Longford Hall might be long lost but an author is reviving it in a new novel about its two most renowned residents.

Longford: A Manchester Love Story is a retelling of the relationship between John Rylands and Enriqueta Rylands. 

John Rylands, Manchester's first multi-millionaire, was in his 60s when Enriqueta Rylands, then Enriqueta Tennant, who was in her 20s, became a companion to his second wife.

Eventually, she became his third wife becoming involved in his philanthropy both before and after his death in 1888 and up until her death in 1908.

Juliette Tomlinson, 48, who lives opposite Longford Park, said the retelling of the relationship was a result of "a perfect storm".

(Image: Juliette Tomlinson) Ms Tomlinson said: "It was a perfect storm one summer a couple of years ago. I was living opposite Longford Park and I was on holiday in Lyon and Lyon is one of the other settings. 

"It struck me there was a bare bones and there was a chance for me to use the bare bones for a love story with characters some of whom were real and some of whom were not real."

Ms Tomlinson is a first-time author and the new novel is the first in a trilogy. She is a third of the way through the next novel while working in publishing.

Originally from Altrincham, the Loreto Grammar alumna told The Messenger what it was like to transition from being the publisher to being published.

(Image: Newsquest) Ms Tomlinson said: "It is nerve-wracking not knowing some people's opinions as there are some people's opinions you really, really value. It is niche so it is not everyone's thing but we'll see, we'll see.

"I am always looking on Amazon and Goodreads to see if anyone says anything about it."

John Rylands died in 1888 and Enriqueta Rylands died in 1908. The couple are buried in South Manchester's Southern Cemetery.

Longford: A Manchester Love Story is out now.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.