Bradford Cathedral interior

As I said yesterday, the interior of Bradford Cathedral has a wonderfully intimate and warm feel. Having once been a parish church, it isn't as soaring and grand as many of our cathedrals but it's still packed full of history and interest. The more recent 20th century extension at the east end, where the altar, chancel and chapels can be found, is plastered and is therefore much lighter than the stone nave, so it has the effect of a bright sanctuary, drawing you up towards it.

Like many of our cathedrals, it is visionary in its outlook, having worked hard to reduce its carbon footprint. It is the first cathedral in the country to get all its power from solar panels, neatly hidden behind a parapet on the roof. It has strong interfaith ties, important in a city as diverse as Bradford. There is modern artwork as well as the historic treasures, and an ongoing programme of - often very interesting - exhibitions and music.

I particularly like St Aiden's Chapel, hung with beautiful, rich, modern tapestries depicting, in the centre, the Bradford area in Saxon times (the remains of a Saxon cross have been found and are incorporated in the cathedral's wall) and panels on the left and right depicting Iona and Lindisfarne, both associated with St Aiden.   

The East window is one of several stained glass windows in the cathedral. Known as the Catherine and Jane Wells memorial window, it was inserted in 1863 by a Bradford solicitor in memory of his sisters. It has the theme of 'Women of the Bible'.