John Rylands Library

- Deansgate


John Ryland Library is a historical library, housed in a dark and beautiful Victorian neo-gothic stone building. It is situated on Deansgate, a major street in the heart of Manchester, and is open to public. The building, designed by Basil Champneys, was completed in 1899, and the library opened in 1900. It was founded by Enriqueta Augustina Rylands in memory of her husband, John Rylands. The interior is very dark with many wooden panels. It is said to have inspired the Hogwarts school in Harry Potter. You can find a copy of the Gutenberg bible, the first edition of Ulysees by James Joyce and Papyrus P52, the earliest extant of the New Testament text. In the basement you find historical toilets, and the building feature several stained glass windows, as well as a modern annex that is incorporated into the old building. Realistic portraits, creatures and mythical symbols are carved in the building's Yorkshire and Cumbrian stone material. The Rylands Gallery features 1.4 million items. The Crawford and Spencer rooms consist of rare books and items, bought from these families by Enriqueta Rylands.

John Rylands Library 01 John Rylands Library 02 John Rylands Library 03 John Rylands Library 04 John Rylands Library 05 John Rylands Library 06 John Rylands Library 07 John Rylands Library 08 John Rylands Library 09 John Rylands Library 10 John Rylands Library 11 John Rylands Library 12 John Rylands Library 13 John Rylands Library 14 John Rylands Library 15 John Rylands Library 16 John Rylands Library 17 John Rylands Library 18 John Rylands Library 19 John Rylands Library 20 John Rylands Library 21 John Rylands Library 22 John Rylands Library 23 John Rylands Library 24 John Rylands Library 25 John Rylands Library 26 John Rylands Library 27 John Rylands Library 28