Deansgate's John Rylands Library was designed by Basil Champneys and was opened to the public in 1900 by Rylands' widow, Enriqueta. Rylands was among the wealthiest figures as a result of Manchester's boom during the Industrial Revolution, and a suitably beautiful design was required to celebrate the prosperity he brought to Manchester. Now a part of the University, the Grade I listed library is often cited as one of Europe's finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture and was one of the first buildings in Manchester to be lit by electricity. The John Rylands Library is an architectural triumph for the city and a wonderful homage to the man who helped put it on the map.
For full details visit:http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/rylands/
