One of Greater Manchester’s architectural gems, Denton’s Grade I Victorian gothic 1880 Parish Church of St Anne has been added to this year’s Heritage at Risk register
It joins nine other historic buildings and sites have been added to the Register in the North West because of their deteriorating condition and ten sites have been saved and their futures secured.
Many have been rescued thanks to heritage partners and dedicated teams of volunteers, community groups, charities, owners and councils, working together with Historic England.
Examples include Bank Hall in Lancashire, last used by the British Army during the Second World War and now restored to its former glory; Moot Hall, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, one of the few surviving moot halls in England; and the Church of Saints Peter, Paul and St Philomena, New Brighton, Wirral, known as the “Dome of Home”, sought out by sailors returning from perilous Atlantic voyages.
The Parish Church of St Anne was designed by one of the era’s leading architectural practices, James Medland and Henry Taylor, the church has recently been added to the Heritage at Risk Register following concern about settlement around the font and central nave walkway due to vibrations from the nearby M67 motorway.
National Highways has provided a grant for the investigation of the settlement, working alongside the church architect and parish priest Father Jules Mambu. Investigations were undertaken in Spring 2022 which have confirmed the extent of settlement affecting the building. Further grants will be needed to prevent further damage and restore the church.
St Anne’s is an important hub for the local community with an active bell ringing team, close links to the neighbouring St Anne’s Primary School and Scouts, Brownies, Cubs and Beavers groups having regular use of the church’s facilities. Under Father Mambu’s leadership, St Anne’s hosts Heritage Open Days with self-guided walks.
Father Jules Mambu said: “St Anne’s is a special place of worship at the very heart of the community. It’s evident that our church is going to take a lot of care, skill and funding if it’s going to be secure for the long term, but we have real desire and deep determination to make this happen.”
