First and second year Students from the English department studying both English Language and English Language and Literature combined courses, visited the John Rylands Library in central Manchester recently.

The John Rylands Library was designed in 1889 and on its completion, was opened to the public in 1990. Following its £17 million refurbishment in 2003 it remains,

one of the world’s finest collections of rare books and manuscripts. (Manchester Libraries)

Not only were students able to explore the architectural building itself, they also attended a seminar on the history of the English Language. Students had the privilege of seeing up-close some of the rarest and most significant books in the history of the English language. These included a first edition of Dr Samuel Johnson’s 1755 Dictionary, and an original William Caxton work from the medieval period, one of the first printed books in English.

Over hundreds of years, the English Language has evolved and changed, making it one of the most fascinating subjects to study. The English language is 3rd in the world with the most native speakers, behind China and Hindi-Urdu, according to the Washington Post. Students at Ashton Sixth Form College explore both spoken and written language, discover and analyse the many forms of language, as well as getting involved with creative writing.

Find out more about studying English at Ashton Sixth Form College here.