Manchester is known for many things, one of which being its beautiful Medieval Quarter. You may marvel at Manchester Cathedral, Shambles Square and The Old Wellington pub as you stroll the cobbles in the north of the city centre, when they’re not packed out with football fans on an away day.
Now, you can celebrate and learn about Manchester’s medieval history, as the free-to-attend Manchester Medieval Faire comes to town this weekend.
What to expect at Manchester Medieval Faire
Explore the Medieval Quarter on a walking tour, meet birds of prey, browse specialist stalls for food, drink and crafts, enjoy music from the Manchester Troubadours, and watch live demonstrations of medieval life by historical re-enactors Historia Normannis. You can also try your hand at scriptorium, while younger visitors can decorate their own sword and shield.
Hosted in partnership with the University of Manchester and Manchester Cathedral, the Faire takes place from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 26 September. Entry is free, just turn up on the day. Tours of the historical Chetham’s Library – the oldest public library in the English-speaking world – will also be available to book for £8.50 per person, subject to availability.
The John Rylands Library will also be running related drop-in sessions, including the opportunity to view a medieval book up close – sessions will take place across the day:
- 11:00am – Discovery Tour
- 11:30am – Print Demonstration
- 2-3pm – Collection Encounter
- 4pm – Introduction Talk
What medieval history does Manchester have?
Aside from the famous Roman remains across Manchester from its inception as Mamucium, Manchester also has plenty of medieval relics left over – in the sense they date back to the years 1066 – 1539.
According to OS Maps, Hanging Bridge is one of the few surviving medieval structures in the centre. Once part of Manchester’s defensive network, it stands today near the Cathedral as a tangible link to the city’s early urban fabric.
Shambles Square is home to historic timber‑framed buildings – including The Old Wellington pub – relocated and preserved after the 1996 bombing. The nearby Manchester Cathedral, with origins stretching back to the medieval collegiate church, enriches the entire area with its architectural heritage and long-standing religious significance.
The site of the current Corn Exchange is said to have been a market dating back to medieval times, and the excavation of the Hanging Ditch area proved to be one of the best medieval archaeological discoveries within Manchester’s city centre in the past 100 years.
Archaeological discoveries included medieval pottery, shoes and other leather work, metal artefacts and an abundance of animal bones. Analysis of the finds has firmly placed them between the 14th and 15th centuries and they possibly reflect early industry in the city.
Find out about these discoveries and so much more at Manchester’s Medieval Faire, from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 26 September.
