Newton Heath was originally a farming community.

The Rochdale Canal passes through Newton Heath and this enabled easier transportation of raw materials and finished goods. Silk was an alternative to the spinning of cotton and engineering also became a major industry. Blackpool Tower was actually made in Newton Heath!

The railways arrived in the 1840s and the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway laid two main lines across the district. Engine repair sheds were opened and this led to the eventual employment of over 2000 workers. Some of these workers formed a football team in 1879 and Manchester United was born!