(Read Part 1 HERE.)

3: Salford Museum and Art Gallery.

In 1850 Salford Museum opened as the Royal Museum and Public Library; it was the first free public library in the United Kingdom. Its popularity was so high that at first, even though entry to the museum was free, you could only visit via a guided tour. In 1851 Queen Victoria came to visit. To celebrate this Matthew Noble erected a statue in front of the museum of Queen Victoria (one of her husband Albert was built facing her following his early death in 1861) and still stands there today. Noble also had statues in Peel Park behind the museum but they have since been relocated. Other work by Nobal can be found around Manchester, including the Duke of Wellington monument in Piccadilly Gardens.

When Victoria made her visit 80,000 children from various Sunday schools around Salford gathered in the…