Every day in English Tourism Week, we are sharing one of our ‘Top Ten Tourist Treats’ here at Bradford Cathedral.
Today’s treat is the Nave ceiling
When you visit Bradford Cathedral, you can’t help but be impressed by its beautiful oak ceiling high above your head. The fifteenth century ceiling of the nave has survived largely intact and is thought to be a fine example of the Perpendicular within Yorkshire. It has king post trusses, rafters and two purlins. In 1724 a faculty was granted to erect a false (flat plastered) ceiling in the nave, and upper galleries were later erected across all 4 sides to accommodate large congregations.
The false ceiling was taken down in 1861-62 to once again reveal the beautiful medieval ceiling underneath. Some restoration work was also done at that time, which probably included the arch braces to the tie-beams and possibly the open traceried panels flanking the king posts. The structural timbers of the aisle roofs are certainly medieval, but the ribbed ceilings appear to be Victorian. The oak timbers for the ceiling are believed to have come from Tong Forest.
Previous church ceilings and rooves prior to this were probably roofed in thatch or other traditional local materials and there are old church wardens’ records mentioning the roof leaking prior to its renewal in 1724 and referring to repairs. In 1724 the vicar went ahead with the new ceiling, even though there were objections from local church wardens in the parish. The church rate for 1724 was considerably increased to £210, presumably to cover the large costs.
The striking angels supporting the beams were installed in the nineteenth century, after 1860, as part of the renovation work. Many hold musical instruments mentioned in the Bible, with some holding a scroll or shield. They are carved from stone and were gilded and painted in the 1960s, in order to add some colour in the nave to balance the brightness and colour of the newly extended east end of the Cathedral. The two angels near the tower hold shields of royal lords of the manor and patrons of the living, John of Gaunt and Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster.
The nave wall-shields look like metal but are actually made of oak. They were put up in 1937 and represent the dioceses of Canterbury, York, Ripon and Bradford, as well as local and neighbouring towns.
Why not visit Bradford Cathedral to see this beautiful and historic ceiling in all its glory?