The story of the Bradshaw family who lived and worked in and around Manchester spans over 200 years from the mid-eighteenth century and provides a fascinating insight into Britain in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Across the generations we encounter five exceptional men and their families. In the early days they worked hard to make a living but the family made a fortune through good decisions and sound investments. Later generations were described as landed gentry and had great wealth, some airs and graces, a little influence, but no title. Their story is told as fiction but most of the characters existed and many of the twists and turns that shaped the family really did occur. As with most families, some members achieved happier lives than others and adventure and scandal played its part. This is their story and how the recent history of Manchester played an important role in touching all of their lives.