St Oswald and St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Church in Ashton-in-Makerfield has been upgraded from Grade II to Grade II* listed status in recognition of its exceptional architectural and historic significance.

 

Grade II* status is awarded to fewer than six per cent of listed buildings in England and recognises buildings considered to be of more than special interest. The new designation means the church will receive a higher level of consideration in future planning and development decisions.

 

The Church, built between 1925-1930, is the masterwork of architect J Sydney Brocklesby and contains an unrivalled collection of stained glass by renowned Irish artist Harry Clarke. The church’s distinctive design includes local stonework and a striking conical tower.

 

The church was built to house the Holy Hand of St Edmund Arrowsmith, the Jesuit priest and local martyr who was executed at Lancaster in 1628 and canonised in 1970. His shrine was designed in 1934 by FX Velarde, one of the leading Catholic church architects of the 20th century.

 

Parish Priest Canon John Gorman welcomed the news, saying: “As a parish community, we are delighted at the news that St. Oswald & St. Edmund Arrowsmith Church is now considered to be of more than special interest, and we’re grateful to all those who have helped bring about this Grade II* listing.

 

“We are, of course, only custodians of what has been handed down to us, and this church is a testament to the faith of those who have gone before us. Our task now is to care for what we have been given in order to hand on to future generations.”

 

Emma Squire and Claudia Kenyatta, Co-CEOs of Historic England, said: “This remarkable church thoroughly deserves its elevation to Grade II*. Inspired by the Romanesque churches in the south of France, it is widely considered to be J Sydney Brocklesby’s masterpiece.”