In this period medieval Manchester was centered on the manor house and the church of St Mary mentioned in the Domesday Book.

The castle in Manchester overlooked the rivers Irk and Irwell where the Chethams School of Music stands today.

The Gresle family directly leased land to tenants and created burgage tenements for indirect rent.

In June 1215, Robert de Gresle was amongst the landowners who demanded King John sign Magna Carta in Runnymede.

[5] In 1222, Gresle received a charter to hold a yearly fair in Manchester to be held on the eve and feast day of Saint Matthew,[6][7] which was renewed when the King came of age in 1227.