The Italian Contribution to Manchester. (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rea, Anthony
• Is Part Of: Folk life. Volume 53:Number 1(2015)
• Page Start: 36
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Italian, -- immigrants, -- community, -- Ancoats, -- Manchester, -- eighteenth century, -- nineteenth century, -- twentieth century, -- twenty-first century; Folklore -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Folklore -- Ireland -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Social life and customs -- Periodicals; Ireland -- Social life and customs -- Periodicals; 398
• DOI: 10.1179/0430877815Z.00000000037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0430-8778

Abstract

Abstract : This project looks for evidence that the Italian people have made a valuable contribution to the city of Manchester, UK. It examines the following areas: the Roman settlement of Manchester; the first wave of immigration in the late 1700s of professional and highly skilled Italians, predominantly from northern Italy; the second wave of immigrants after Italian unification in 1861, mainly from the 'contadini' or farming classes of Italy; the Italian pioneers of the ice cream industry in Manchester; prominent Italian figures in the city's musical culture; notable names of the highly skilled terrazzo and mosaic workers, carvers, and sculptors who worked in the city; the Italian community's devotion to religion; influence on football; service to the armed forces; and creation of businesses from post-war to modern day. By providing concise evidence of Italian activity in these areas, the conclusion is reached that Italian immigrants have made a significant positive contribution to the city.