Thirty years ago, today an approximately 1,500 Kg bomb, hidden in a Ford Cargo lorry, was detonated at 11:17am at in central Manchester. It was the largest bomb detonated in the UK since WWII.
Deliberately placed at the corner of Corporation Street and Market Street next to Manchester’s bustling Arndale shopping centre, the explosion devastated the city centre, raining large debris over 800 metres away.
Though the potential for casualties was high, no one died as a result of the explosion, although there were over 200 injuries. The blast and debris caused approximately £700 million in damages (or £1.4 billion today), and hundreds of businesses were forced to close, some never reopened.
Despite this, the 1996 Manchester Bombings is now remembered as a transformative event for the city, a triumph of policing and Mancunian spirit, and a moment observing the closing chapter of the Manchester’s 20th century story.
A New Gallery
To mark the passing of this event, the Greater Manchester Police Museum has opened a new temporary gallery focusing on the events of the day, and the short- and long-term effects of the bombing.
The gallery uses materials taken straight from the museum archives, stored since the day itself, including the police forces’ own photographs of the aftermath, newspaper preserved from the time, and pages from the GMP’s internal newspaper which have never been publicly shared.
Perhaps the best addition to this rich tapestry of media to mark this 30th anniversary is an incredible and moving video starring our own volunteer, and ex A-Division police officer, Ian Mack, which was produced at the GMP museum.
Ian helped evacuate the public to safety on the day in the hour leading up to the bomb’s detonation, and in the video, he reflects on the atmosphere of Manchester leading up to the day, and his experience of the evacuation, the explosion, and how the city came together in a moment of crisis.
Ian Mack’s video can be found playing in the museums Transport Room every open day.
Send us your stories
The museum is also interesting in hearing from you! Were you in Manchester on June 15th 1996? Do you remember the explosion? Where were you when you heard about the bombing? Were you taught about it in school?
Whether you were police or bystander, Mancunian or tourist, and regardless of whether you were old enough to remember it or not, we would like to hear your thoughts and stories.
Contributions will be added to a memory book, which the museum we enter into the museum’s archive for future generations to look back at. You can send your stories and thoughts to the museum using our email police.museum@gmp.police.uk.
Or better yet, come and visit us on one of our open days! The GMP museum is open and free to enter every Tuesday, doors opening at 10:30am and final admissions at 3:00pm.