13 Facts About Gorton

Gorton is an area of Manchester in North West England, southeast of the city centre.

The name Gorton means "dirty farmstead", perhaps taking its name from the Gore Brook, or dirty brook, which still runs through the township today.

Gorton married Josephine, an American horse trainer who had just given birth to their first child, Bessie and together they settled in Darwen, before moving to Gorton.

Gorton's name was changed to George Edward Williams, after registering with the British immigration authorities to enable him to find work.

World-famous Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, comprising a zoo, gardens, amusement park, exhibition complex and speedway stadium, was opened in 1836 in Gorton and became one of the leading attractions in the UK.

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Less than 3 miles from the centre of Manchester, Gorton is made up of many tertiary sector workers who commute into the city.

Many local placenames allude to this history, including Winning Hill, known as Ryder Brow, a locality within Gorton that contains many topographical features, including Bottom o' th' Brow at the base of a valley and Gore Brook that runs through Gorton, flowing west to the river Mersey.

Gorton has several allotments and parks which are supported through the Gorton Horticultural Society.

Gorton is home to Gorton Monastery, a Franciscan, 19th century High Victorian Gothic friary.

Gorton Heritage Trail is a public trail with 20 sites of interest.

Gorton was home to the world-famous Belle Vue Zoological Gardens from 1836 until its closure in the 1980s.

Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1854 and is an amateur orchestra.

The folk comedy group Gorton Tank were based in Gorton and were popular in the Manchester area.