This is Manchester's oldest building- 1421- Inside the second floor alcove Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels researched their theories of Communism! Here I give an overview of the tour, what people will see and learn, and a quick overview of Manchester before the Industrial revolution. Also health and safety advice.

At the statue of Robert Owen I describe his legacy as the father of the Co-operative movement and emphasis that the process of industrialisation produced many ideas. This was one of the first

Off Balloon Street one of the world's first hot air balloon flights happened. I discuss why not all inventions are significant. In fact before late 18th century Manchester, most made no economic difference at all.

The site where the industrial revolution took physical form is now mere rubble. Once the world's first factory stood here. Why is there no evidence of such a momentous place. I explain. You'll be stunned!

On Thomas Street stands an unassuming but rare house. Built in 1785 its façade has never been altered, making it unique in Manchester and rare in the UK. More, we know who lived here in the late 18th and 19th centuries giving a fascinating insight to Manchester away from smokey factories!

One of Manchester's oldest streets. It used to be a river. It is still there deep beneath us. IT has a strong connection to animals!

Our first stop on this street is New Cross. For centuries where workers came to protest and riot over bread, the vote and mechanisation. Like London's Speaker's Corner, but with added violence.

One of Manchester's oldest pub's. It was crucial to the development of banking and insurance infrastructure in the city.. the back rooms where deals were made remains!

In 1851 this was probably the most densely populated place on the planet. Friedrich Engels gave a vivid descriptions of it in his key work Conditions of the Working Class in England. What is there now? Why is it called Anita Street?

Drink, alcoholism and the temperance movement in the Industrial Revolution: Why beer made sense and pubs were vital. Also a strange tale about ice cream

The Rochdale canal was a game changer. Connecting Manchester to the east and west coasts. From now on it becomes the commercial capital of the industrial revolution, as manufacturing moves away

Piccadilly Basin was once the goods in, goods out yard to the world. It connected canals to the railways. Today it features the city's oldest warehouse a beautifully restored building featuring some clever engineering

On Port Street in a late 18th century cottage just like five surviving examples the Industrial Revolution's greatest Engineer established his workshop...who was he?

In 1853 the Watts building opened and it remains one of the most stunning buildings in the city. I'll explain why

The Athenaeum and its sister building the Manchester Art Gallery; where great art and thought collided, and a the plot hatched for (possibly) the greatest art exhibition of all time!

St Peter's Square where the fight for the vote is bookended by two memorials- to a massacre and a brilliant woman!

Civic power and pride represented in architecture -the iconic Manchester Town Hall

Manchester's 'power street' where politics, money...and shopping meet!

Decline and fall - why the Royal Exchange represents both the beginning and end of Manchester's industrial revolution epic. Also conclusion and farewell!