An integral part of Manchester’s history has finally been officially celebrated, with Ancoats being recognised as a historical site of Italian heritage.
The area had already been commonly known as ‘Manchester’s Little Italy’, after being moulded by the Italian immigrants who settled in the area in the 19th century.
Leaving various regions of Italy due to economic and political uncertainty, these families would go on to shape the Mancunian suburb—notably pioneering the entire British ice cream industry—with their influence still shining through today.
Now, after months of campaigning by Lily Mott, whose family was one of numerous operating ice cream businesses in the area, a plaque has been installed on the side of Halle at St Michael’s on George Leigh Street.
After 22 months, hundreds of emails, a few applications, securing funding and a global pandemic…IT’S UP!!!!!
Ancoats is Little Italy.. and this plaque finally recognises that. The Italian community was, and continues to be, a huge part of Manchester’s history 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/WYJ8absviJ
— Lily Mott (@_raviolily) December 8, 2021
“After 22 months, hundreds of emails, a few applications, securing funding and a global pandemic…IT’S UP!!!!! Ancoats is Little Italy.. and this plaque finally recognises that. The Italian community was, and continues to be, a huge part of Manchester’s history” Lily wrote on Twitter.
Photo credit: Lily Mott
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Fri 10 Dec 2021
