The Hidden Gem and Manchester's Sherlock Holmes...

Manchester's oldest Catholic Church is St Marys on Mulberry Street. The 'Hidden Gem', as it is commonly known, has been rebuilt and changed many times but remains on the same plot of land since 1794. Intentionally built in what was the poorest part of the city to serve the poorest of the population. The high altar is an amazing work of carved stone dating back to 1869, depicting angels and life-size figures of Our Lady, Our Lord and various saints. Today, the church is the permanent home to Norman Adams' Stations of the Cross, a unique series of modern art paintings. I've become interested in this church after reading about Jerome Caminada, who served with the police between 1868 and 1899 - hence my recent visit to Manchester's Police Museum where Caminada features (they even have a replica of his gun). Caminada was known for dressing in disguise to gather evidence on suspects. His large network of informers would often meet with him in the Hidden Gem. His methods produced impressive results and he became Manchester's first Detective Superintendent. It is thought that he may have been inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes.