The Manchester earthquake of 14th September 1111: A re-appraisal of contemporary reports

In September 1777 a strong shock of earthquake was widely experienced in the Manchester area. Thanks largely to the density of population in this area and to the fact that the shock occurred on a Sunday morning when many people were in church, the earthquake attracted considerable attention; despite its modest size, it is one of the best documented earthquakes recorded before the 19th century. Analysis of contemporary literature of the event reveals something of the outlook of the society affected and suggests how circumstances of time and place influence the level of information available about early earthquakes. The earthquake caused minor damage but no loss of life. It is nevertheless shown to be a larger event than previously identified.