The foundation of Loreto in Manchester
1851
Canon Laurence Toole, from the Parish of St Wilfrid’s in Hulme, approaches Mother Teresa Ball, inviting her to send a community of the sisters to teach some 3000 children in need of education in his parish.
The first foundation of the Loreto Sisters was established in Manchester, England.
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1853
After two very difficult years, the sisters are able to move out of the presbytery into Brookside House, Moss Lane, purchased in March for £1300. There are only three boarders in the school and a decision is taken to sell some of the furniture to relieve financial stress. However, Mother Teresa rallies to their support and the work of the IBVM manages to continue.
1856
M. Margaret Alphonsa Ellis becomes the new superior in Manchester.
The memoirs portray her as ‘broadminded, full of wisdom, generous and indomitable courage; in fact a noble and valiant woman.’
1859
The day pupils are installed in a separate new school.
This had been developed from the building in the grounds which was used as a coach house by the original tenants. This is later demolished and in 1879 a new day school, a Higher Grade School, is built.
1875
The Convent Chapel is consecrated by Bishop Vaughan.
The school continues to expand and by 1900 the sisters have charged of a boarding school and a large Higher Grade Day School on the Convent property, plus the schools of St Wilfrid’s, St Lawrence’s, the Holy Name, and the Holy Family, a total of over 2300 children.
1900s
1900s
1921
Loreto becomes a direct grant secondary school for girls.
1940
Part of the Convent (St Michael’s Wing) is destroyed in the blitz.
1944
The school becomes a direct grammar for girls.
1977
Loreto becomes a co-educational sixth form college, and continues to serve the needs of the Manchester area – a vibrant institution at the heart of Manchester’s inner-city regeneration and part of the global network of Loreto Colleges run by the Sisters in every continent.
1983
Sister Patricia Goodstadt becomes Principal of the College and served until 1999.