NEW: The Secrets of Gorton Monastery Tour

Join ace writer, editor and broadcaster, Jonathan Schofield on Sunday, 27th March for this fascinating new tour of the Monastery. You can read all about Jonathan’s brilliant Manchester tours in the Guardian, right here.

A national architectural treasure

Edward Pugin was in the Premier League of Victorian Neo-Gothic architects. It was his birthright in some respects given his father, AWN Pugin, had been the chief promoter of ‘correct’ Gothic, from the 1840s and was the designer of the interior of the Houses of Parliament.

From ruin to restoration

Edward was commissioned to design and build the imposing church and friary on Gorton Lane by the Franciscans in 1863 and it was completed by the early 1870s. Much of the building work was carried out by the brothers themselves. The Franciscans left the site in 1989. Then there was a failed attempt by a developer to convert the buildings into apartments. Finally, in 1996, after years of appalling neglect, Gorton Monastery was handed over to the care of the Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Trust, led by the indefatigable Elaine Griffiths and her husband Paul. The Grade II * Monastery’s £6.5 million restoration was funded by major grants from various agencies. Today it serves as a beacon in Gorton, a community resource, a visitor attraction and superb events venue.

Drama & spectacle

The building is full of drama and spectacle, it’s story remarkable. Join the tour at 10.30am on Sunday 27 March for a fabulous insight to this superb Grade II listed National Heritage site.

Details & how to book

Meet: Outside the main entrance, The Monastery Manchester, Gorton Lane, Manchester, M12 5WF

Duration: 1.5 hours

Cost: £15

​Booking ahead is advisable

Please book by clicking here.

If you order on Paypal the receipt Paypal emails back to you operates as the ticket.

​Full Covid-19 precautions will be taken. Sensible footwear is required and you will have to agree to the terms and conditions of visiting the site as stated by the guide when you turn up. On rare occasions some areas will not be available to visit.

PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE 24 HOURS BEFORE THE TOUR IN CASE A SITUATION ARISES WHICH MAY AFFECT THE TOUR.