Historically part of Lancashire, Bury grew rapidly during the Industrial
Revolution as a mill town producing textiles alongside many other
expanding towns in the area and now lies within Greater Manchester. The
town is well known for its large traditional open-air market, one of the
best in the country, which draws large numbers of visitors. The
industrial legacy of Bury is still visible, with the Manchester, Bury &
Bolton Canal, the remaining factories and mills and areas of terraced
housing, but following decline in the textile industry and other
manufacturing in recent decades, the shopping centre was rebuilt in the
1960s and 1970s and has been subsequently rebuilt again, with housing
areas extended outwards, linked to Manchester by the Metrolink tram
service. In spite of the many changes that have occurred in Bury the
town has retained its identity and most of its historical buildings.
This fascinating selection of old and new images of Bury will be
essential reading for all those who know the town and the area.