most densely populated district in Manchester by 1815

• How did the Industrial Revolution transform the village of Ancoats?

  It turned Ancoats into a maze of factories, warehouses, and canals, with housing squeezed into gaps almost overnight.
• What contributed to the rapid industrial growth of Ancoats?

  The development of canals, including the Rochdale Canal (opened in 1804), facilitated the transportation of raw materials like cotton and coal to Ancoats.
• What were some of the notable textile mills in Ancoats?

  Mills like Old Mill (built 1798-1801) in the Murray Complex and McConnel and Kennedy's mill (powered by steam engines) were among the largest employers, with thousands of workers.
• How did the population of Ancoats change during the Industrial Revolution?

  The population skyrocketed from 11,038 in 1801 to 55,983 by 1861, making it one of the most densely populated areas in Britain.
• What were the housing conditions like in Ancoats?

  Housing was overcrowded, with poor-quality back-to-back houses lacking plumbing. Cheap cellar dwellings became notorious slums, rented out to as many people as possible.