HRH The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visits Gorton Monastery

Manchester’s unique event and meeting space, Gorton Monastery, has been visited by Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh (14 November) for a private lunch.
 
The visit coincided with the 150th anniversary of work starting on the construction of this Pugin architectural masterpiece. As the visit took place during the 60th anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation, the Monastery’s volunteers lit 740 candles (including 61 pillar candles – one for each year of Her Majesty’s reign) on the High Altar to represent every month of every year since Her Majesty’s accession to the throne in February 1952.
 
The Monastery can accommodate up to 500 people for events. For smaller, more intimate occasions, the Private Chapel can hold up to 50 people and is perfect for private dining or small business events.
 
Commenting on the visit, Elaine Griffiths MBE, Chief Executive of The Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Trust, said: “It is a honour to have Her Majesty The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visiting the Monastery as we celebrate two such significant anniversaries, and in the same year as our volunteers have been recognised with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.  
 
“As custodians of this unique and sacred space we still need to raise a million pounds to complete the restoration of and secure the future of this wonderful place for future generations. Having the spotlight on us today can only help in achieving our ambition to complete this very special journey.”  
 
During her visit, Her Majesty unveiled a plaque made by Shaun Williamson, one of the sculptors who restored the twelve 8ft high statues of the saints that were reinstated on their plinths in the Great Nave last year.   
 
A £1m Angels Appeal has been launched this year to raise match funding to complete the final phase of restoration and conservation work. It is hoped that this will unlock another major grant of £2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and protect the buildings as a resource for future generations. This £3m project will also provide local educational, community and visitor facilities to ensure that the Monastery can be open every day for everyone.
 
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