This Victorian Gothic-styled town hall is the ceremonial headquarters of the Manchester City Council. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse (1830 – 1905) and opened in 1877, it also houses local government departments, as well as ceremonial rooms like the Great Hall. Key highlights of this place include the Ford Madox Brown murals, as well as the statues of notable Mancunian figures in the Sculpture Hall. Bees, a symbol of Manchester’s industry, can also be seen as mosaic patterns outside the Great Hall. This building is dominated by the 85-metre-tall bell tower, which is the sixth tallest building in Manchester. To the north of the town hall is Albert Square, which contains many monuments and statues as well. This square was laid out for the memorial of Prince Albert (1819 – 1861), of which the largest monument is dedicated to. A wealth of history awaits you at Manchester Town Hall, so history buffs – be sure not to miss this one out!