Founded in 1421, the Collegiate Church of Manchester, which became a cathedral in 1847, is of outstanding historical and architectural importance. But until now it has not been the subject of a comprehensive study. Appearing on the 600th anniversary of the Cathedral's inception by Henry V, this book explores the building's past and its place at the heart of the world's first industrial city. The fascinating story takes in some of the most important events in British history, including the Reformation, the Industrial Revolution, Peterloo and two world wars, while introducing a series of remarkable wardens and bishops, from the philosopher and alchemist John Dee (1595-1609) to the liberal reformer James Fraser (1870-85) and the socialist theologian William Temple (1921-29). The book concludes with a set of themed chapters that examine the Cathedral's architecture, music, memorials, misericords and stained glass. Written by a team of renowned experts and magnificently illustrated with more than 100 photographs, this history of the Collegiate Church is at the same time a history of the English church in miniature.