In the second part in the Manchester series we’re going to be looking at Medieval Manchester (Mameceaster) and the wilderness years between the Romans and the Industrial Revolution.

I trace the route of one of the city’s most intriguing mysteries – the famous Nico Ditch – once a boundary line between the Saxon kingdoms of Northumbria and Mercia, and also possibly even a defensive earthwork.

Then I head into the city’s Medieval Quarter to look at the Cathedral, Chetham’s Library and the equally mysterious Hanging Ditch. Who knew that the history of such a place could be found by looking in ditches?