Credit: John Rylands Research Institute and Library
We’re very proud of Manchester’s literary prowess, what with some of the most famous authors in the world being from our neck of the woods, and having some of the most beautiful libraries known to man. Now, one of Manchester’s very own has been named as one of the top literary landmarks in the UK, amongst some instantly recognisable spots.
A new study by Car Finance 247 has revealed the UK’s top ten literary landmarks, just in time for International Literacy Day on September 8. The research ranked locations based on average monthly search volume, Instagram popularity, TripAdvisor ratings, and entry fees to uncover the ultimate destinations to visit and celebrate the UK’s favourite authors.
Credit: Lasma Artmane via Unsplash The UK’s favourite Manchester literary landmark
Coming in at number six was Manchester’s inimitable John Rylands Library. The neo-gothic structure on Deansgate is one of the most frequented literary landmarks, with high footfall and a great contrast with the neighbouring, uber-modern Spinningfields. John Rylands appeared in the top 10 literary landmarks thanks to its incredible collection of rare manuscripts and its archives, known the world over.
With free entry and a 4. 7 TripAdvisor rating, the Manchester landmark earned an overall score of 35, and we resoundingly agree, of course. Established by Enriqueta Rylands as a library for the people of Manchester, the Rylands opened in January 1900. To create this remarkable library, Enriqueta Rylands spent about £1 million (over £100 million today), wanting it to be a catalyst for the cultural, social and religious advancement of the city.
Credit: Yuangeng Zhang via Shutterstock
Enriqueta Rylands started buying books for the new library in November 1889 – before the builders started work. Her early purchases included a wide variety of valuable printed books and handwritten manuscripts – some are very beautiful, others rare or remarkable. She was very interested in Christian reform but also collected poetry, bird books and history.
Enriqueta Rylands laid the groundwork for a growing library, now home to an astonishing variety of books, manuscripts, archives, maps and visual materials. They include world-class holdings of ancient papyri, early European and Chinese printing, Islamic and medieval manuscripts, bibles and modern archives.
Credit: University of Manchester
John Rylands Library is currently undergoing a £7.6 million transformation, aiming to sensitively protect and evolve the much-loved building, although the library remains open, with areas closing as required while redevelopment takes place.
Other UK literary landmarks
John Rylands Library is in extremely good company in the list of literary landmarks, with the likes of the Black Mountains, inspiration for the Lord of the Rings books, the British Library, and Tintagel Castle, famed for its links to Arthurian Legend, all appearing.
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Closer to home, the gorgeous Chatsworth House came second in the rankings, having been the inspiration for Pemberley in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and is just a stone’s throw from Manchester in Derbyshire – worth the visit, if we say so ourselves. Plus, the lovely Brontë Parsonage also appeared in the top 10 literary landmarks, over in Haworth, evoking the rugged Yorkshire landscapes of Wuthering Heights and the lonely musings of Jane Eyre.
Credit: Steve Swis via Getty Top 10 UK literary landmarks
- Black Mountains, Wales: 70 – Inspiration for Lord of the Rings
- Chatsworth House, Derbyshire: 59 – Pride and Prejudice (Pemberley)
- British Library, London: 43 – Manuscripts & archives
- Mourne Mountains, County Down: 43 – Inspiration for Narnia
- Canterbury Cathedral, Kent: 38 – The Canterbury Tales
- John Rylands Library, Manchester: 35 – Rare manuscripts & archives
- Tintagel Castle, Cornwall: 34 – Idylls of the King/Arthurian Legend
- Ashdown Forest, East Sussex: 32 – Winnie the Pooh
- Shakespeare’s Globe, London: 28 – Reconstructed Globe Theatre
- Brontë Parsonage, Yorkshire: 28 – Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights