Free

13 & 14 Sep 2025

Bradford Unitarians

Ben Stables

Find out all about the congregation's history links with Bradford.

Event Details
Date 13 & 14 Sep 2025
Times Sat: 10am-4pm
Sun: 10:45am-12pm (Sunday Service)
Location Unitarian Church
7A Russell Street
Bradford
BD5 0JB
Ages All ages
Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult

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, all are 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 church will be open to visitors at any time during the opening hours, as well as for:

  • a historical talk at 2pm 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 10:45am, 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 is part of Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture, and is presented by an organisation involved in Bradford 2025’s Elevate programme, which aims to strengthen, sustain and increase the agility of Bradford’s heritage sector.

Credits
Image provided by Bradford Unitarians.

Made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

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