Enriqueta Rylands

Born into a merchant family in Cuba, Enriqueta was raised and educated across New York, London and Paris. She arrived in Manchester in early 1860, where she befriended a woman called Martha, the wife of a wealthy Manchester merchant John Rylands. After Martha’s death, the young Enriqueta, married John, then aged 74. Together they adopted two children. When John passed away, Enriqueta was named as the inheritor of most of his fortune and became a major shareholder in his businesses. She founded the John Rylands Library in memory of her husband, which was inaugurated in 1899. Her impact in the community was recognised by many and as a result she was the first woman to be honored with the Freedom of the City of Manchester.

Voice Recording by Emily Bagshaw Written and Produced by Ellie Andrews