The Return of the Saints: Their journey back to Gorton

After a 17-year exile, the Saints came marching home.

The twelve irreplaceable Saints of Gorton Monastery were finally reinstated in their original home in May 2012, after a precarious journey around the country that almost saw them lost forever.

In 1994, the unique collection of 12 life-sized statues of Franciscan saints were discovered listed for sale in a Sotheby’s auction catalogue. They had been removed from Gorton Monastery, a magnificent church designed by the famous architect Edward Welby Pugin. Sadly, the church – a listed building – had closed in 1989 and stood empty and vandalised as its contents were stripped.

After a six-month campaign, the auction was halted and the statues were purchased by Manchester City Council, in the hope that one day the buildings might be restored and they might return.

The formation of a charitable trust, in 1996, saved the church and friary, and gave them new life as a venue for weddings and corporate, cultural, charitable and community events.

At last, the fully restored Saints were back. This is their story.

Author: Janet Wallwork

Photography: Grahame North

ISBN 978-0-9571484-4-4

Imprint: Monastery Publications

Publication Date: 2012

Format: Paperback

Content: 114 pages

Cover dimensions: 145mm x 210mm