'The Hidden Gem', Manchester
Introduction
The photograph on this page of 'The Hidden Gem', Manchester by Anthony O'Neil as part of the Geograph project.
The Geograph project started in 2005 with the aim of publishing, organising and preserving representative images for every square kilometre of Great Britain, Ireland and the Isle of Man.
There are currently over 7.5m images from over 14,400 individuals and you can help contribute to the project by visiting https://www.geograph.org.uk

Image: © Anthony O'Neil Taken: 16 Sep 2014
Entrance to St Mary's, Mulberry Street. This famous Catholic church, only minutes away from Manchester Town Hall, was opened in 1794 to serve the poor (largely Irish) of the area, and grew, in the 20th century, to be known by Catholics far and wide. It has been painted by L.S.Lowry and Harold Riley and visited by the great and the good of many eras. The world famous opera star, Beniamino Gigli, once sang at High Mass here. In the 19th century, Father George Ignatius Spencer (a relative of Diana, Princess of Wales) preached here, and many distinguished churchmen since. Visitors will only realise why this small church is held in such esteem - and why it has its popular name - when they step inside to view the interior. It is open daily for prayer and contemplation, and midday Mass is celebrated at 12.30.
