Taste of The Monastery at Gorton Monastery
Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
One of Manchester’s lesser known Victorian Neo-Gothic architectural highlights, Gorton Monastery welcomes visitors to explore the grounds whilst learning about the rise, decline and fall of the community who built it.
Individuals or small groups can book onto the Taste of the Monastery Tour, a walking tour which takes you through the former church, friary and garden before finishing with a tasty lunch in the Victorian pantry. Booking in advance is recommended.
Hear the story of how this magnificent Grade II listed building has been through a £9 million process of restoration and development, after being put on the World Monuments Fund Watch List.
The stunning neo-gothic landmark was, in the most part, built by the Friars themselves.
The Monastery was created by a group of Franciscan Friars who arrived in Gorton in 1861 and took up residence in a Cottage just off Gorton Old Road. The presence of this community led to the creation of Gorton Monastery 10 years after the friar’s arrival. The stunning neo-gothic landmark was, in the most part, built by the Friars themselves. Designed by Edward Welby Pugin, an English architect who specialised in high gothic inspired religious buildings. It was his father who endorsed using the style for places of worship, particularly in buildings used for practising the Roman Catholic faith.
this magnificent Grade II listed building has been through a £9 million process of restoration
Nowadays the grounds and church are used as events space as well as hosting concerts, conferences and talks. It is well worth venturing outside of the city to see the grand scale of the main churches neo-gothic style arches or the detail in the Friary Garden. Free parking is available and the whole building is accessible. Tours run every Monday and Tuesday as well as every 4th Sunday, be sure to check the website for specific dates.
