Sunday morning has a post-party, hung-over induced quiet that no other morning of the week can provide. This past Sunday was sunny, warm and glorious. I got out an hour early before church services and walked around the city. The only people out were the street-sweepers, people rushing to Starbucks for their caffiene fix, and others dressed in their Sunday best. I walked a long way down Deansgate, which is usually so crowded with pedestrian and auto traffice that it's a little daunting, turned around and came back toward the cathedral.
These two building, along with the cathedral are in the Medieval part of Manchester. The one on the left is the Old Wellington Inn, serving drinks and food all day long. Next to it is Sinclairs Oyster House. You should see these places after work. They're packed. I haven't been brave enough to go inside either one of them, as we're not big drinkers and pubs still hold a mystique for me. I don't ever see families around them, which is the only way we'd approach them.
These are the oldest buildings in Manchester, dating to the 16th century. The survived the blitz, the IRA bombing and two moves. The 15th century Courthouse and Town Hall stood up the road, as well as the Market Cross, stocks, pillory and whipping post. They were removed in 1815.
On the other side of the cathedral is Chetham's Music School, with the oldest and first free public libary in England. It has over 100,000 books, half published before 1850. The church is offering a tour through the library for members. If there's a spot open on the 9th, I'd love to tag along, maybe take some pictures.
