St.Mary’s, Dukinfield is the “Mother” church in the Tameside area. The church, founded in 1825, was originally built on Astley Street. IN 1847, the church began to collapse, as it was found to have been built on the site of an old coal working. A new site was selected on Zetland Street, and in 1854 work began on a church, presbytery and school. In 1856, the new church was formally visited by Bishop Brown.
The records of the church date back to 1823 when the area was a mission and the priest came to the district from Manchester. The records provide an insight into the religious, social and economic history of the area. As the only catholic church in the area, the records have information relating to Ashton-under-Lyne, Hyde and Stalybridge as well as Dukinfield. The early records often give clues as to where people originally came from in Ireland.
These original records have now been preserved thanks to a £21,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery. They have been conserved, rebound and microfilmed. The microfilms have been digitised and put onto CD. This CD together with a potted history of the church is available from the Church for around £6.50.
Please apply direct to Revd J O O'Doherty at the church for a copy of the CD - email:
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tel: 330 2424
