Bury

Bury is a town in Greater Manchester, England, sitting along the River Irwell with a large open-air market of more than 300 stalls forming the center of town life. The town center mixes 19th-century commercial buildings, cobbled lanes, and a shopping center beside the market grounds.

The settlement is mentioned as early as the 10th century and received market rights during medieval times, shaping its role ever since. Throughout the 1800s, cotton spinning mills opened across the area, drawing workers from the wider region.

The name derives from Old English byrig, meaning a stronghold or fortified place, reflected in the layout of the older streets near the parish church. On Saturdays, families come through the market lanes in large numbers, stopping at stalls selling everything from cheese to curtain fabric.

Visiting on Wednesdays, Fridays, or Saturdays gives access to the full market when most traders set up their stalls. The center is easily walkable, with pedestrian bridges crossing the river to connect different parts of town.

The local specialty, black pudding, is still made and sold at market stalls following traditional recipes passed down through generations. Visitors can taste it fresh off the grill or buy it raw to prepare at home.