Saint Francis Church and Monastery

East Manchester, England, United Kingdom
1863--1872
Until the last mass was held in 1989, St. Francis had been a focal point for Manchester's Catholics, as well as a city landmark. The neo-Gothic-High Victorian church was erected at the height of the Industrial Revolution when the city's population was growing. Architect Edward Welby Pugin's 184-foot-long, 98-foot-high church incorporated elaborate alabaster and marble altars, stained glass windows, and a variety of stones for columns and ornament. As the congregation dwindled, the Franciscans could no longer fund the upkeep and the church was vacated. Many interior fittings were stolen, but 12 important statues were rescued just before their auction. A number of important improvements occurred since 1998 Watch listing: ownership rights have transferred to a non- profit preservation trust; considerable media attention has resulted in donated materials, grants, and city-sponsored security; and temporary weatherproofing has been installed. A professional team has been appointed, and a conservation plan is being prepared. Still, substantial repairs are required before the buildings can be converted to new use. It is hoped that this effort will be launched with Heritage Lottery funds, which would help leverage support from other donors.

Listed in 1998