ALL Saints’ Church in Huntingdon’s market square, where Oliver Cromwell was christened as an infant, is the fourth in and around the town to have its listing upgraded by English Heritage since last July.

ALL Saints’ Church in Huntingdon’s market square, where Oliver Cromwell was christened as an infant, is the fourth in and around the town to have its listing upgraded by English Heritage since last July.

The 15th/16th century church that dominates the square outside the 18th century town hall, has recently been upgraded from a Grade II* listed building to Grade I, the highest category, following a re-assessment by English Heritage of all churches in England’s Home Counties.

Huntingdonshire District Council said the reasons behind the recent upgrading included its being an outstanding town parish church, architecturally very ambitious, dating from the late 15th and early 16th centuries throughout, except for the 14th century tower; its excellent late 15th or early 16th century chancel roof; its font of around 1200, said to be that in which Oliver Cromwell was baptised, its sensitive restoration in 1859-61 by George Gilbert Scott (architect of London’s St Pancras Station and Midland Hotel); and some very good 19th and early 20th century glass.

This is the fourth church in the Huntingdon and Godmanchester area to be upgraded since July, following St Mary’s Church, Huntingdon, St Mary’s Church, Godmanchester, and All Saints’ Church, Hartford.

Louise Brown, HDC’s heritage and conservation team leader, said: “It’s very unusual for churches to be upgraded by English Heritage, so to have four churches upgraded within the last few months highlights how important the district’s churches are regarded at a national level.”