Gorton Monastery
Gorton Monastery, officially the Church and Friary of St Francis, is a significant example of Gothic Revival architecture in Manchester, England. Designed by Edward Welby Pugin, it was built between 1866 and 1872. After ceasing religious use in 1989 and falling into dereliction, a comprehensive restoration program revitalized the site, reopening in 2007 as a secular events venue and community space.
Key Facts
- ›Built between 1866 and 1872 by Victorian architect Edward Welby Pugin.
- ›A notable example of Gothic Revival architecture.
- ›Originally a Franciscan friary, it ceased Christian worship in 1989.
- ›Restored after years of dereliction and reopened in 2007 as a secular venue.
- ›Listed as a Grade II* building, recognizing its architectural importance.
Gothic Revival
- Grade Ii* Listed Building
- Polychromatic Red and Blue Brick Architecture
- Oversized Flying Buttresses On the South Front
- Statues of Franciscan Saints
- Cloister
- Bellcote
Church and Friary of St Francis
Edward Welby Pugin, Augustus Pugin, Herbert Vaughan, Elaine Griffiths, Paul Griffiths, Peter Paul Pugin, Ralph Bolton Edmundson, Sir Gerald Kaufman, Queen Elizabeth Ii, Prince Philip
- Foundation Stone Laid In 1866
- Consecration In 1872
- Ceased Christian Worship In 1989
- Placed On World Monuments Fund Watch List In 1997
- Restoration Completed In 2007
- Queen Elizabeth Ii and Prince Philip Visited In 2013
- Manchester Camerata Established Its Home In 2021
About Gorton Monastery
Gorton Monastery, officially known as the Church and Friary of St Francis, stands as a significant architectural landmark in Gorton, Manchester, England. Designed by the renowned Victorian architect Edward Welby Pugin, the monastery is a distinguished example of Gothic Revival architecture. Construction began in 1866, with the church being completed and consecrated in 1872.
History and Significance
The monastery was established following an invitation from the Bishop of Salford to a Belgian community of Recollects, a branch of the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor, in 1861. The friars themselves contributed significantly to the initial construction. Edward Welby Pugin, son of the influential Augustus Pugin, was chosen for his expertise in Gothic design, which was considered the ideal expression of Catholic faith in ecclesiastical buildings.
Decline and Revival
After serving as a place of Christian worship for over a century, Gorton Monastery ceased its religious functions in 1989. The building subsequently fell into a period of dereliction, suffering from neglect, vandalism, and looting. Its dire condition led to its inclusion on the World Monuments Fund Watch List in 1997, alongside globally recognized endangered sites. A dedicated campaign led to the formation of the Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Trust, which, after a lengthy process of securing funding, embarked on a substantial £6 million restoration program. This ambitious project was completed in June 2007, breathing new life into the historic structure.
Modern Role
Today, Gorton Monastery operates as a vibrant secular events venue, community hub, and heritage space. It hosts conferences, business meetings, weddings, and various community events. A new "Welcome Wing" was added in 2017 to enhance educational and community facilities. In recognition of their efforts, the volunteers of the Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Trust received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2013. The Manchester Camerata chamber orchestra has also established Gorton Monastery as its new home.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Gorton Monastery built?
Gorton Monastery was designed by Edward Welby Pugin and constructed between 1866 and 1872. The foundation stone for the church was laid in 1866, and it was completed and consecrated in 1872.
What is the architectural style of Gorton Monastery?
The monastery is a noted example of Gothic Revival architecture, inspired by the late 13th-century Gothic style. It features polychromatic red and blue brickwork with sandstone dressing and strong vertical emphasis.
What happened to Gorton Monastery after it closed for worship?
After its closure for worship in 1989, the building fell into disrepair and suffered from vandalism and looting. It was placed on the World Monuments Fund Watch List in 1997 due to its endangered status.
How was Gorton Monastery saved and restored?
A charitable trust, the Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Trust, was established to save the building. Through securing funding from various heritage bodies, a £6 million restoration program was completed in 2007, transforming it into a secular events and community space.
Is Gorton Monastery still used for religious services?
No, Gorton Monastery ceased to be used for Christian worship in 1989. It now operates as a secular events venue and community and heritage space.
What are some notable architectural features of Gorton Monastery?
Key features include its north-south alignment, a polygonal apse at the north end, and an elaborately decorated south front with oversized flying buttresses, canopied statues, and a central sculpted crucifix. The interior boasts a 13-bay nave with lancet windows.
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