Press Releases

March 01 2006

Magnificent heritage hoardings adorn monastery walls

Hoardings depicting Gorton's heritage, that stretch for nearly 100 metres along Gorton Lane in east Manchester, will be unveiled today (1 March 2006) by local residents.  Erected to surround the monastery site while the £6 million restoration work takes place, they form a unique street exhibition chronicling the history of Gorton from when it was colonised by the Saxons in 610 through to its heyday in the Victorian era.One section reflects on the area's decline in the 1970s and another highlights the present regeneration programme and future redevelopment that will bring Gorton firmly into the 21st century.

The 75 separate panels, divided into 15 sections illustrating 'Glorious Gorton' through the ages are 94 metres long and eight feet high and funded by a joint initiative between New East Manchester Ltd, national regeneration agency English Partnerships, the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) and the European Regional Development Fund.

A timeline running along the bottom of the hoardings contains fascinating facts about this historic suburb of Manchester. Gorton, or Gore-town as it was originally known, was a strategic battleground. The name originated from Gore Brook, which in turn got its name from the fact it 'ran red with blood' from the battles with the Danes between AD870-920.  Between 1773 and 1821 the population more than doubled from 770 to 1,600, factories were built and the area moved into its most prosperous era as the industrial revolution took hold.

Elaine Griffiths, Project Director for The Monastery of St Francis & Gorton Trust said " This World Monument site of Gorton Monastery belongs to the people of Gorton. It is through the generosity, hard work and dedication of local people and volunteers these buildings have now been saved. These inspirational hoardings are a celebration of Gorton's glorious past and its aspirations for the future.  We are very proud of this living history project and are producing special souvenir booklets that can be used as an educational resource for local schools and community groups. Thousands of people share our vision to put the heart and soul back in to Gorton. Together we are inspiring the future, whilst respecting the past."

Robert Hough, Chairman of New East Manchester Ltd said: "For over a century the monastery was the heart of Gorton, bringing the community together, so it is fitting that these stunning hoardings should be placed around this historically important building. The rebirth of the monastery mirrors the rebirth of Gorton itself. As this beautiful building is lovingly restored, the surrounding area will be redeveloped and renewed with the same care and consideration, attracting visitors and future investment."  

Maurice Gubbins, NWDA Area Manager for Greater Manchester, said: "Gorton's rich and unique heritage is a key asset and it is vital that this is capitalised upon in promoting the area as a high quality place in which to live and work. It is extremely appropriate that these hoardings depicting the history of the area are to be located at Gorton Monastery, which is an important catalyst for the area's regeneration and the NWDA is pleased to be helping to bring it back to life."

Paul Spooner, regional director for English Partnerships said: "The unique nature of these hoardings reflects the unique nature of the development taking place within and alongside the monastery refurbishment. Gorton has been on-the-up before and the development activity taking place here will demonstrate it can be once again."

The monastery is the subject of a documentary on Wednesday 8 March, as part of BBC2's 'A Passion for Churches' series.  For more information about Gorton Monastery and how to donate, visit the Trust's website www.gortonmonastery.co.uk or call 0161 223 3211.