The Pennine mountains that run up the middle of northern England like a spine. Large deposits of coal and iron ore enabled the area to become highly industrial. Manchester and Liverpool (west; cotton) and Bradford and Leeds (east; woollen goods) Sheffield (south; steel) Newcastle (north; shipbuilding). The achievements of industry induced a feeling of pride and energetic realism. (where there's muck there's brass: wherever there is dirt, there is money to be made)