23/03/2025
The is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic design, resembling a cathedral with its grand stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings. The library was opened in 1900 by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband, John Rylands, a wealthy textile merchant. Today it houses one of the world’s most important collections of rare books and manuscripts, including the St John Fragment (P52) - the oldest known piece of the New Testament, a Gutenberg Bible - one of the first books printed with movable type, together with several medieval manuscripts, early printed books and ancient papyri.
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