industrial past evident area including distinct conical shape old mills batch overlooking town lies river rises west brook rises near village town occupies valleys hills merge west combined river flows east reaching river near bath bristol bristol channel southern fringes town hectares acres silver street local nature reserve site estate house eighteenth century mansion built owning savage family demolished contains broad leaf woodland ponds restored nineteenth century supplied water house grassland field woodland leased somerset heritage railway trust bath north east somerset council meadow school rest south west england temperate climate generally rest england annual mean temperature seasonal variations modifying effect sea range parts united_kingdom january month mean minimum temperatures july august mean daily general december month june south west england enjoys favoured location particularly summer azores high extends influence north eastwards cloud forms inland especially near hills reduces exposure sunshine average annual sunshine hours rainfall tends associated atlantic depressions convection summer convection caused solar surface heating forms shower clouds large proportion annual precipitation falls showers thunderstorms time year average rainfall days snowfall typical november march highest mean wind speeds june august having prevailing wind direction south west flood scheme years centre prone flooding times year rose prolonged rainfall flooded shops particularly high street lowest point middle martin cinema prevent future major flood tunnel completed constructed beneath high street remove excess water town centre threatened flooding infrastructure comprises gate situated high street near school water carried town pre cast concrete metres diameter outlet downstream began operation flooding occurred high street environment agency report confirms relief scheme remains good condition continues serve year standard despite success scheme outlying areas town rated increased risk flooding brook climate change increased provision housing vicinity new monitoring station installed nearby data water pressure flood levels collected metal tubes placed river linked box facility providing environment agency extremely useful information use future assessments flood risk industry commerce hundreds years mining important industry area number mines old mills hill thin hilly nature easily worked generations miners worked difficult conditions local remembered museum coming railways particularly bath extension somerset joint railway transformed coal area pit town hill closed despite early 1960s final pit local geological difficulties manpower shortages town successful companies manufacturer classrooms founded run family firm acquired main factory site road town demolished 1990s traditionally hosted industries major manufacturing centre printing packaging people total employment work industry locally following decline mining companies expanded local trading estates sites disused area subsequently developed light industry recent years larger firms disappeared relocated poor transport links cited handicap large packaging company closed social club remains extremely important plant based nearby closed year loss jobs august town largest remaining employer baron largest producer paper bags europe announced closure site occupied years company known locally bag plans larger premises wiltshire promises transfer jobs new site business parks remain busy town share national trading companies including retail outlets town high street free parking inhabitants bath bristol employment shopping ride services elderly handicapped local community set local club community service vehicle trust vehicle use primarily organisations area serving disabled railways town previously served station somerset railway closed second station bristol north somerset railway valley railways separate administered midland railway london south western railway companies later london midland scottish railway southern railway north somerset run owned great western railway stations called station originally called british railways station renamed south short period upper currently restored occasional open weekends engines steam somerset railway heritage trust day hopes operate steam trains mile tunnel remains happen culture railway station stations famous song associated railway slow train lyrics michael flanders music children author prior writing fame sell surrounding area 1930s described experience autobiographical work boy tales childhood published family connection began alexander father arthur grandfather moved island house built early 18th century island centre town family later moved house silver street boy spent summer holidays maiden later described visits suppose fact spent longer months year place imagination true home cinema opened empire building previously brewery closed attempts turn club shop announced january acquired site intended seek planning licensing permission convert pub town left cinema decades cinema brought town new community cinema town hall permanent cinema equipment installed building regular film screenings modern classic films town commemorated sheriff song local somerset band hosts unofficial carnival west country carnival circuit originally travelled main high street road improvements paid larger vehicles years procession held main carnival returned high street following changes traffic layout town free newspaper district journal local weekly paper somerset guardian daily_mail general trust monthly magazine times includes local features valley online community radio district community website residents discuss local issues called people june town lgbt pride celebration event held music scene regular concerts events held town local community buildings local bars popular live music venue town small bar located cellar estate agency high street open october hosts regular concerts local bands regional touring acts open events plays host internet radio station playing local underground rock punk music friday month palm court trio perform free classical concerts town hall choir concerts male voices particular command local following lions club promoter attractions usually held methodist parish churches number thriving local brass bands hosted european open marching band championship saw bands europe visit town murders anthony original writer murders borrowed town adapted caroline graham chief inspector series television series primarily filmed picturesque villages chose looking map somerset believing sounded english filming taken place surrounding parishes names nearby locations producers creating fictional county including main settlement despite occasional confusion link television series religious sites communities old hotel restaurant dates early mid 17th century old building catholic_church holy ghost 15th century barn converted famous architect sir gilbert scott grade listed building local catholic community served monks nearby abbey coming diocese anglican church john baptist tower dating 15th century upper stages 17th century rest rebuilt gothic revival style john pinch younger extended 20th century new chancel lady chapel grade listed building churchyard includes memorial miners killed rope severed john diocese bath wells patronage christ church oxford methodist church town high street celebrated anniversary john travelling based bristol invited support local society man coming middle 1800s congregation original chapel erected road demolished 1990s present church building adjoining hall totally refurbished linked facilities local community local bristol district methodist church north east somerset bath circuit baptist church building hold sunday morning service school order accommodate growing congregation salvation army meet citadel stones cross successful scout group 1st scout group based road providing scouting boys girls week similarly popular guide group short distance away rock hall education schools children include primary john church_of_england primary primary primary addition catholic primary school edge postal address actually neighbouring somerset county council education service local secondary schools hill school approximately students age technology college changed computing college hill awarded second language college school described outstanding respect school received award sport england silver award school foundation status specialist arts college school bath north east somerset win schools silver award number pupils school roll fallen fall prompted school propose federation nearby hill school march called schools partnership place williams overall head teacher schools federation october federation confirmed academy secondary schools awarded good january schools share sixth form called sixth form based sites town served education college valley branch bath college neighbouring serves time students time students college steadily expanded opened 1940s serve somerset community college expanded range programmes established community college works local employers provide training programmes meet needs employers employees ranges short skills workshops higher national sport south leisure centre provides wide range activities including swimming hill school sports facilities town local groups additional leisure facilities constructed including board park new children play area football clubs including play western football league arsenal hill rangers cricket club rugby union team world professional championship held hotel jones notable people peter alexander born actor appeared farm thomas william allies historical writer religious subjects sir frank owner somerset joan founder communist_party great_britain communist helped found daily worker william bees english recipient victoria_cross services south_africa arthur antiquarian don carter bury davies born paralympic swimmer david fisher award winning artist born professional beach player lives town frederick sir general secretary national union teachers harris born actor singer entertainer head united bury born professional beach player great_britain lives town founder ltd long surviving antiquarian professor moore professor geology sheffield university moore born musician kim indie pop band los frederick cricketer george cricketer somerset samuel evans methodist missionary south_africa duncan steel born writer space science karen steel born sir composer principal royal academy music expert founder blood service steve children author arthur author member literary family williams philosopher williams born actor best known appearing game


city city city metropolitan borough greater manchester england named largest settlement covers far larger area includes towns apart population city population administered civic centre current city boundaries set provisions local government act cover amalgamation local government districts bounded south east river forms boundary city manchester manchester ship canal south forms boundary metropolitan bury lie west northwest north respectively parts city lies directly west manchester highly densely populated city consists rural open space western half city stretches ancient known chat moss history human activity stretching age listed buildings city including cathedral scheduled ancient monuments industrial revolution neighbours grew textile industry county borough granted city status city industries experienced decline 20th century parts undergone regeneration especially home bbc north television area university red professional rugby league club super league history metropolitan borough city 20th century creation area long history human activity extending stone age flint arrow heads tools evidence bronze age activity discovered roman road manchester bury passes city bronze roman coins dating discovered british body man discovered chat moss cell dedicated established 12th century created historic county lancashire survived 19th century replaced county country free borough granted charter free borough earl chester cell sold dissolution monasteries 16th century manor house called cell built site english civil war king charles parliament royalist noted territory inhabitants supported charles edward stuart claim kingdom great_britain hosted rode area second rebellion industrial revolution grew result textile industry experienced increase population overshadowed dominance manchester evolve commercial centre way september site world railway accident stop water william member parliament liverpool leg crushed rocket time conversation duke wellington opening railway way train time taken treatment died injuries foot tall surrounded enemy died infection age tour buffalo bill wild west buried cemetery manchester ship canal opened running river complete largest navigation canal world route canal necessary create carrying canal ship canal swing designed sir edward leader williams metres long weighs metric tons long tons short tons start 20th century began decline competition outside survey concluded parts worst country granted city status world war docks regularly bombed decades following second world war significant economic population decline small added city april city county borough abolished local government act replaced metropolitan borough city local government districts new metropolitan county greater manchester city status new district confirmed additional letters patent issued day early 1990s decline slowed prior metropolitan borough creation new local government district courted controversy thought second class preferred new district reference river councillor city county borough objected suggestion stating label dirty river won votes private protest favoured new city citing river pass greater manchester districts doesn touch geography city bounded north bury south west east manchester natural chat moss lies south western corner city covers area square miles km2 accounting city area lies feet sea level moss makes largest area prime farmland greater manchester area spanning hectares acres local nature reserve site biological importance accounts city total area domestic buildings gardens comprise rest roads non domestic buildings south docks home iconic media city home bbc media city large area crosses boundary park city new distributed area separate create new boundaries early 2000s arguably affluent area locally known seen regeneration growth job opportunities available housing 2010s river runs south east lower crescent centre manchester joining rivers turning west meets south route river altered late 19th century form course manchester ship canal ship canal opened forms southern boundaries city climate generally temperate like rest greater manchester nearest weather station miles away manchester mean highest lowest temperatures slightly national average annual rainfall millimetres average hours sunshine hours respectively national averages governance parliamentary city represented members parliament mps long bailey labour south barbara labour graham labour council city_council created administer newly formed local government district shared power greater manchester county council council offices town hall labour_party control council formation council constitution detailing operate performing duties city_council assessed commission judged improving providing services local people overall council awarded star status meaning performing consistently minimum requirements similar local authorities modern metropolitan borough city based county borough city included city centre city entirely absorbed municipal urban districts urban district type local government district covered area addition long existing largely ceremonial annually appointed civic mayor city directly elected mayor electoral representing central west district divided areas central west purposes including planning regeneration housing central eastern district comprises seven riverside urban half district lies partly manchester inner ring road lies area central urban regeneration company responsible urban regeneration area securing billion private sector investment social housing provided homes area west comprises including towns suburban rural half district city_council west desirable prosperous areas greater manchester social housing provided city west housing trust area coat arms coat arms city_council depicts weaving shuttle surrounded bees ship shield flanked lions blue background gold chief taken arms city_council county borough turn took colours earl chester shuttle bees represent industry area settlements benefited textile industry ship borrowed crest borough council represents importance waterways city ship flanked centres engineering lions taken crest borough wearing iron steel chain representing engineering shield topped griffin carrying depicting heads griffin taken crest crest urban district beneath shield reading latin welfare people highest law budget city_council spent total million council spent children services community health social care environmental service housing planning customer support services financial year council income expected consist government grants council tax comprehensive area assessment commission found key priorities improving health reducing crime helping young people achieve level qualifications social services including views minority groups improving skills making cleaner attractive place live census city total population households married couples living person households couples lone parents figures lone parent households national average percentage married couples national average proportion person households higher national average population density km2 females males aged academic qualifications significantly higher england residents born outside united_kingdom significantly lower national average largest minority group recorded asian population number theft vehicle offences theft vehicle population compared english national average respectively number sexual offences compared average national average violence person compared average figures crime statistics recorded financial year averages england crime rate lower manchester population change table details population change including percentage change available census data city existed metropolitan borough figures generated combining data towns villages civil parishes later constituent parts city religion census residents christian jewish muslim hindu buddhist religion alternative religion state religion covered roman catholic diocese church_of_england diocese manchester mid-19th century influx irish people area partly great hunger ireland roman catholic cathedral consecrated reflecting large irish born community time grade listed buildings churches church built george frederick church mary virgin originally built 13th century expanded 15th church site norman period mark church built george gilbert scott grade listed churches church andrew cathedral church john church luke church church philip united reformed church economy docks called manchester docks opened queen_victoria providing docks manchester manchester ship canal linked manchester sea 1970s docks fell decline proved small new larger ships abandoned people lost jobs city_council purchased docks underwent regeneration centre tourism included construction centre people employed jobs retail construction commerce confirmed bbc moving departments new development pier called expected completed create jobs add regional economy years finance professional services tourism culture computer internet based services identified growth industries greater manchester concentrated manchester average house prices city sixth metropolitan greater manchester lower average county areas considerable city park parts park parts ultra modern census residents aged people students jobs looking home family permanently sick disabled economically inactive reasons city high rate people permanently sick disabled higher national average residents city employment industry employment retail wholesale manufacturing property business services health social work transport communications education construction hotels restaurants public administration defence finance energy water supply agriculture roughly line national figures proportion jobs agriculture half national average reflecting city suburban nature proximity centre manchester manchester office business park culture landmarks september city grade grade grade listed buildings city equal second highest number grade listed buildings districts greater manchester manchester grade listed buildings church parish church mary virgin mark church hall hall bridge river cathedral built seat diocese grade listed building tallest buildings mid-20th century residential tower blocks 21st century high rise apartments study professor christopher university suggested manchester climate largely multitude high rise blocks proposed dramatic influence region weather patterns contribute temperature difference surrounding countryside scheduled ancient monuments city oldest iron age fort occupied scheduled hanging bridge border manchester dating 14th century underground section canal built sport home number past present rugby league teams founded red play super league bell stadium times champions won challenge cup experienced previous stretches super league won northern rail cup beating final previously won trophy won national_league grand final beating celtic extra time construction new seat million pound stadium complete named bell stadium home red sale sharks rugby union team lions founded play championship park lane won rugby football league championship times superseded super league won challenge cup times rangers founded won rugby league challenge cup seasons club folded reformed local amateur club support red amateur level city represented rugby league city football cricket teams amateur football team played manchester football league founded mitchell football club changed city founded play northern premier league played central lancashire cricket league respectively play cricket league little play district cricket association play manchester district cricket association city swimming club recent national arena league final finished seventh best country second north west based home pool education overall ranked 75th local education authorities seventh greater manchester national curriculum assessment performance authorised secondary schools respectively higher national average ranked country ninth greater manchester based percentage pupils attaining grades general certificate secondary education including english compared national average high school successful school pupils gaining grade including english school successful level university universities greater manchester ranked times students level student satisfaction university received nearly applications places university undergoing redevelopment investment new facilities including law school building health social care opened drop rate university students graduating gained class degrees national average transport city served railway stations routes northern route liverpool manchester line southwest borough southern route line preston manchester line central crescent served routes station closed suffering fire damage loss patronage favour nearby crescent opened years earlier train services provided northern rail line manchester runs city stations exchange anchorage harbour city broadway line opened stages phase system development bus stations buses run destinations city greater manchester served route preston interchange stop council responsible administration maintenance public roads city twin towns city formal arrangements european places originally place city prior creation france originally county borough saint france urban district france municipal borough germany municipal borough


town greater manchester england stands river douglas miles south west miles north miles west northwest manchester largest settlement metropolitan borough administrative centre town total population whilst wider borough population historically lancashire classical antiquity territory ancient celtic tribe ruled northern england roman conquest britain 1st century asserted roman settlement established lies believed incorporated borough following issue charter king henry iii england end middle ages lancashire possessing royal charters lancaster liverpool preston industrial revolution experienced dramatic economic expansion rapid rise population manufacture clock making major industries town subsequently known major mill town coal mining district coal established peak pit shafts miles town centre mining extensive town councillor remarked coal backyard uncommon coal mining ceased 20th century pier wharf leeds liverpool canal famous writer george book road pier highlighted poor working living conditions local inhabitants 1930s following decline industrial activities region pier collection warehouses local heritage centre cultural quarter stadium home athletic football club warriors rugby league football club teams highly successful sports cup winners successful rugby league time population urban subdivision population history dated 7th century probably originally meant village settlement suggested celtic named person called linked meaning homestead original town recorded variously numerous historical documents little evidence prehistoric activity area especially pre iron age celtic names area indicate celtic people britain active area iron age people believed settled area celtic tribe controlled northern britain 1st century area conquered romans late 2nd century mentions roman settlement called miles roman fort manchester miles fort distances slightly assumed roman possible include latin meaning scarlet colour scarlet cloth meaning cook years chance finds coins pottery provided clear indications roman settlement existed size status remained unknown investigations ahead grand arcade development joint service centre development proved doubt significant roman site late second centuries excavated remains ditches ship yard consistent use roman military possibly formed defences fort temporary camp remarkable remains excavated south area yard opposite foundations large important building discovered roman features demonstrated metres long metres wide constructed stone roof contained rooms including northern presumably formed main entrance structure ground plan presence leaves little doubt bath house timber building excavated joint service centre interpreted block suggests roman fort occupied crest hill taking advantage strategic position overlooking river douglas clear evidence gained excavations important roman settlement certainly place referred anglo saxon period area probably control later early 10th century influx expelled ireland seen place names derives scandinavian meaning evidence comes street names scandinavian origins mentioned book possibly included newton thought mention church manor parish church parish church lords manor sub manor 19th century incorporated borough following issue charter king henry iii john local church rector lord manor borough later granted charter allowing lord manor hold market monday annual town recorded earliest surviving map britain map highlights position main western north south highway distance markers preston edward visited effort region source rebellion edward stayed nearby held court town period days medieval period expanded prospered antiquarian john described town saying paved big better parish church amid town merchants farmers english civil war people town james stanley 7th earl derby prominent influential royalist civil war headquarters forces successfully captured preston failed assaults manchester lancaster attempts capture abandoning attempts secure lancashire took forces isle man secure holdings earl derby absent fell despite fortifications built town captured forces april takeover complete hours town defences broken retreated royalist forces james hamilton 1st duke hamilton occupied defeated oliver battle preston soldiers looted town retreated experienced described great poor town battle lane fought august english civil war command james stanley earl derby marching join king worcester new model army command colonel robert hunting arrived find leaving march manchester force consisting cavalry recognised dangerous engage narrow lanes town decided wait foot soldiers arrive flank town seeing opportunity engage divided force turned engage decided hold ground deploying cavalry lane infantry sides charges hours unable break line forced flee overwhelmed superior numbers stanley injured managed find refuge town david states fall fighting hunted death countryside monument lane marks place sir thomas major general commanding royalist troops fell erected years battle alexander standard bearer described traveller pretty market town built stone brick hall rebuilt funded members borough town hall earliest reference dates 15th century prior final destruction hall rebuilt status centre coal production engineering 18th century led douglas navigation river douglas later leeds liverpool canal canal liverpool leeds originally serve spur transporting cloth food grown west lancashire plain port liverpool construction restarted decades pause coal rising importance intervening years progress industrial revolution route altered request mill owners spur primary route hub transport coal lancashire coal pits liverpool leeds mill town important centre textile manufacture industrial revolution 1800s cotton factories began spread town fast flowing streams rivers area cotton mills william woods introduced power cotton mills mills swiftly infamous dangerous conditions low pay use child labour mill town important centre coal production recorded town sixth lancashire 1830s towns britain served railway line connections preston manchester liverpool railway began dominate cotton town late 19th century lasted mid-20th century town described industrial town occupying greater township whilst factories fill atmosphere smoke second world war boom followed slump textile industry recover town cotton coal industries declined 20th century engineering industry recession working cotton mill mill closed prominently featured george road pier dealt large living conditions england working poor embraced link provided area modest tourist base years regard connection disappointing considering better time writing governance town divided metropolitan borough returning member borough council douglas central west metropolitan council provides local services norman conquest settlement larger parish majority newton august granted royal charter making town free borough happened granted charter manchester borough represented model parliament borough charter allowed taxes transactions borough permitted local establish guild regulate trade borough non members guild allowed business borough permission thought charter changed allowing election mayor time elected presented lord manor choose man mayor year rivalry lords manor borough lord manor complained holding private markets gained revenue rivalry continued 16th century bishop stanley unsuccessfully challenging right hold markets believing right lord manor corporation borough attempted lord manor laying claim felt fulfilling duties lord improve waste common land allowing construction land running courts mining coal compromise reached dividing power parties municipal corporations act town reformed given commission peace borough divided town council members representing ward local parish church lords manor records began september date borough corporation bought rights associated local government act constituted municipal population county exercising borough county powers accordingly county borough april giving independence lancashire county council ward boundaries altered county borough divided area urban district annexed county borough adding extra borough county borough abolished area transferred form metropolitan borough april borough entirety county greater manchester constituent councils greater manchester combined authority parliamentary constituency recreated having covered borough late 13th century seats act constituency returned members parliament mps constituency represented labour_party lisa incumbent member parliament having elected general election council town scheme france geography lies respectively west north miles west manchester city centre miles north historic town forms tightly integrated metropolitan borough districts connected ribbon development areas west lancashire town defined office national statistics urban area total population town manchester larger urban zone according office national statistics time united_kingdom census population population density inhabitants square mile km2 female male ratio years old single married married households included person married couples living couples single parents children aged academic qualifications figure significantly higher average borough england population middle class compared england wales increased compared nationally parallel slight increase middle classes decline working class population working class compared england wales decreased nationwide rest population clerical workers skilled manual workers miscellaneous slow decrease working class goes trend national decline reinforcing perception working class town census residents reported christian muslim hindu buddhist census recorded having religion alternative religion state religion town anglican diocese liverpool roman catholic liverpool economy grand arcade shopping centre opened march construction cost started site casino area pier developed undergoing year project area pier quarter mill centre pier development refurbished house hotel restaurant cafe shops apartments life centre south building opened september housing office accommodation council leisure culture trust swimming pool fitness suite north building scheduled open plans storey tower grand suspended slump residential homes market galleries shopping centre houses shops indoor market power station site transformed recently park business park features large office space transformed creation acre centre operation chinese state owned trading company cost square feet manufacturing research space created estimated jobs represents chinese industry member companies addition offer space development member companies years time allow establishment british subsidiary moving dedicated premises chain headquarters providing jobs town largest food manufacturers europe acre food manufacturing facility largest food processing facility europe sports nationwide sports clothing retailer founded sports shop john later bought expanded businessman dave based town william ltd producer uncle joe mint balls based according census industry employment residents aged retail wholesale manufacturing health social work construction property business services transport communications education public administration hotels restaurants finance energy water supply agriculture mining compared national figures high rates employment retail wholesale england manufacturing england relatively low levels employment agriculture census recorded economic activity residents aged students jobs students jobs looking home family permanently sick disabled economically inactive reasons landmarks long history reflected listed buildings grade grade listed structure cross scheduled monument town borough medieval stone cross probably dates 13th century legend surrounding cross lady wife sir william walking home hall cross week committing evidence legend true record lady married sir william story incorrect hall built site medieval manor house demolished hall surrounded acre km2 country park featuring areas woodland town hall grade listed building designed john park opened chosen design park competition pavilion centre lake heritage lottery fund donated park metropolitan borough council added figure pavilion restored acre park north west town centre receives million visitors year host world festival war memorial unveiled designed gilbert scott funded public donations monument grade listed building commemorates fallen soldiers town world war conflicts plaques bearing names dead stolen year later replaced council funding memorial lane marks site sir thomas died battle lane museum life central library opened year restoration programme began costing million george research road pier today pier quarter heart year regeneration programme began area industrial heritage mill built grade listed building houses steam engine years old restored help heritage lottery fund quarter home pier theatre company founded face located town centre steel sculpture face created sculptor face stands tall cost sport capacity stadium originally called stadium located area shared professional association football club athletic professional rugby league football club warriors moved stadium completion home springfield park warriors moved stadium previous home central park capacity multi use robin park arena located stadium rugby league football rugby football played town warriors originally called formed cricket club provide sport play winter months rugby football leading northern clubs time split rugby football union form northern union rugby league club added warriors shortly rugby league switched summer sport club successful english club sport winning league championships challenge cup titles crowned world club champions occasions club currently play super league liverpool stanley professional rugby league club formed area club didn stay long relocating england times borough briefly played athletic springfield park springfield borough club defunct amateur rugby league popular town rose bridge playing national conference league amateur games level association football association football initially struggled hold non league clubs united 1890s county town folding years creation borough founded town club play football league founder members football league division north club left football league folded replaced year later athletic town current professional football club elected football league club promoted premier league division english football club relegated suffered meaning club currently plays tier english football football league clubs spell division crowned cup champions defeating manchester city final non league football returned town formation robin park club folded years later sports amateur club represents town rugby union international standard swimming pool demolished new pool opened september life centre development original pool built cost million best named town swimming club produced olympic standard swimmers including medal winner june staged motorcycle racing venues stadium home team moved raced lane stadium briefly early 1950s team known hockey team current national champions european bronze club attracts players surrounding areas district league consists teams divisions sailing club operates acre flash mile centre town education home college education college schools include high school john fisher catholic high school guest academy culture known popular music days george george birthplace lancashire dancing troupe gave young charlie professional debut member troupe john jackson john george refer songs local bands gained wider include railway children witness important british rock groups 1990s finding success abroad touring usa famous alternative rock festival band formed members met college casino location weekly northern soul venue began dance hall called empress ballroom casino rose prominence 1970s named best disco world billboard american music magazine building fire demolished following year inspiration dance record baby ford hosted international jazz festival remains centre popular music young people number alternative clubs town centre town music collective exists promote scene help local musicians bands host weekly tudor closed host activities annual hall music festival attracted guests collective offers recording sessions gig advice young musicians early 1990s den popular venue bands acts green day heading play club popular venue demolished town currently host venues putting upcoming local bands including tudor kings electric boulevard hosted annual festival art music literature known north north western festival collective voluntary non profit making organisation festival takes place venues town home annual world pie eating championship usually held harry bar competition held vegetarian option added referred pie said date general strike miners work counterparts surrounding towns forced eat humble pie addition known home uncle mint balls transport lies meeting point primary roads link motorway motorway increased traffic recent years encouraged retail development resulted main roads day situation linked town geography river valleys railway lines road improvement railway stations town centre north western electrified north south west_coast main line virgin trains provides express trains london birmingham lancaster edinburgh glasgow northern rail trains preston regular local service line liverpool lime street serves lines running east west northern rail provides trains connections liverpool central system frequent local services operate operation manchester victoria trains continuing destinations manchester airport line closure october railway station serves area town horse built corporation leased succession private companies operate services steam operation introduced quickly network struggled pay way start 20th century corporation gradually bought operating converted network electric operation network mix standard gauge narrow gauge lines reducing efficiency increasing costs corporation closed replaced buses begun services shown faster flexible operated single route mill town bus fleet painted crimson white colours ornate gold lining outbreak world war buses notable carried exterior advertisements town crest occupying space decks bus operators placed carried green lights enable town night town buses competitor local government reorganisation april corporation transport department greater manchester transport corporation bus garage street use manchester current network local buses coordinated transport greater manchester departing bus station town centre serves district bus station served national express long distance coach services bus companies operating area include manchester north west diamond bus north west travel buses south lancashire leeds liverpool canal pier branch canal connection canal linking manchester


pronounced german north east region france administrative division department town lies ill river kilometres rhine german border located largest total population makes eighth populous town middle ages renaissance largest city region ranked cultural heritage founded 8th century port ill experienced long period prosperity thanks trade wine thriving religious cultural life gradually declined reformation french conquest 17th century town eventually experienced new demographic growth second half 20th century small industrial cultural centre thanks rich heritage includes renowned library imposing pair medieval churches important tourist destination benefits location wine road proximity castle aside medieval old town encompasses nature reserve including largest forests france present town original appeared soon french conquest 17th century town called german pronunciation german mentioned mentioned current german appeared noticed posterior documents french administration forms 17th 19th century town officially known german empire town french fixed origin unclear probably derives words meaning marshes city city marshes reference position grand vast area subject flooding stretches centre mean area city popular myth explains town takes dragon called founded settlement opening nearby valley mountains history birth town mentioned town probably earlier celtic roman origin archaeological findings provide evidence human settlement bronze age large number wood piles dating 1st 2nd centuries discovered chapel suggesting roman settlement time port river ill started appear written documents 8th century market town simply village populated fishermen farmers area estate member family donated abbey end life spent christmas indicates town appropriate buildings population accommodate court troops property von mother frederick duke member house transformed place religious centre founded faith church gave abbey monks opened church house quickly leading dynasty holy roman empire came imperial throne protection strongly influenced local life constituted distinct parish priest limited power prior true head municipality end 12th century dynasty gradually lost power result started decline citizens opportunity reduce prior dominance secure power parish started build new parish church george church designed gothic style significantly larger faith church way end free imperial city frederick ruler holy roman empire 13th century realised dynasty losing power granted freedoms cities order allegiance cities free imperial cities new status able build city walls collect taxes settlers freed german monarch adolf nassau granted constitution amended times regulated local politics new status favoured trade prosperity free cities afraid defended imperial forces conflict occur decided form alliance called comprised cities seat alliance archives kept town centrally located hosted meetings association closed years decline long lost power local nobility gradually replaced century remained religious centre closing established 13th century knights located outside town residence town beginning 16th century noted centre renaissance thanks celebrated latin school martin school alumni school helped spread protestant ideas population local authorities remained faithful rome visited times free city attracted settlers region sought protection freedom thriving economic environment city wall replaced wall erected 16th century city grew end middle ages population estimated fourth largest town local economy reached centered shipping trade mainly hay wine fish glass iron salt road network poor dangerous goods ill river decline decline town started school lost influence troubles surrounding protestant reformation brought instability unrest region town experienced german peasants war sacked mob period lost pre city left alliance replaced moving geographical centre alliance north 17th century main thirty years war seized month long siege surrendered town french allies years later local population long remained predominantly faithful house peace annexation france briefly occupied germans franco dutch war treaties ended war abolished major strategic stronghold french located near rhine controlled access mountains rest france foremost military architect time rebuilt town walls conquest lost strategic importance better located remained garrison town troops stationed helped improve local economy forbidden french authorities largely encouraged catholicism opened new jews expelled town french revolution population extremely conservative opposed change new territorial organisation confirmed decline town distinguished replaced capacity suffered napoleonic wars besieged bombed blockaded german coalition industry appeared early town factories beginning 19th century mills quickly specialised wire making large industrial centre remaining small town limited influence completion railway built france lead significant urban development town walls encircled town significant factor economic demographic franco prussian war annexed new german empire german authorities demolished city walls built new old town french world war thousand inhabitants died second world war liberation took months ended february town recipient war cross war cross experienced steady demographic economic growth population doubled industrial parks built accommodate new large factories service industry enriched town economy 1970s large number small businesses south town large broadcasting facility medium wave range opened ceased january governance head administrative centre including primarily serve constituency local elections 5th constituency national elections member national assembly constituency republican member federation shared main town includes neighbouring villages created replace older similar structure founded seat central pays structure aiming developing area town council granted constitution holy roman empire constitution shaped local political system french revolution town administered france council currently comprises number defined law according size population town mayor elected general stronghold french right main french right wing party republicans currently holds large majority council mayor member party voters generally favour right wing candidates elections governed socialist party geography located centre near limit separating departments traditionally correspond lower upper respectively town located kilometres north kilometres south city located kilometres kilometres rhine kilometres distant lies plains narrow fertile area stretches rhine mountains ill flows parallel rhine crosses river frequently branches swells making area wet subject flooding kilometres opening rare valleys crossing mountain range providing connection rest france valley corresponds course kilometres long tributary ill contrast ill constant annual flow mountain river subject sudden increases water level especially spring period passes north town meets ill kilometers east town built fan slightly higher rest plains territory located areas liable flooding areas located inside natural reserve comprise forests meadows ill forms kilometres waterways transport despite small size connected transport networks economic heart europe high road railway density town served motorway crosses north south connecting south connects swiss motorway north german highway taken roads connect netherlands austria located seven crossings mountains connecting germany train station opened makes oldest france lies railway serves saint louis terminus local railways partly closed ending ending railway runs west runs northwest local line closed oldest france railway allows high speed travel kilometres hour mph crosses flat landscape served regional trains train direction hour local trains run served paris day direction nice summer trains connecting brussels city council operate coach lines marie mines saint des council arranges seasonal connections castle park local bus network transport comprises lines connecting lines stops proper centre network census inhabitants 8th populated having reached maximum population inhabitants oldest preserved birth town catholic parish year oldest vital records état civil year largest towns region middle ages beginning 19th century populous inhabitants slightly higher figure 19th century advantage rural exodus city wall military function prevented urban growth reached inhabitants living hectares acres second world war experience significant demographic growth doubling population years growth strong recover previous rank demographic growth occurred primarily relatively high birth rate period compared france rate progressively declined match national figure net migration figures remained slightly negative central margins metropolitan areas lacked area greatly expanded gradually reach town attractive newcomers population relatively young population france people years old lower national figure significant proportion people compared france attracts large number young couples starting family towns region young adults encourages settle surrounding villages economy end businesses sector large share small businesses employees retail services centre central large shopping park administrative educational institutions industry nonetheless represented large firms builds franchise aluminium packaging battery albany printing industry warehouse material large factories industrial estate located south town centre created 1930s covers site hectares acres newer commercial estate north town developed 1970s dedicated retail cottage industry covers hectares acres town centre important shopping area businesses sights culture terms architecture city richest varied smaller cities 8th populous town region largest cultural heritage listed buildings additional sites french list cultural heritage monuments museums library displays oldest collections medieval manuscripts renaissance books europe core intact library bequeathed city maintained institution holds books belonged latin school educated library inscribed memory world register library open researchers tourists exhibition displaying noteworthy items 8th century books printed copy oldest mention america found document contains oldest record christmas tree museum dedicated bread seat regional institution aim collect contemporary works art cultural institutions events works regularly temporary exhibits places possesses works mario artists religious architecture large remarkable churches middle ages faith church oldest prime example architecture design related similar buildings rhine region built second half 12th century replace earlier building church renovated 19th century medieval death mask found work attributed founder church displayed george church served main parish church referred cathedral size seat diocese construction started soon completed beginning 15th century design pure gothic save portal choir completed remarkable element illuminated stained glass panels date 15th century town disappeared dominican convent retained original appearance built 13th century church convent completely destroyed apart choir church serves protestant church old belonged 16th century built knights built architecture typical region square shape neo ornaments destroyed nazis rebuilt jewish cemetery located outside old town opened 18th century showing christian artistic influence civil military architecture old town comprises large number medieval renaissance buildings des picturesque streets stream flow middle street beginning 20th century trade required large amounts flowing water treating washing animal skins old houses date middle ages tall attic provide space drying leather neighbouring streets des street des street houses covered coat plaster 19th century order hide considered large date renaissance windows characteristic german renaissance architecture belonged abbey large story house beautiful shows interest elite time antiquity partly reflects architectural legacy displays portraits key figures antiquity baroque architecture visible later dating 17th 18th century french classical architecture main feature roof largely employed 18th century reduce costs buildings built timber framing technique considered covered rendering imitating stone german period left examples city architecture prestige oriented style mixture earlier styles including gothic noteworthy post office courthouse water tower height largely inspired water tower netherlands medieval city walls built stages 13th 16th century torn french annexation 17th century towers escaped destruction tour des tower served gate jail tallest tour clock tower originally gate clock elaborate roof added smaller towers seen near ill river integrated later house remains date 13th century new walls built 17th century turn destroyed small portions survive gate good example french architecture louis old main square saint large fine example gothic architecture forest forest designated regional nature reserve covers hectares acres half territory largest forests france lies ill forms complex network site subject flooding characteristic grand flat region located ill rhine serves natural rivers common trees oaks tolerate wet soils table close surface soils hardly freeze winter drought rarely occurs summer nature reserve meadows reed beds common animals include large variety birds amphibians mammals reserve home largest deer population france animal introduced area contains originally pilgrimage destinations chapel built lady oaks dates 15th century rebuilt fire lady peace built anthony founded rebuilt cultural institutions events seat cultural agency seat branch art regional contemporary art fund administered dedicated contemporary art takes place year autumn welcomed artists like daniel ben seat pair inter center conducts documents archaeological field surveys excavations year organised large flower procession old town biggest floral shows eastern france new year theme decorated procession held march remnant old tradition started town festivals dedicated electronic music epidemic experience satirical cartoons spring fun fair summer market procession cultural complex les built inaugurated serves town concert performances hall exhibitions commercial weddings sports noted french club founded football club founded notable people born martin german protestant reformer french politician french surgeon german german printer german german connected died played professionally died twin towns european towns sur belgium merged germany switzerland austria