The intriguing story of Gorton Monastery
Why on earth would you build a parish Church of Cathedral like proportions to meet the needs of just 300 Catholics? Follow in the Franciscan footsteps for 800 years from Assisi to Manchester. Discover the architectural secrets of E.W. Pugin and the 'sacred geometry' and codes he left.
Learn about the rise, decline and fall of the Monastery and its magnificent restoration. Above all, get a unique and fascinating insight in to the life and works of those extraordinary Friars who created a masterpiece of worldwide architectural and religious significance.
Tour Packages
Mon 30 Jan 2012 - Tour & Talk - Saving Gorton Monastery with Elaine Griffiths
Tue 28 Feb 2012 - Talk & Films - M/c Histories Festival - Gorton Monastery & Belle Vue
Wed 28 Mar 2012 - Tour & Talk - The Magic of the Monastery with Elaine Griffiths
Mon 23 Apr 2012 - Tour & Talk - Temple of Light / City of Light with Elaine Griffiths
Our fascinating tour packages, with delicious lunches and suppers are a perfect and memorable way of celebrating business visits, special dates and milestones, family occasions, birthdays and anniversaries.
We also offer exclusive private Dining Menus for that really special event. Parking is free secure and on-site.
To find out more details click on More Info.
Tours packages available by pre-booking only.
Monastery Tours and Talks take place with our tour guides David, Ed and Louise.
Louise Kenyon BA MA
With a background and interest in art, history and theology Louise is passionate in her support for the Monastery project and in sharing our story with our visitors. Louise has shaped her tours through the lens of Gorton’s fascinating social history and the significance of Pugin architecture. Louise lives locally, is involved in youth work and is a lecturer at the Nazarene Theological College in Didsbury
Ed Glinert
Founder of City Life, former staff writer for Private Eye and one-time production editor of the rock ‘n’ roll magazine Mojo, Ed is also a celebrated author whose recent Manchester Compendium was described by the Independent newspaper as a ‘superb work of in-depth research and dry Northern wit’. This irked Ed a little for he hails from London, Dalston no less, though he has lived in Manchester for 33 years. Ed devised the New Manchester Walks titles and descriptions and brings his unique style and historical knowledge to his story of Gorton Monastery.
David Gray
David was part of the original voluntary team that began the campaign to save and find a new future for The Monastery. David has always been a community champion and in preparation for the restoration he worked for 5 years as Community Co-ordinator for The Monastery Trust delivering a wide range of local charitable and community projects. Many of these projects still continue today. As a third order Franciscan, Reverend David Gray works with people from all backgrounds, faiths and traditions. He presents the history of The Monastery interwoven with the story of the Trust and St Francis, all shaped by his passion for the community and local social history. David’s personal journey, warmth and understanding of his subject guarantee an entertaining and memorable Monastery experience. David is an independent Christian Minister and has trained with the Interfaith Foundation in pastoral care and spiritual counseling. He acts as an advisor on community well-being whose clients include Greater Manchester Police; the BBC; Mothers Against Violence and Manchester Education and is the founder of homelessness charity Lifeshare.
Please contact the Events Team by email events@themonastery.co.uk or phone 0161 223 3211 for Tour availability and details. Our office hours are 9:00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.
We are open to the public most Sundays from 12:00 until 4:00pm. Refreshments are available in the Friars Pantry and there is free secure on-site parking.
Concerts and Special Events take place every week, please see our What’s On section.
