Two East Anglian churches given listed status

Our Lady of the Annunciation church, King's Lynn. Picture: Taking Stock

Source: Diocese of East Anglia

Despite its modest size, the Diocese of East Anglia has more listed churches than any other Catholic diocese in England and two more have just been added to that number.

Following a recent review of the Catholic churches in England, undertaken by Historic England on behalf of the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport, that number is set to rise still further.

The review has also seen a number of East Anglian churches promoted to even higher levels of protection - recognizing their significance as important examples of English church architecture.

New churches added to the list are Our Lady of the Annunciation in King's Lynn, which has been designated as Grade II listed. Also added to the list at Grade II is St Felix's church in Felixstowe, recognizing its unique contribution to local and regional design heritage.

A number of presbyteries have also been given protected status, including those belonging to St Joseph's church in Sheringham, and St Peter's in Gorleston.

The review has also seen the level of protection for a number of churches increased, with the magnificent church of Our Lady and English Martyrs in Cambridge having been redesignated as Grade I listed.

Paul Raynes, Operations and Finance Director for the Diocese, said: "From the monumental to the modest, from a timber-framed mission chapel to gothic glories in stone, the listed buildings in the Diocese's care testify to East Anglia's deep Catholic heritage and the devotion of generations of donors, architects and builders. The Secretary of State's listing decisions recognise the national importance of these physical expressions of our faith."

Not all of the decisions have yet been published by Historic England, and it is expected that further churches in the Diocese will also be added to the list.

Matthew Champion, Historic Churches Support Officer for the Diocese, said: "This is wonderful news for the Diocese, and a great recognition of the part these buildings play in the regions varied and diverse history."

See full details of all the churches in the Diocese can be found on the Taking Stock website - https://taking-stock.org.uk/diocese/east-anglia/