The Monastery of St Francis & Gorton Trust at 30: Celebrating Three Decades of Transformation

In 2026, The Monastery of St Francis & Gorton Trust is proudly celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of transformation that have turned Gorton Monastery into a dynamic home for world-class arts and ambitious community programmes. Through its close partnership with resident orchestra Manchester Camerata, visitors are treated to spellbinding classical concerts and award-winning music cafés supporting people living with dementia and their carers. The venue buzzes with activity, ensuring there’s always something happening within its storied walls, and everyone is welcome.

History of The Monastery of St Francis & Gorton Trust

Gorton Monastery is an awe-inspiring Gothic Revival masterpiece designed by Edward Welby Pugin and completed in 1872, standing today as a vibrant centre for community, culture, and wellbeing.

After closing its doors as a working church in 1989, the building faced years of neglect. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of local volunteers led by former altar boy Paul Griffiths and his wife Elaine, the Monastery of St Francis & Gorton Trust was founded, and a rescue mission began. Their campaign gained international attention, featuring on the World Monuments Fund’s Watch List alongside global icons like Machu Picchu and Pompeii. Backed by major funders, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England, plus generous donors and passionate supporters, the Monastery was restored to its former glory and reopened in 2007 as a beacon of hope, creativity, and community connection.

One of the most exciting additions in recent years is the carbon-neutral Welcome Wing, completed between 2015 and 2017. Here, modern facilities blend seamlessly with historic architecture, providing space for education, events, and community activities while ensuring the building’s rich legacy endures.

What’s on at The Monastery of St Francis & Gorton Trust

Music lovers will also delight in the recent return of a Wadsworth Victorian organ – a near-twin of the original, lost in the 1980s. This beautifully restored instrument fills the Monastery with music once again, reconnecting the present with the building’s vibrant past.

For those looking for a moment of calm, the Sanctuary and Listening Service offer a peaceful, confidential space for anyone seeking support or simply a friendly ear – a lifeline for many and a shining example of the Monastery’s commitment to wellbeing.

Come and explore Gorton Monastery Sunday to Thursday, 10am–4pm. Enjoy delicious treats at the café, dive into fascinating exhibitions, or join a popular guided tour to discover the dramatic story of the Monastery’s rescue and rebirth. It’s a hands-on history lesson and a celebration of Manchester’s resilience, creativity, and community spirit, all rolled into one unforgettable visit.

Gorton Monastery is living proof that historic venues can be much more than beautiful backdrops, they restore communities, inspire creativity and drive lasting social change.

Visit Manchester in 2026

Greater Manchester is full of unmissable things to do in the months after New Year’s, from winter walks along the canals to exploring museums, galleries, and cosy cafés. It’s the perfect chance to start 2026 on the right foot and enjoy Manchester at a slower, more relaxed pace.

For more events, head to our What's On in Manchester page.