Cambridge Catholic landmark added to Heritage at Risk Register
Cambridge Catholic landmark added to Heritage at Risk Register
[Cambridge, 5 November 2026] Historic England has added one of the region’s largest Roman Catholic churches, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs in Cambridge, to the national Heritage at Risk Register following concerns about the condition of its historic fabric and ornate carved stonework.
The Grade I listed church is one of the region’s most distinctive places of worship. Its inclusion on the Register highlights the need for further investigation and conservation to protect this important landmark for future generations.
Designed by Dunn, Hansom & Dunn of Newcastle and built between 1887 and 1890, the church was funded entirely by Mrs Yolande Lyne-Stephens, reputedly the richest woman in England at the time. Built in the High Gothic style, it occupies a prominent corner site, with its 214ft spire forming a notable feature of the Cambridge skyline. Its decorative stonework is regarded as one of the finest examples of the Gothic Revival, with hundreds of gargoyles and grotesques, alongside portraits of saints and martyrs, adorning its upper levels.
The decision to add the church to the Register follows extensive investigations that uncovered long-term deterioration of its stonework and decorative carvings. In 2023, a high-level rope access inspection of the spire identified extensive areas of damaged and dangerous stonework, which the inspection team deemed to be a ‘threat to life’. Emergency works followed, allowing a detailed inspection and the removal of approximately one tonne of loose and dangerous stonework.
This led to a £1 million repair and conservation project focusing on the spire and south aisle, carried out during 2025–26. However, further investigations have shown that substantial work remains.
The Heritage at Risk Register provides an annual snapshot of the condition of England’s historic sites, helping to focus attention and resources on those in need of protection.
Matthew Champion, Diocesan Heritage Officer, said:
“The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs is an architectural masterpiece on a monumental scale and is a significant regional and local landmark. It
was built in the style and scale of a Gothic Cathedral, and as such presents a number of challenges due to its sheer size and complexity. The ornate carvings and gargoyles have now been exposed to the elements in the heart of a busy city for well over a century, and it is beginning to show its years. Much of the upper-level stonework is now in poor condition, and in danger of failure, so we now need to fully understand the issues the church faces before putting in place a long-term plan to remedy them. Being put on the Heritage at Risk Register is an opportunity to concentrate and prioritise on what needs to be done to ensure the building’s future.”
The Rt Rev Mgr Canon Eugene Harkness, Rector and parish priest, added:
“We are most grateful that the significance of our church in Cambridge which contributes to the skyline and the overall beauty of the City has been recognised by Historic England by listing it as an historic building at risk. Over the past two years we have worked hard to raise funds to complete repair work and cleaning of the spire and North Porch and the south roof. It now shows the elegance which it first had on its completion in 1890.
Today’s announcement gives us hope that our determination to continue the work of repairs and cleaning for the remainder of the exterior will come to public notice and financial assistance. We are very much aware that there is a sense of civic pride as many of our fellow citizens have commented on the beauty of “The Catholic” as it is called in common parlance.”
Alongside its architectural and historical significance, Our Lady and English Martyrs remains a vibrant centre of worship and community life, welcoming parishioners, students, visitors and pilgrims from around the world.
Through initiatives including the Aspire Project and the EndsUp Building Appeal, the parish is working to safeguard the church’s architectural, historical and spiritual heritage. Further support will help the parish continue the conservation work needed to preserve this much-loved Cambridge landmark for future generations.
To find out more and support the work, visit EndsUp Building Appeal — Our Lady of The Assumption and The English Martyrs.
ENDS
Contact Charlie Bohan-Hurst, Director of Communications for more information: communications@rcdea.org.uk