‘This Grade I listed masterpiece has not only provided a stage on which the city of Manchester’s compelling history has been played out but also provided some of the leading actors for this narrative. Century after century the stone walls have survived wars and bombings, Henry VIII’s reformation and Queen Elizabeth I’s spy, witnessed the birth of the world’s anti-slavery movement and lived the Industrial Revolution first hand. There are medieval quires and ancient archives, bees on the roof and kangaroos carved on thrones, choristers running to practice and artists drawing in aisles. Classical music concerts served with coffee and wines fairs set to jazz.‘