Yes, the John Rylands Library is free to visit, but this is the only tour which goes that much further, properly explaining the secrets and features of one of the world’s greatest libraries – Manchester’s No. 1 attraction on TripAdvisor – thanks to the success of a 19th century Lancashire cotton merchant who became the richest man in the region.

This the only tour that explains in detail the architecture, recalls the horrific slum in which the library was deliberately built in the 1890s, and outlines why the statues inside were chosen, in particular that of the 17th century pioneer whose work led to the creation of Manchester.

There are some extraordinary stories: of buried treasure, graverobbing and burnings at the stake.

We also visit the city centre's only Protestant church and the Royal Exchange in searching out the most interesting links between John Rylands and Manchester.

So, yes the tour is not free, but one plastic note passed to the guide will reveal to you the meticulous research carried out by Ed Glinert, Manchester's most prolific tour guide, author of HarperCollins' religious epic "Martyrs & Mystics" and a host of other volumes for Penguin, Bloomsbury and Random House.