Manchester: Birthplace of English Religious Radicalism

1. Birthplace of English Religious Radicalism February 24 to March 3, 2019 Machine at the entrance to Museum of Science & Industry

2. Although London has always been the seat of the Establishment, Manchester has its landmarks as well. Manchester Cathedral

3. But this is the real Manchester, a working class city. “I would like to live in Manchester, England. The transition between Manchester and death would be unnoticeable.” (Mark Twain) Painting by L.S. Lowry in “The Lowry Gallery”

4. It’s no wonder that radical movements had their birth here. River Irwell, Manchester today

5. Just north of town on Pendle Hill in Lancashire County in 1647, a humble young man named George Fox had a vision from God that “a great many people should receive him and his message.” Pendle Hill

6. His vision came true and the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) became the fastest growing religious movement of the time, embracing simplicity, pacifism, and inclusivity. Quaker Meetinghouse in Manchester (not a typical one in its size and grandeur)

7. The Shakers were a Quaker sect that began in Manchester in 1747. Street scene in downtown Manchester

8. Anne Lee, born in Manchester in 1736, joined the Shakers in 1758. She gathered a group of followers who were convinced she was the second coming of Christ. The Shakers espoused radical beliefs of equality of sexes and races, pacifism, communal living, celibacy, simplicity, and separation from the world. St. John’s Garden

9. Henry Newcome started here in 1657 but ended up at Cross Street Chapel in 1694. It was the first “Dissenter’s Meetinghouse”. Present building erected on same site, 1997.

10. Manchester was the hub of the industrial revolution from the 1770’s to 1820’s. Museum of Science and Industry

11. Slavery Museum, Liverpool Warehouses at Museum of Science and Industry

12. Child labour was common in factories and so Sunday School was born to give children an education on their day off. Banner in People’s History Museum St. Matthew’s Sunday School

13. A nonviolent pro social justice protest on August 16, 1819 in St. Peter’s Fields was put down by violence and came to be known as the Peterloo Massacre as 15 people were killed and 600 injured. Banner in People’s History Museum St. Peter’s Square today

14. Humphrey Chetham (1580-1653) was a rich, single businessman who did something radical. He bought this 1421 monastery and turned it into a school for underprivileged boys. Chetham statue in Manchester Cathedral Courtyard of “Chetham’s Hospital” as the school was called.

15. Part of it is now the oldest English library in the world. Library entrance

16. In this library alcove in 1845 Marx and Engels studied English economics. Was it the dearth of religious radicalism in their time that nurtured their atheistic ideals? Sitting in the seats of Marx and Engels

17. Jump ahead a century or more when four working class lads from neighbouring Liverpool stormed the world with radical new music. Where the Beatles got their start Liverpool Beatles Museum recreation of the Cavern Club circa 1957

18. They too dreamed of a radical peace. Beatles Museum Liverpool Museum

19. Jesus died for a radical peace. Art installation at the British War Museum

20. Banner and street installation at People’s History Museum

21. The shrine to another English religion. “Old Trafford”

22. Participants 