Historic England celebrates Ukrainian heritage with new listings

A Ukrainian community memorial in Bradford and two Ukrainian churches in Salford and Oldham have been granted Grade II listed status by the U.K. Department for Culture, Media and Sport, as reported Wednesday by Historic England, on whose advice these heritage sites had been listed.

“We are highlighting Ukrainian heritage in the north of England as part of the celebrations for the Eurovision Song Contest, which is being hosted in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine,” says Historic England.

“Highlighting the stories of Ukrainian communities in the north of England is a wonderful way of supporting our heritage at a time when, once again, it is under threat in Ukraine. This is welcome recognition of the role that culture and traditions play in safeguarding our way of life” said Dr. Taras Khomych, the chair of the Liverpool branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, a UWC member organization.

Besides adding the Ukrainian Community Memorial at the North Bierley Municipal Cemetery in Bradford, the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Dormition of the Holy Mary Mother of God in Salford and the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St Peter and St Paul and All Saints in Oldham to the National Heritage List for England, the entries on already-listed three churches in Manchester and Bradford and a community center in Huddersfield have been updated to reflect the significance of their Ukrainian history.

Interior of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St Peter and St Paul and All Saints, Chadderton Way, Northmoor, Oldham

For over a hundred years, people from Ukraine have called the towns and cities in the north of England home. These places help tell the story of Ukrainian life, culture and worship in the region, according to Historic England.

Says Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, Arts and Heritage Minister:

“With excitement growing for this weekend’s Eurovision Song Contest, we want to recognize and celebrate how the people of Ukraine have helped shape our nation over many generations.

“These sites across the north of England are important for Ukrainians at home and in the U.K. Granting them listed status means they can be cherished and protected for years to come.

“I hope this will encourage even more people to visit them and learn more about the shared history between our two great nations.”

Read the stories of the English Ukrainian heritage sites on the Historic England website.