JOHN RYLANDS LIBRARY

Owned by the University of Manchester, this superb library is an impressive example of the Gothic Revival style of the 1890s. From the outside, it is almost like a haunted mansion on the outskirts of the ultra-modern Spinningfields district. The atmosphere is bewitching and the alleys conceal some historical wonders. Displayed like jewellery in their cases, we find, among other things, the oldest extract from the New Testament, medieval illuminations, writings by the physicist Isaac Newton and documents on the French Revolution... But the most crunchy rare piece is The Wicked Bible. Printed in 1631, the word not was unfortunately omitted from one of the Ten Commandments, so that it can still read: "Thou shalt commit adultery"! Understand who can... Today, there are 250,000 printed works and more than one million manuscripts. The recent extension of the building has been the occasion for an ambitious architectural programme and some white walls have found their place in this former decor. Don't miss the amazing cathedral-like reading room.