Bradford Cathedral

Bradford Cathedral sits on a hillside just above the city centre, and I find it quite a challenge to photograph. It's hard to get an uninterrupted view of the building, though it sits attractively in a peaceful garden close, bordered with parish rooms and houses where the dean and other staff live. The middle section, now the nave, is the oldest building in Bradford, dating back to 1458, though there is evidence of much older church here too. Of course, it has been altered over the years. The tower was added in 1508. Originally it was a parish church and saw some remarkable events, including the Civil War and the sieges of Bradford in 1642 and 1643, when the city was a Parlimentarian stronghold. The church tower was hung with woolsacks to protect it from the artillery of the Royalist troops, led by the Earl of Newcastle.

In 1919, a new Diocese of Bradford was created and the church was upgraded to cathedral status, so it is celebrating its centenary this year, with a programme of events and exhibitions. In the 1950s a large extension was added at the east end, with wings either side of the tower at the west end. Inside, however, it still has a pleasingly intimate feel to it. I love it, actually.

The entrance up from the city centre has an imposing gatehouse structure around the steep steps leading up the hillside.