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The Public Tours Programme 2018, Gift Vouchers & Other Information
There's a calendar of tours and events here
EXCLUSIVE: Chetham's Library and Medieval Buildings
The finest examples of their date and type in the country. These buildings from 1421 are utterly enchanting, the book collection in the library is stunning, and the associations with the great and the good very deep.
17 November, 24 November (there is only one tour at 12.30pm on 24 November), 1 December, 8 December, 15 December, 12 January, 19 January, 26 January, 2 February, 9 February, 16 February, 23 February.
The 15 December tours will be a Christmas Special and include seasonal books and material to view and suitable refreshments.
Book here
Incredible Interiors Tours
Saturday 2 March, 3pm
Book here
EXTRA DATES ADDED
EXCLUSIVE: Mayfield Station Tours: Including Manchester’s Most Spectacular Abandoned Building
Sunday 30 September 3pm, Sunday 7 October 3pm, 25 November 1pm, 2 December 1pm, 9 December 1pm, 13 January 1pm, 27 January 1pm, 10 February 1pm, 17 February 1pm.
Book here
Suffragettes, Women and Manchester
Friday 14 December
6pm
Book here
The Definitive Northern Quarter & Ancoats Tour
Remarkable people, buildings and places
Saturday 8 December 3pm
Book here
EXCLUSIVE: Manchester's Haunted Under and Over Tour
It's back, better than ever.
Sunday 20 January, Sunday 10 February, Sunday 3 March
3pm
Book here
EXCLUSIVE: Principal Hotel Tours (formerly The Refuge Assurance Company)
Tour Dates: Saturday 1 September 10.30am; Saturday 15 September 10.30am; Saturday 20 October 3pm; Saturday 24 November 3pm; Saturday 12 January 3pm; Saturday 9 February 3pm
Book here
The Engels and Marx Tours 2019
3pm Saturday 23 February, 3pm Sunday 5 May, 6pm Thursday 28 November, 6pm Wednesday 28 August, 3pm Saturday 30 November
Book here
April Fool's Day Tour, aka The Incredibly Serious With No Fun, Honest, Tour
Monday 1 April 6pm
Book here
The Irk Valley and Angel Meadow tour
Saturday 11 May 3pm
Book now
Chapel Street: Inside and Out
Saturday 22 September 5pm
The Peterloo Massacre and how it changed British history
Friday 16 August, 6pm
The Surprising Manchester Series: Whalley Range & Alexandra Park
Crazy suburban tales
11am, Saturday 13 October
Book now
The Surprising Manchester Series: Old Trafford
The Greatest Art Exhibition ever, Botanical Gardens and Mighty Sport
Saturday 10 November, 3pm
Book here
The Surprising Manchester Series: Chorlton
Intrigue, song, big plans and politics
Saturday 19 January, 3pm
Book here
The Pub Tour
Thurs 6 December
Book here
The Surprising Manchester Series: Bradford & Clayton
A Historic House, Coal, Football and a glorious interior
Saturday 21 July - 12.30pm
Book here
Britain's Only Tour of Uninteresting Objects
Saturday 9 February, 3pm
Book here
The finest examples of their date and type in the country. These buildings from 1421 are utterly enchanting, the book collection in the library is stunning, and the associations with the great and the good very deep.
17 November, 24 November (there is only one tour at 12.30pm on 24 November), 1 December, 8 December, 15 December, 12 January, 19 January, 26 January, 2 February, 9 February, 16 February, 23 February.
The 15 December tours will be a Christmas Special and include seasonal books and material to view and suitable refreshments.
Book here
Incredible Interiors Tours
Saturday 2 March, 3pm
Book here
EXTRA DATES ADDED
EXCLUSIVE: Mayfield Station Tours: Including Manchester’s Most Spectacular Abandoned Building
Sunday 30 September 3pm, Sunday 7 October 3pm, 25 November 1pm, 2 December 1pm, 9 December 1pm, 13 January 1pm, 27 January 1pm, 10 February 1pm, 17 February 1pm.
Book here
Suffragettes, Women and Manchester
Friday 14 December
6pm
Book here
The Definitive Northern Quarter & Ancoats Tour
Remarkable people, buildings and places
Saturday 8 December 3pm
Book here
EXCLUSIVE: Manchester's Haunted Under and Over Tour
It's back, better than ever.
Sunday 20 January, Sunday 10 February, Sunday 3 March
3pm
Book here
EXCLUSIVE: Principal Hotel Tours (formerly The Refuge Assurance Company)
Tour Dates: Saturday 1 September 10.30am; Saturday 15 September 10.30am; Saturday 20 October 3pm; Saturday 24 November 3pm; Saturday 12 January 3pm; Saturday 9 February 3pm
Book here
The Engels and Marx Tours 2019
3pm Saturday 23 February, 3pm Sunday 5 May, 6pm Thursday 28 November, 6pm Wednesday 28 August, 3pm Saturday 30 November
Book here
April Fool's Day Tour, aka The Incredibly Serious With No Fun, Honest, Tour
Monday 1 April 6pm
Book here
The Irk Valley and Angel Meadow tour
Saturday 11 May 3pm
Book now
Chapel Street: Inside and Out
Saturday 22 September 5pm
The Peterloo Massacre and how it changed British history
Friday 16 August, 6pm
The Surprising Manchester Series: Whalley Range & Alexandra Park
Crazy suburban tales
11am, Saturday 13 October
Book now
The Surprising Manchester Series: Old Trafford
The Greatest Art Exhibition ever, Botanical Gardens and Mighty Sport
Saturday 10 November, 3pm
Book here
The Surprising Manchester Series: Chorlton
Intrigue, song, big plans and politics
Saturday 19 January, 3pm
Book here
The Pub Tour
Thurs 6 December
Book here
The Surprising Manchester Series: Bradford & Clayton
A Historic House, Coal, Football and a glorious interior
Saturday 21 July - 12.30pm
Book here
Britain's Only Tour of Uninteresting Objects
Saturday 9 February, 3pm
Book here
'Went to yet another Jonathan Schofield's tour, this time about abandoned Mayfield railway station. Who else could get you into an abandoned building - and share amazing stories in meantime?' Anna Godakanda, 26 July, 2018
'This is such an interesting tour - I can highly recommend it - if you love history and you love Manchester and want to get it glued together by an amazing wordsmith than this tour is one not to miss!' Patrick Wetzels after an Engels tour, November, 2017
'Thanks once again for the wonderful Chetham's tour the other week. Thanks again,' Francis French, 26 September, 2017
"Great and provocative talk, you are the man-machine of Manchester's history!" Janine Watson, Consultant, 16 June 2017
"Everyone loved the tour you did for us and the wife of the Secretary General of Nova (Nova Paints, USA) gave it a 10 out of 10." Paddy Dyson, Marketing Manager, HMG Paints Ltd, 8 June, 2017
"I just wanted to drop you a line to say many thanks for the tour on Friday, it was absolutely superb! I’ve had so many positive comments, everyone enjoyed it and you are a fantastic guide!" Joanne Ormerod, Arcadis, 10 April 2017
"Thank you for that great tour you did yesterday - the students loved it and I learned a lot. I have told other colleagues about you so they can perhaps use you on their units." Dr Joan Ormrod, Programme Leader FMS BA (Hons), Senior Lecturer, Department of Media, Manchester Metropolitan University. January 2017.
"Jonathan gave us a brilliant introduction to the social and historic landscape of 1819 through his lively and engaging guiding around the city. Using the geography and architecture of Manchester, he was able to bring to life the political complexities and historic details that led to the Peterloo Massacre. And the whole tour was further animated by his reading from poetry of the era and illuminating stories, shared on the streets as we stood in the footsteps of the protestors of 1819. A memorable walk through times past."
Liz Pugh, Creative Producer, Walk the Plank, November 2016.
'I went on the Chetham's tour and I really think it was the greatest tour I've been on in the world.'
Christine Smyth, October 2016
'Thanks so much. They really loved it. Needless to say will be using your services again and again.'
Amanda Kaye, Landis+Gyr, September 2016
'I just wanted to say a BIG thank you for providing our group with your walking tour in Manchester on Thursday. The group loved it and we've had some really great feedback. We'll be sure to get in touch if when we have another event in Manchester.'
Victoria Eaton, Clive Experiental Events Agency, September 2016
'Just wanted to say thank you for your tour on Saturday. Your knowledge, wit and passionate approach had me totally engaged from the second you started. I look forward to joining you on future tours.Thanks again.'
Kerry Wroe, Manchester Visitor Centre Service Leader
'I highly recommend Jonathan Schofield's ace Manchester walking tour.' Katharine Viner, Editor-in-Chief, The Guardian, July 2015
'They said it was the best city tour they had ever done. A big thank you.' Karen Duncalf, Akros Chemicals, Trafford Park. 16 June 2015
'Inspiring and brilliant tours of #manchester by the awesome @JonathSchofield. A top ten for a @VisitMCR surely...?' UrbanBubbleUK, Emma Riley, 8 August.
'I thought it was a cracking evening, both my team and clients thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The interesting and funny historic stories were absolutely fantastic. Many thanks and rest assured I will be contacting you again later in the year for a repeat event. Will definitely recommend your services to colleagues and clients.' Paul Pilling, Machinery & Business Assets, Bilfinger GVA. July 2015
'Would like to say thanks for yesterday's tour. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the walk, the little quiz at the end, the stories and the commentary. Great event.' Caroline Clayton, Phagenesis Manchester.
'Thank you on behalf of all our members for the excellent walk you guided us on yesterday. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and especially your knowledge and the way in which you put the information across to us. A great day.' Cliff Wright, Hale. 18 August, 2015
Gift vouchers are available for tours.
For most tours just turn up and pay although pre-bookings will have priority. Corporate tours and educational tours are also available. For gift vouchers for presents and celebrations click here. To pay for tickets in advance, pay via Paypal to my address jgschofield@icloud.com specifying which tour you wish to take part on.
Or email jgschofield@btinternet.com On most walks you can always just turn up and join the tour as well.
CONTACT: call me on 07876235638, email me on event@jonathanschofieldtours.com
Follow me on Twitter @JonathSchofield
'This is such an interesting tour - I can highly recommend it - if you love history and you love Manchester and want to get it glued together by an amazing wordsmith than this tour is one not to miss!' Patrick Wetzels after an Engels tour, November, 2017
'Thanks once again for the wonderful Chetham's tour the other week. Thanks again,' Francis French, 26 September, 2017
"Great and provocative talk, you are the man-machine of Manchester's history!" Janine Watson, Consultant, 16 June 2017
"Everyone loved the tour you did for us and the wife of the Secretary General of Nova (Nova Paints, USA) gave it a 10 out of 10." Paddy Dyson, Marketing Manager, HMG Paints Ltd, 8 June, 2017
"I just wanted to drop you a line to say many thanks for the tour on Friday, it was absolutely superb! I’ve had so many positive comments, everyone enjoyed it and you are a fantastic guide!" Joanne Ormerod, Arcadis, 10 April 2017
"Thank you for that great tour you did yesterday - the students loved it and I learned a lot. I have told other colleagues about you so they can perhaps use you on their units." Dr Joan Ormrod, Programme Leader FMS BA (Hons), Senior Lecturer, Department of Media, Manchester Metropolitan University. January 2017.
"Jonathan gave us a brilliant introduction to the social and historic landscape of 1819 through his lively and engaging guiding around the city. Using the geography and architecture of Manchester, he was able to bring to life the political complexities and historic details that led to the Peterloo Massacre. And the whole tour was further animated by his reading from poetry of the era and illuminating stories, shared on the streets as we stood in the footsteps of the protestors of 1819. A memorable walk through times past."
Liz Pugh, Creative Producer, Walk the Plank, November 2016.
'I went on the Chetham's tour and I really think it was the greatest tour I've been on in the world.'
Christine Smyth, October 2016
'Thanks so much. They really loved it. Needless to say will be using your services again and again.'
Amanda Kaye, Landis+Gyr, September 2016
'I just wanted to say a BIG thank you for providing our group with your walking tour in Manchester on Thursday. The group loved it and we've had some really great feedback. We'll be sure to get in touch if when we have another event in Manchester.'
Victoria Eaton, Clive Experiental Events Agency, September 2016
'Just wanted to say thank you for your tour on Saturday. Your knowledge, wit and passionate approach had me totally engaged from the second you started. I look forward to joining you on future tours.Thanks again.'
Kerry Wroe, Manchester Visitor Centre Service Leader
'I highly recommend Jonathan Schofield's ace Manchester walking tour.' Katharine Viner, Editor-in-Chief, The Guardian, July 2015
'They said it was the best city tour they had ever done. A big thank you.' Karen Duncalf, Akros Chemicals, Trafford Park. 16 June 2015
'Inspiring and brilliant tours of #manchester by the awesome @JonathSchofield. A top ten for a @VisitMCR surely...?' UrbanBubbleUK, Emma Riley, 8 August.
'I thought it was a cracking evening, both my team and clients thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The interesting and funny historic stories were absolutely fantastic. Many thanks and rest assured I will be contacting you again later in the year for a repeat event. Will definitely recommend your services to colleagues and clients.' Paul Pilling, Machinery & Business Assets, Bilfinger GVA. July 2015
'Would like to say thanks for yesterday's tour. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the walk, the little quiz at the end, the stories and the commentary. Great event.' Caroline Clayton, Phagenesis Manchester.
'Thank you on behalf of all our members for the excellent walk you guided us on yesterday. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and especially your knowledge and the way in which you put the information across to us. A great day.' Cliff Wright, Hale. 18 August, 2015
Gift vouchers are available for tours.
For most tours just turn up and pay although pre-bookings will have priority. Corporate tours and educational tours are also available. For gift vouchers for presents and celebrations click here. To pay for tickets in advance, pay via Paypal to my address jgschofield@icloud.com specifying which tour you wish to take part on.
Or email jgschofield@btinternet.com On most walks you can always just turn up and join the tour as well.
CONTACT: call me on 07876235638, email me on event@jonathanschofieldtours.com
Follow me on Twitter @JonathSchofield
Here's my favourite quote about Manchester in its nascent industrial days from Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society in 1875. Its meaning is self-evident and although it refers to science the sentiment applies to every other field of endeavour.
‘Men, however great their learning often become indolent and unambitious to improve in knowledge for want of associating with others of similar talents and improvements. But science, like fire, is put in motion by collision. Where a number of such men have frequent opportunities of meeting and conversing together, thought begets thought, and every hint is turned to advantage. A spirit of enquiry glows in every breast.’
‘Men, however great their learning often become indolent and unambitious to improve in knowledge for want of associating with others of similar talents and improvements. But science, like fire, is put in motion by collision. Where a number of such men have frequent opportunities of meeting and conversing together, thought begets thought, and every hint is turned to advantage. A spirit of enquiry glows in every breast.’