13 & 14 Sep 2025
Unitarian Church, Bradford
Bradford Unitarians
Ben Stables
We found out about the congregation's historical links with Bradford.
The history of Bradford's Unitarian congregation dates right back to 1662, when the city itself was still just a small town.
Today they worship in a purpose-built modern space, and over the weekend of 13-14 September, everyone was welcome to visit and find out more about the faith and its long, deep connection to the Bradford area.
Unitarianism takes its name from the belief of early dissenters that there was one God and spirit (as opposed to mainstream Christianity’s focus on a holy trinity). More recently, the open-minded curiosity that original Unitarians brought to religion has led the congregations to embrace inspiration from other sources. Their services are open to those of all faiths (or indeed none).
The event included:
- a historical talk on Saturday afternoon by renowned local historian Dr. Simon Ross Valentine: ‘From Pew to Power-loom: How Faith Shaped Industry in Victorian Bradford’
- a Sunday service at led by Rev. Stephanie Bisby former minister with Bradford Unitarians
- a timeline outlining over 350 years of the Bradford Unitarians and their effect on the city
This event was part of Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture, and was presented by an organisation involved in Bradford 2025’s Elevate programme, which aimed to strengthen, sustain and increase the agility of Bradford’s heritage sector.
Made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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