Discovering the Beauty of Bradford Cathedral (Exterior Exploration)

On a crisp December day (December 10th, 2022, to be precise!), I took my Nikon D3300 out to explore a true architectural gem in the heart of Bradford: Bradford Cathedral. While I focused my lens solely on the exterior – understanding that interior photography often requires special permission – the building itself offered an abundance of captivating details and a sense of timeless grandeur.

My journey began with the approach to the cathedral, and what an interesting entrance it is! The area around it feels steeped in history, with some beautifully intricate stonework.

Walking closer, I was drawn to the unique arched passageway leading up towards the main structure. It almost felt like stepping back in time, with the impressive stone staircase hinting at stories from centuries past. The ornate lantern hanging overhead added a touch of old-world charm.

Just beyond this entrance, nestled within an archway, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a beautifully arranged nativity scene. It was a lovely, festive touch, and the colourful figures against the ancient stone made for a striking contrast, especially with the subtle dappled lighting.

Continuing my ascent, another set of steps, complete with a distinctive blue handrail, guided me further up the grounds. The architecture here is a fantastic blend of robust stone and delicate decorative elements.

As I reached the higher ground, I was able to appreciate the full scale of the cathedral's impressive structure. Surrounded by a mix of evergreen and bare winter trees, the sheer size and intricate details of the building truly stand out. It’s remarkable how well it blends into the urban landscape while simultaneously commanding attention.

One of the most striking features, of course, is the towering clock tower. The beautiful blue clock face with its golden hands against the grey sky was particularly captivating. You can really get a sense of the craftsmanship that went into its construction, with every arch and buttress telling a story.

Taking a moment to wander around the perimeter, I noticed the peaceful pathways and scattered autumn leaves that still clung to the ground. Even in winter, there's a quiet beauty to the cathedral grounds.

Another charming entrance caught my eye, with its inviting open door and the warmth of the stonework. The lush bushes and smaller trees around it add a touch of softness to the grand architecture.

Finally, a wider shot encompassing the full glory of the cathedral from a slightly different angle. The intricate rooflines, the impressive tower, and the surrounding greenery all come together to create a truly magnificent sight. It makes you wonder about all the history and lives that have passed through its doors.

Even without venturing inside, Bradford Cathedral offers a profound sense of history and architectural splendor. It's a testament to enduring craftsmanship and a peaceful haven in the bustling city. If you find yourself in Bradford, I highly recommend taking some time to walk around its impressive exterior – you won't be disappointed!

A Glimpse into the Past

While the building is a stunning sight today, the site itself has been a place of Christian worship for nearly 1,400 years, dating back to Saxon times. The core of the present church, originally known as St. Peter's Parish Church, was largely rebuilt in the 15th century after an earlier stone church was burned down by Scottish raiders around 1327. The beautiful Perpendicular Gothic tower you can see today was added later, finished in 1508. The church was elevated to cathedral status in 1919 when the Diocese of Bradford was created, and subsequent extensions by architect Sir Edward Maufe in the mid-22th century gave the building its current, comprehensive form.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The Salvage Archive: Stonehenge, July 1977, A Look Back Through the Lens

Stonehenge. The name conjures up mystery, ancient rites, and the sheer scale of human ambition. But beyond the geology and archaeology, a photograph of the site often captures something else: a particular moment in time.

I recently rediscovered this black-and-white image—a 35mm slide taken in July 1977—and it instantly transported me back to a pivotal era for this iconic monument.

The Monumental and the Mundane

What immediately strikes me about this photograph is the contrast. The Neolithic sarsens and bluestones dominate the frame, dark and imposing against the bright sky, emphasizing their enormous presence. It’s a shot that speaks to the sheer mass and mystery of the structure.

But look closer, and you see the details that anchor it firmly in the late 1970s:

• Proximity to the Stones: Notice the two figures nestled right between the towering uprights. Today, visitors view the stones from behind a rope barrier, kept at a respectful distance to prevent damage. This photograph is a fantastic reminder of a time when people could walk directly among the stones, touching the cold, ancient surfaces.

• A Snapshot of Visitors: The figures—perhaps a family or a couple—are dressed in the casual attire of the era. Their small scale relative to the trilithons highlights the truly monumental nature of the site. They are just a fleeting moment in the thousands of years of history that the stones have witnessed.

• The Black-and-White Aesthetic: The photograph’s monochrome nature, typical of many 35mm slides processed into prints, adds a dramatic, almost brooding atmosphere. It accentuates the texture of the stone and strips away the distractions of colour, focusing the viewer purely on form, shadow, and scale.

Stonehenge in 1977: A Changing Landscape

The late 1970s marked a transition for Stonehenge. While it was still relatively accessible, the number of visitors was rapidly increasing, leading to necessary changes in management and conservation that would be implemented over the coming decades.

This image captures the end of an era—a time just before the site became fully roped off, a time when the stones felt a little more personal, a little more accessible, and perhaps a little more susceptible to being touched and experienced up close.

Holding this slide, I'm reminded that Stonehenge isn't just an ancient ruin; it's a living, breathing landmark that constantly changes how we interact with it.

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