Historic Greater Manchester Catholic Church Receives Grade II* Listed Status

The Church of St Oswald and St Edmund Arrowsmith in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Greater Manchester, has been upgraded to Grade II* listed status by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. This designation, recommended by Historic England, places the building among the top 6% of listed structures in England, recognizing its architectural significance and religious heritage.

Designed by architect J Sydney Brocklesby and completed between 1925 and 1930, the church is noted for its French Romanesque style, intricate stone carvings, and a distinctive circular stair tower. It also houses the United Kingdom's largest collection of stained glass by Irish artist Harry Clarke. Parish priest Canon John Gorman stated that the building serves as a testament to the faith of local Catholics, including those who maintained their beliefs during the Penal Period. Sophie Andreae of the Catholic Bishops' Conference noted that the status honors the church's role in venerating St Edmund Arrowsmith, a prominent martyr from the region.