A TALE of Two Cities was the title of Margaret Curry's presentation to Bury Local History Society this month, but shades of Dickens were soon lifted when it was revealed that the two cities in question were Manchester and Salford.

She began by explaining how the settlements grew on either banks of the River Irwell, linked by crossings still evident in today's place names - Stretford, Trafford, Salford etc.

In AD79 the Romans came and built a fort which they named Mamucium, in an area now known as Castlefields. But in AD411 the Roman Empire was under threat and the legions were withdrawn to defend the homeland. The Mamucium settlement came under control of the Saxon King Edward of Northumbria and its location was moved to a new site close to where the Manchester Cathedral stands today.

In AD620 an overlord was appointed and the settlement became part of the administrative district known as the Salford Hundred, which included much of Lancashire. For centuries the history of the two cities was interwoven.

In 1399 Manchester became a separate borough, while Salford remained a Royal Manor. The Salford Hundred continued to meet (in Manchester) until 1971. Salford had its first church in 1635, witherto worshippers had to cross the river into Manchester.

In 1847 Manchester became a city, Salford had to wait until 1926.

Margaret then turned to her collection of slides and looked at some of the earliest buildings still surviving, in particular Chethams College in Manchester, and Ordsall Hall in Salford.

A map of 1650 shows Salford nestling in a loop of the River Irwell, while Manchester clustered along the river's eastern bank, both settlements of comparable size. But gradually Manchester was growing as a commercial centre and with the coming of the Industrial Revolution the city came to be known as Cottonopolis.

Meanwhile Salford became the poor relation', carrying the burden of industry and the depressing conditions it attracted. Today Salford is a very different place, proud to take part in a new age of industry and technology, and able to stand confidently with her sister city Manchester.

There will be no meeting of the society in August. The AGM will be held on Thursday, September 6, in St Marie's club room, Manchester Road, Bury, at 7.45pm. Details from hon secretary Terry Ashworth on 0161 761 3298.