Formal notice will be sent to members closer to date!

We are delighted to finally have the opportunity to visit one of Manchester’s ironing buildings, The John Rylands Library on Deansgate.

The John Rylands Library is one of the most stunning library buildings in the world, located on Deansgate in the heart of Manchester. Opened in 1900, it was built by Enriqueta Rylands as a memorial to her late husband, the wealthy textile merchant John Rylands.

The building itself is a masterpiece of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture, designed by architect Basil Champneys. Its soaring vaulted ceilings, ornate stonework, and stained glass windows give it an almost cathedral-like atmosphere, making it as much a work of art as a place of scholarship.

The library houses one of the world's finest collections of rare books and manuscripts, including the St John's Fragment — believed to be the oldest surviving piece of New Testament writing in Greek, dating to around 125 AD. Its collections span thousands of years and include medieval illuminated manuscripts, early printed books (incunabula), and extensive archives.

Now part of the University of Manchester, the library is free to visit and welcomes both researchers and the general public. It regularly hosts exhibitions and events, making it a vibrant cultural destination as well as an academic resource. It's widely considered one of Manchester's greatest treasures and a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or literature.

Further details about the Library can be found on their website - LINK