Nineteenth century architect A.W.N. Pugin wrote of this building , it "shows to what depth of error even good men will fall, when they go whoring after strange styles."

Recently, and controversially, the place has been transformed by Norman Adams' magnificent Stations of the Cross parading down both nave walls. This is modern painting at its best, if a touch too aggressive for some of the congregation.

Back in Brazennose Street and we come to a statue of Abraham Lincoln by Bernard, 1919. Manchester and industrial Lancashire had its worst time of famine and unemployment during the American Civil War when the raw cotton supply from the southern states was cut off.

Despite this a group of suffering city folk sent a letter of support to the American president in his fight, as they saw it, to free the slave. After the war Lincoln sent back a thank you letter. Parts of these letters are reproduced around the plinth although President Lincoln's has been doctored by political correctness, the words "the Working Men of Manchester" changed to "the Working People of Manchester."