A Gem of Faith and Art: ‘Remarkable’ Wigan Church Receives Prestigious Grade II Status

A Roman Catholic church in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, has been officially elevated to Grade II listed status, a rare honor reserved for fewer than 6% of listed buildings in England, in recognition of its “remarkable architectural and historic significance.” St Oswald and St Edmund’s Church, which opened in 1930 and was designed by architect J. Sydney Brocklesby, is now celebrated for its “unrivalled” collection of stained glass windows, featuring 19 works by renowned Dublin-born artist Harry Clarke—a treasure that Historic England says “deserves recognition” not only for the local community but for the nation’s cultural heritage. The upgraded status, confirmed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, highlights the ongoing importance of preserving sacred spaces that embody both artistic and spiritual legacy.

Parish Priest Canon John Gorman reflected on the significance of the honor, describing it as a “testament to the faith of those who have gone before us.” He added, “We are only custodians of what has been handed down to us. It is a testament to both those who held on to the faith during penal times, and those whose faith led them to build such a magnificent building to the glory of God in the midst of the 1920s depression.” The church’s upgrade to Grade II status is a reminder that sacred spaces are not just places of worship—they are living monuments to faith, artistry, and resilience, carrying the stories of generations into the future.