It isn’t every day you get to step back into the year 1421. While most of us associate that era with Joan of Arc or general medieval history, Manchester is home to a living piece of it. This month, for one night only, you can go behind the scenes at the incredible Chetham’s Library after the sun goes down.
Leave the crowds behind and wander through medieval stone corridors, hidden staircases, and ornate wood‑panelled rooms. As the day’s dust settles, the team will grant access to areas usually off‑limits to the public, offering a truly magical, after‑hours perspective on this historic gem.
The story of Chetham’s
Established in 1653, Chetham’s holds the title of the oldest public library in the English‑speaking world. While it began collecting books in 1655, its home is a stunning 1421 sandstone building originally designed for the priests of Manchester’s Collegiate Church. History buffs will know it as the meeting spot for Marx and Engels, while fans of the supernatural might know it as the place where Dr. John Dee allegedly summoned the Devil—keep an eye out for ghosts!
What to expect after dark
This world‑class collection—ranging from royal illuminated manuscripts to personal 17th‑century diaries—is normally reserved for researchers by appointment. However, this event allows you to explore the 600‑year‑old atmosphere at your own pace without a guide. Just a heads‑up: to preserve the mood (and the building), lighting will be kept low.
Event details
- When: Friday, 27th February, from 5:30pm.
- Where: Entrance via the Baronial Hall, Long Millgate, M3 1SB.
- Tickets: £13.50 (book here). Proceeds support the preservation of these medieval buildings. (Ages 14+)
To avoid congestion in the building, visitors will be admitted in groups of 10, therefore visitors are asked to arrive for their chosen admission time.