Today marks three years since the de Lacy Centre was reopened following its refurbishment. The de Lacy centre is Bradford Cathedral’s largest events and meetings space, and was fully modernised in 2022 with a new fully-fitted kitchen, accessible toilets and a refreshed main space.
The building was formerly known as the Parish Room, but was renamed following the refurbishment, in memory of Alice de Lacy, who was a local benefactor and a key figure in relation to the Cathedral’s history and growth during the late thirteenth century.
Alice de Lacy – widow of Edmund de Lacy, one of the descendants of Ilbert de Lacy, the Norman Lord of the manor – gave a grant to the parish of Bradford that is recorded in the register of Archbishop Wickwayne.
More can be found out about her connection to the Cathedral in an information plaque in the foyer of the Centre.
Since the reopening, this space has been home to many events and activities, and is a key part of the cathedral’s daily life. A highlight from the last three years have been the Monday Fellowship talks, which have been an opportunity for a great variety of topics and issues to be discussed and reflections shared. Other cathedral groups such as the stitchers have met there, and it has been a valuable space for our choristers, charities such as Homeless not Helpless, and family activities.
Liz Purchase, Head of Fundraising at Bradford Cathedral, says: “Thanks to the generosity of donors, charitable trusts, and the Friends of Bradford Cathedral, the de Lacy Centre refurbishment in 2022 has made a big impact on how we welcome people. As we celebrate three years since opening the doors, donors can feel proud that they have helped bring people together, of all ages and from all walks of life. The de Lacy Centre now underpins the Cathedral as a hub of worship, fellowship, and community activity in Bradford; it is so important to the sustainability of our Cathedral, as we grow new connections and welcome wider groups of people.”
The full list of donors for the project are: Richard & Sharron Arnold; All Churches Trust; Bernard Sunley Foundation; Congregational & General Charitable Trust; Friends of Bradford Cathedral; Sovereign Health Care Community Programme; Bradford Guild of Help; Kirby Laing Foundation; Beatrice Laing Trust; Sir George Martin Trust; and Pat Yewdall, whose son Chris also attended the thank you event.
The de Lacy Centre is also available for bookings. Please contact Bradford Cathedral for more information.