Heritage Open Day: The ‘Monumental’ Connections of Bradford Cathedral and its Miniature Model

We explore the Routes, Networks and Connections through monuments and features, highlighting key moments in Bradford’s history, celebrating local transport heroes, plus a talk from the creator of model town Chandwell, as seen on YouTube.

Join us on Yorkshire Churches’ Day for an exploration of Bradford Cathedral! You’ll be able to find out more about our monuments through information stations, and there will be craft activities, plus refreshments and more to be announced!

We will be running two tours during the day (each running twice): a general tour of the Cathedral, and a themed tour looking at the Broad Ford, the Market Charter, Joseph Priestley and the Canal, Abraham Balme and the turnpike, explorer William Scoresby, and the famous local Jowett family.

You can also:

• Discover more about the pilgrimages and walks around the Cathedral including the Yorkshire Heritage Way, Tranquility Trail, and the Bradford Faith Trail;
• There will be the chance to search for your ancestors in the grounds
• The Friends of Bradford’s Becks will showcase their trail with guides and a game to raise awareness of the becks in Bradford, reduce pollution and get improvements to the physical environment in and around them.
• The Northern Section of the Jowett Car Club will display items of memorabilia relating to the Jowett family and to the production of Jowett cars at their factory in Idle, with members on hand to talk about the history of Jowett car production in Bradford.

And there will be a talk from Michael Scott, creator of Chandwell – as seen on the BBC News website – ‘Smaller Scale, Wider Perspective: from miniature to marvel on a route less travelled’: When model maker Michael Scott started looking for inspiration to breathe life into his fictional model town of Chandwell, he had no idea where the journey would take him, or the connections that he would make. Through paper, card, bricks, and stone, Michael shares his adventure — from invented tales to real-life discoveries — that ultimately inspired his latest endeavour: crafting a model of Bradford Cathedral. Join us as we explore the magic of creation and the wider perspective it brings.

12:15 and 14:15 – General Tour

13:30 – Talk with Michael Scott

12:15 and 14:15 – Heritage Open Day Tour