Church and State: Emperor Charlemagne's legacy

A new exhibition at The John Rylands Library is inviting visitors to discover how a ruler who lived more than 1,200 years ago continues to influence ideas about power, religion and government today.

Church and State: Emperor Charlemagne's legacy explores the reign of Charlemagne, the medieval emperor whose influence extended across much of western Europe. Drawing on rare manuscripts and early printed books from the Library's collections, the exhibition examines how church and state worked together under Charlemagne's rule and how this model of governance shaped European history for centuries.

The exhibition traces the impact of Charlemagne's ideas beyond the Middle Ages, including connections to the establishment of the Church of England and the continuing constitutional role of the monarchy today.

Developed through collaboration between The John Rylands Library and medieval historian Dr Ingrid Rembold, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to engage with original collection material while exploring questions that remain relevant in modern society.

• Church and State: Emperor Charlemagne's legacy is free to visit at The John Rylands Library from 11 November 2026 until 17 April 2027.