Beggars & Builders: My Story of Gorton Monastery

Edward Welby Pugin was one of Britain’s foremost architects. Why then did he leave uncorrected errors in the patterns of the tiles before the High Altar of one of his most magnificent church buildings? And why did he conceal a ground plan of the church in that pattern? This is one of the many mysteries explained in this fascinating book, which tells the story of the building which was dubbed ‘Manchester’s Taj Mahal’.

Tony Hurley was one of the original team behind the £6.5 million project to restore Gorton Monastery, following its closure in 1989. He became passionate about researching Franciscan social and religious history so we could understand why Edward Pugin’s architectural masterpiece was built by the Franciscan Brothers in Gorton.

During the research the building began to reveal its hidden secrets of sacred geometry, energy, and light. As the Trust’s inspirational historian and tour guide, Tony’s love of the building and his amazing knowledge of its Franciscan history and sacred geometry was shared with thousands of visitors every year.

This book, written over a seven-year period, was unfinished at the time of his death in 2011. With the support of those who knew and loved him, the editors completed his final draft, as a tribute to him. This means Tony can continue to tell his story of Gorton Monastery for many years to come.

As a charity, we rely on your purchases and donations to support this special heritage site.

Author: Tony Hurley

Editors: Janet Wallwalk & Ray Hanks

ISBN 978-0-9571484-0-6

Imprint: Monastery Publications

Publication Date: 2013

Format: Paperback

Content: 167 pages

Cover dimensions: 143mm x 202mm