The High Altar of Gorton Monastery (Church of St Francis, Manchester)

Design and Original Construction (1860s–1885) The former Church of St Francis (Gorton Monastery) is a High Victorian Gothic masterpiece designed by Edward Welby Pugin in the 1860s. The church’s crowning feature is its high altar and towering reredos at the north end of the nave, which became the focal point of the interior. Notably, the […]

Help us to restore organ music to the Monastery

An 8-minute read “There’s nothing as soothing to the soul, than the tones of an organ of old. By whispering a prayer with celestial sound, we catch a glimpse of heaven around.” We’re fundraising for the next important chapter in the restoration of our much-loved heritage site. Editor’s update: We have now raised the funds […]

Book Review: Gorton Monastery 1861-1961

Subject: Victorian Manchester; Manchester history; Manchester heritage; Franciscan history. By Father Justin McLoughlin; reviewed by Janet Wallwork, published 1961 (Historical Reprint Series). Gorton Monastery 1861-1961: The story of 100 years of the Friary, Gorton, Father Justin McLoughlin, Monastery Publications (Historical Reprint Series), 46p, £2.99. First published in 1961. ISBN 978-0-95714-841-3 In 1861, a small group […]

Book Review: Assisi to Gorton

A 2-minute read. Subject: Victorian Manchester; Manchester history; Manchester heritage; Franciscan history. By Father Agnellus Andrew; reviewed by Janet Wallwork, published 1938 (Historical Reprint Series). Assisi to Gorton: A brief record of the work of the Franciscans in England, and especially their work in Gorton, 1861-1938, Father Agnellus Andrew, Monastery Publications (Historical Reprint Series), 108p, […]