Rare Footage Captured Street Scenes of Manchester in the Edwardian Era

These scenes of Market Street, still Manchester's busiest shopping area, encapsulate the bustling energy of the city centre in the Edwardian era. The film offers rich insights into various aspects of urban life, including the growing confidence of women, who are shown wandering freely around the city centre.

1901 saw the inauguration of the city's first electric tram route, which would soon replace the horse-drawn method depicted here. Showman A.D. Thomas is seen distributing tickets for the forthcoming travelling film show to pedestrians.