Trust: The Story of Gorton Monastery

In his foreword Terry Waite CBE, patron of The Monastery and founder of Hostage International, describes this story as one that will bring hope to many by demonstrating that two ordinary people, with vision and commitment, can achieve what is in fact miraculous.

When Elaine Griffiths stepped over crumbling masonry into the derelict nave in 1996, she was overcome with the power of this incredible Gothic masterpiece.

It was as though Gorton Monastery spoke to her.

In an attempt to save the church and adjoining friary, her and husband Paul set up the charity, The Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Trust.

An Architectural Wonder

If you’re interested in Manchester architecture, truly it doesn’t get much better than this.

Considered to be E. W. Pugin’s great architectural masterpiece and known as ‘Manchester’s Taj Mahal’, The Monastery will blow your mind with the principles of geometry on which it was designed, its significance as a beloved heritage site of great historical importance and the incredible restoration project which breathed new life into its previously tragic ruins.

If sacred sites are your thing, jackpot.