Gorton is an area of Manchester which lies to the South-East of the city centre. Between 1851 and 1861, the population more than doubled to almost 10,000 due to the establishment of railway works and cotton mills.

Gorton has many claims to fame including the Franciscan 19th century gothic monastery. This has recently re-opened after a £6.5 million restoration. It is now open to the general public for viewing and for corporate functions. www.themonastery.co.uk/index.html

Belle Vue opened in 1836 and became a very popular tourist attraction. It hosted a zoological garden and offered Elephant rides. Other attractions included Lions, Monkeys, Bears, Giraffes and more.

A circus visited annually and Belle Vue expanded to include a funfair, roller skating rink, dance hall, wrestling hall, grey hound racing and the speedway. The zoo closed in 1977, followed by closure of the Amusement Park, Gardens and Exhibition halls in the 1980’s. Speedway and Greyhound racing are still popular weekly attractions.

Debdale Park Reservoirs were built in 1826 and were Manchester’s principal water supply.

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Manchester City F.C. was founded in Gorton and many famous people were born here e.g. artists, actors and sportsmen and women. Sadly, so were the notorious Moors Murderers.