Following the success of last years “Cathedral doors campaign” we bring you ‘Cathedral Ceilings, Always Look Up”.
Visit - www.englishcathedrals.co.uk/cathedrals/cathedral-ceilings-always-look-up/
When you visit Bradford Cathedral, you can’t help but be impressed by the beautiful oak ceiling above the nave. It was put in place in 1724, with the oak timbers coming from nearby Tong Forest. Previous church ceilings and roofs 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. Despite objections from churchwardens in the parish, the vicar went ahead with the new oak-timbered ceiling. The church rate for 1724 was considerably increased to £210, presumably to cover the large costs.
In the late 1700s, during the religious revival, galleries were put up over the north and south aisles and later at the west and east ends. The church was plastered and a flat, whitewashed ceiling was put up, thus covering up the beautiful timbered ceiling. The oak ceiling was later uncovered and the walls restored to their original colour from the 1860s.
The striking angels supporting the beams were installed 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 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.
#AlwaysLookUp #CathedralCeilings #lifechanging UpYourEyes