Symbol of Manchester

The worker bee was adopted as a motif for Manchester during the Industrial Revolution, at a time when Manchester was taking a leading role in new forms of mass production.

Seven bees are included in the crest of the city's arms which were granted to the Borough of Manchester in 1842. The bee denotes Mancunians' hard work during this era and Manchester being a hive of activity in the 19th century.

Bees are recognised as intrinsic part of the eco-system with a vital role to play in pollinating crops.

HMS Manchester was nicknamed Busy Bee after the Manchester bee symbol, and the bee is depicted on the ship's crest, which is also present on the ship's funnel. 

In the early 1970s the famous Boddingtons logo was introduced, depicting a barrel and two bees. 

The University of Manchester's coat of arms features three bees.

The bees are depicted on many structures in Manchester such as lampposts and bollards.

Following the May 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, tattoo shops both in and outside Manchester signed up to tattooing the bee to raise money for charity. It is known as the Manchester Tattoo Appeal.

Mosaic floor at Manchester Town Hall