Chris Makepeace attended Manchester University, was Manchester's Local History Librarian from 1969 until 1973, and then joined Greater Manchester Council to provide historical information on a wide range of subjects. He has taught on many courses and is a regular lecturer and writer on the history of Manchester. He is on the editorial board of the Manchester Region History Review and is author of over 20 books. He has been a member of the Manchester Literary & Philosophical Soc since 1981, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries since 1986. He was chair of the Library Association local Studies Group for 3 years, and chairman of the North West Branch of the LA Local Studies Group. He has written almost 50 historical introductions for The Godfrey Edition, and also sells the maps at many local history fairs.