A free event at Manchester Cathedral during this October half term will offer a rare chance to see the city’s medieval ‘Huntington deeds’ – bringing to life one of the unsung pioneers of the early town.
The medieval papers are normally held in the Hulme Trust Archive at Chetham’s Library and have never before been on display. A project funded by the Hulme Trust has presented the opportunity to share these fascinating pieces of Manchester’s heritage with visitors.
The Huntington deeds are especially important for Manchester Cathedral because they belonged to John Huntington, the first warden of what was formerly the collegiate church of St Mary, St Denys & St George – now the cathedral – in 1422. Not much is known about Huntington today, but the deeds (including a handwritten will) shed some light on his life in Manchester.
There will be two opportunities to see the deeds up close on Thursday 26 October, at 2pm and 3pm, while craft activities including brass-rubbing and make-your-own-seals will run throughout the afternoon. Project Archivist Grace Timperley will be on hand to answer questions and show how the small details – such as wax seals – can tell us more about medieval Manchester.
