 After the establishment of a theology department at Manchester University in 1903, Allworthy, with the encouragement of Edward Hudson of Rossall School, was prompted to consider the foundation of a place of residence for working-class men who were studying for holy orders.The idea for the foundation was said to have occurred to Allworthy under a willow tree in Brookdale Park where he had been reading The Life of Saint Anselm with Hudson in the Summer of 1907.An announcement was made in September 1907 of the opening of a hostel ‘for free training and preparation with maintenance, of candidates for Holy Orders’ at 105 Droylsden Road with places available for eight students.