The legendary scientist Albert Einstein’s first UK appearance is one of the remarkable moments recaptured in a new book detailing Manchester’s trailblazing history in science and industry.

Dr James Sumner, a historian at The University of Manchester, rediscovered the story for Manchester: making the modern city, the official souvenir book of the EuroScience Open Forum in Manchester from 23-27 July.

Dr Sumner’s chapter covers the history of science in Manchester from the early Literary and Philosophical Society to the age of graphene.

Einstein was already world-famous when he came to Manchester in 1921. He attracted a packed audience to his explanation of the Theory of Relativity, though he spoke only in German.

A Manchester Guardian report, at the time, talked of cheering after the lecture was over.

The University also gave Einstein an honorary doctorate during the visit. The award, said the Guardian, was a ‘very distinct recognition of the University as a home of science.’