The Humanist Manchester Tour

Walk preview

1. Step 1: Throughout history, there have been non-religious people who have lived lives guided by reason, compassion, and the belief that this is the one life we have.

2. Step 2: Motivated by these humanist values, many such figures have had a significant impact on the world we inhabit today, including in Manchester - always a hotbed of freethinking, radicalism, and progressive change.

3. Step 3: In 2021, Humanists UK celebrates 125 years since its founding in 1896 as the Union of Ethical Societies. This walk is part of a collection marking the rich history of humanist thought and action in the UK. We hope you enjoy it!

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   Step 4: We start the walk at Holyoake House, named for co-operator and coiner of ‘secularism’ George Jacob Holyoake.

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   Step 5: With Holyoake House to your right, follow Hanover Street to the bottom towards the grand red brick & tiled building with arches at the top.

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   Step 6: This is the Hanover Building. It was opened in 1907 & was designed by the Cooperative Wholesale architect F.E.L. Harris.