Culture hit: Explore the historic birthplace of the Communist Manifesto with Chetham’s Library Tours

They say that Manchester has everything except a beach – and that’s largely true, especially when it comes to historic culture. Created in 1653, Cheetham’s Library holds the title of being Britain’s oldest public library, housing over 100,000 volumes of printed materials within its ornate and centuries-old walls. For a limited time throughout January and February, the venue’s custodians are giving you the chance to explore its dark, Hogwarts-esque corners and lengthy history via a small number of guided tours led by the library’s expert volunteers, who will be on hand to share little-known facts and stories about this iconic Northern space. In addition to housing collections of work that date back to the 16th and 17th century and over 60,000 works that date back to a time before 1851, Britain’s oldest public library is also the very same place where German Philosophers Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels first met and formed a partnership that ultimately led to the creation of the Communist Manifesto. During these insightful tours, visitors will be able to sit in the same seats where the duo’s research took place and witness the very spot where history was born. Tours take place twice daily at 11am and 2.30pm and are available from £5.50 per person.