and sport 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. The painter Michael Gutteridge was born in Gorton. The Gorton Morris Men were responsible for reviving the rushcart ceremony in Gorton. Manchester City F.C. were founded as St. Mark's (West Gorton) in 1880. Abbey Hey F.C. club is in Gorton. "Bouncing Billy Barker" was a local man who specialised in jumping feats. Notable residents John Thaw, actor best known for his role as Inspector Morse, was born in West Gorton. Samuel Birch (military officer) Billy Meredith, former footballer lived on Clowes street and married at St Mark's Church. Tommy Johnson, a former footballer for Manchester City F.C., lived in Gorton. Nicky Butt, former England and Manchester United footballer, was born in Gorton. Bob Berry, former England and Lancashire cricketer, was born in Gorton. Jeff Williams, 1980 Olympic cyclist, was born in Gorton. Thomas Evenson, Olympian silver medalist in the 3000 meters steeplechase at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, was born in Gorton. George Wilkinson, three-time Olympic water polo champion, born in Gorton. Brian Statham, former England and Lancashire cricketer, born in Gorton. Samuel Gorton, early settler of North America and fifth President of Rhode Island, was born and raised in Gorton in the 1590s. Roger Byrne, Manchester United player who died in the Munich Air Disaster lived at Wistaria Road in the 1940/50s. See also Gorton Heritage Trail Listed buildings in Manchester-M18 Notes References Select bibliography (first published in 2002) External links GENUKI information for Gorton Areas of Manchester