The Holy Name Church, on Oxford Road in Manchester, is a Grade 1 listed gothic revival building of 1869-71 by Joseph Hansom (10 minute walk from Elizabeth Gaskell’s House). Built by the Jesuits, it served as a parish church to a local community of mainly Irish immigrant families until 1960 when the housing around the Church was cleared and the University took over the land. The Holy Name then became the Church of the University Catholic Chaplaincy, which continues to this day.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has granted the Holy Name Church money to repair the leaking roofs, cut out dry rot and restore damaged wall and floor tiles in the north transept area. Alongside this we will clean and conserve over 200 of the original architects’ drawings and make these available online to the public for the first time.
The project also wants to hear personal accounts of the church that speak of a cultural attachment to both the space as a building, but also on a deeper level, to the distinct events which happened within its walls and the meaning that they had. The aim of the project is to contact and interview individuals with stories and memories of the Holy Name Church, both from those who attended the church when it was a parish, and from University alumni who were connected to the chaplaincy. Alongside interviews we wish to find photos and other records of the Church to memorialize the church and its community.
What an amazingly well-preserved, restored, and clean place to visit. Highly recommended, either for a tea, or while away an afternoon, with a friend.
The volunteers were courteous, friendly, and... read more they displayed a welcome which showed in their attitude of service.
Ke
Chong Seng T June 6, 2021
I grew up close by and finally decided to visit with my three children aged between 12 and 1. The staff were really friendly and great with kids. I was... read more dubious about my boisterous 7 year old running riot, but he really enjoyed it. The staff were all passionate and knowledgeable about the Gaskells, the building and even what plants are grown in the grounds. The building and gardens are amazing and there's even a tearoom. I can't recommend this enough. Not often I find something for the whole family to enjoy. Definitely worth
ANNIE W August 11, 2021
It was a drizzly day in Manchester. I sent my two young adult children and their southern visitor to the museum. They returned saying that they'd had a great time:... read more they'd learnt lots of interesting things and found all the guides incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They were encouraged to play the piano at the house and ask lots of questions. (The cakes in the café got a 5-star rating too.) All three came home and started reading Mrs
Jackie S August 19, 2021
My daughter and I visited the house on Sunday. The rooms are nicely laid out with period pieces and the volunteers were so helpful and knowledgeable. There is an excellent... read more interactive map which points out places of interest known to the Gaskell family. The garden...More
furness64 October 27, 2019
We had an extremely interesting visit to Mrs Gaskell’s house. With the help of the excellent guides it seemed possible to imagine what life would have been like there, 180... read more y
Italo11 October 7, 2021
Visited the house with a friend in January and very much enjoyed the experience. The volunteer staff were fantastic - so knowledgeable about the Gaskells and the house itself. We... read more learnt a lot and very much enjoyed our visit. Would highly recommend it. Thank you!
Estelle D January 30, 2022
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Open: Wed, Thurs and Sun 11.00 - 4.30pm (Last admission 3pm)
84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester, M13 9LW
0161 273 2215