Because Bradford Cathedral was once a parish church, it's relatively small compared to some of our majestic cathedrals and abbeys. It has, as a result, an intimacy that I really like. Alterations over the centuries meant that the beautiful roof was hidden by a false ceiling at one time, but thankfully that was stripped away in a major 19th century restoration so that the huge oak beams can be seen again.
When the church was made a cathedral in 1919, plans were formulated to extend it. Because of the outbreak of war, the adaptations didn't happen until the 1950s/60s. At that time the whole east end of the church was rebuilt and extended, including the parts you can see in the picture below:
Originally the church had plain glass windows but in the 19th century there was a revival in the art of stained glass. The great west window (below), over the main entrance, was installed in 1863, paid for by a Bradford solicitor in memory of his sisters. Its theme is 'The Women of the Bible': the Angel Gabriel with the Virgin Mary; Mary Magdalene with the Risen Christ; Jesus with Martha and Mary of Bethany, and with the woman at the well. On the top rows, many more Biblical women are depicted. The window is the work of Heaton, Butler and Bayne.
[Studying it closely, it supports my theory that my own church's windows are also by this company, with quite a few similarities, including the use of rich blues and purples. The company were renowned for introducing a range of new, vibrant colours in their work. There's also the fact that several depictions of Jesus show him with a red and white halo (like a lifebelt, I always think!) around his head.]
I've included some closer views of the panels: the Annunciation
and Mary Magdalene is greeted by the Risen Christ.
I've never been to Bradford, so thank you for showing us the inside of the beautiful cathedral! Are the oak beams still the original ones?
ReplyDeleteThe stained glass windows are fascinating works of art. How touching that the man who paid for them dedicated them to the memory of his sisters. I like your "lifebelt" association - quite apt, I think!
What you say about majestic cathedrals is certainly true for Ripon, but to me, that one has also an intimate and warm atmosphere in spite of its size.