The earliest records of a church on this site date back to the 11th century, but findings on the site – carved stones thought to be part of a Saxon preaching cross – suggest this place was used for Christian worship as far back as the 7th century.
The oldest part of today’s cathedral is the nave, which dates from 1458, closely followed by the tower, added in 1508 and featuring, a century later, Bradford’s first public clock. Stones for other parts of the cathedral were used in its building, the date 1281 can be in the wall alongside the spiral staircase, carved by the master mason.
There are some fine examples of the work of William Morris here, the windows he designed that hold 30,000 separate pieces of stained glass. Earlier treasures include the remains of an Anglo-Saxon cross, a medieval piscine holding stone from the Garden of Gethsemane and – a quirky piece of history – the old worn steps leading up to the rood loft that existed before the 16th century Reformation.
Bradford: cathedral city
It’s come a long way since its industrialised past, but part of the charm of this new cosmopolitan city is the interesting way it has incorporated that heritage into its modern fabric.
What to do: Experience the city’s history with a walk through its streets, from Little Germany, the former world centre for the wool trade with its 19th century buildings, to Market St’s Wool Exchange, today the home of contemporary shops and cafes; visit the National Media Museum, celebrating Bradford’s unique position as the world’s first UNESCO City of Film; outside the city there’s Moorside Mills, a former spinning mill turned museum and former aristocratic homes, Bolling Hall with its medieval connections and Cartwright Hall in Lister Park, the home of Bradford industrialists.
Where to stay: Dating from 1885, the Midland Hotel is a throw-back to the days of glamorous railway hotels with its grand foyer, glittering chandeliers and old-world style. Its hosted Laurel and Hardy, The Beatles and the actor Sir Henry Irving in his very last minutes in the world – he died on the main staircase.
Cathedrals of Britain: North of England and Scotland by Bernadette Fallon is published by Pen and Sword books, £12.99, buy online here