Bradford's New Visitor Centre
What is the Preservation Trust?
Inside the new Visitor Centre
Bradford as seen through the eyes of an artist
Diary of Events
How to become a member
Kingston Mill
Bradford's newly discovered Roman Villa
Bradford's Millennium Embroidery
Message Board
Guestbook
Mail Form
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The Preservation Trust's Picture Guide to Bradford
A large part of the funds needed for restoring the West Barn and the stackyard came from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Trust was, however, required to raise matching finance and this was raised in many different and novel ways by the Trust's friends. One of these Joyce Eales allowed the Trust to use pictures of the town that she had painted over a period of 40 years and these have been incorporated in a booklet which can be obtained from the Trust's office at Silver Street House, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1JY (cost £5.50 including postage & packing).
We append below a small selection of illustrations from the book.
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The Shambles
 A thousand year-old shopping centre. The Shambles – from Anglo-Saxon “scamel” or selling bench, generally a place for butchers. On the left can be seen 15th century buildings modernised with timber facades in the 17th century. Next at the corner of Market Street is the Post Office, part (1936) bland with protruding hoist, and part (1899) more stylistic. Beyond is the oriel window of the Catholic Church (originally built in 1854 as the Town Hall). |
Hang-dog Alley
 The Old Town Hall overlooks Hang-dog Alley, between Church Street and the “Bull Pit” by the river, where the popular sport of bull bating took place until it was made illegal in 1835.
The Old Town Hall, whilst incongruous in scale and style, is nevertheless a bold stone feature for the town centre. Built in 1854, it now houses the Roman Catholic Church of St. Thomas More.
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Holy Trinity Church
 | For about 850 years, Holy Trinity Church has stood at the centre of the community. It was built in 1150, probably on the site of an 8th century monastery and has been extended and altered over the centuries.
The present tower and stone spire were added in the 15th century. It originally had only 3 bells but this was increased to 8 during the prosperous years of the 18th century. It now carries one of the heaviest rings in the world with the tenor weighing 1,510 kg. and the treble 383 kg. The bells were re-hung in 1998 in time to celebrate the Millennium.
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Old Church House
 | Old Church House, now partly Holy Trinity Church Hall and partly Masonic Lodge, was built in 15th century by clothing magnate Thomas Horton. It was originally used for the Parish Meetings and fund-raising social gatherings, where a special strong “Church Ale” was enjoyed.
Until 1903 it accommodated the boys of the Free Grammar School, re-located from the Saxon Church in 1874.
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Bridge Street Corner
 | The dignified 18th century “Georgian Lodge” dwarfs the older humbler “Three Gables”, which has been a shop, then a restaurant, but is now unoccupied.
The site of a demolished building on the right became the Festival Garden in 1951 and in 2000 was the setting for the Millennium Statue. Recognising the importance to Bradford of the woollen cloth industry, the statue is of “Clotho” the Greek Fate who spun the thread of life. Locally it is known as “Milly”, the millennium mill girl.
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Avoncliff Aqueduct
 | Avoncliff Aqueduct, 100 metres long was built in 1798 to carry the Kennet & Avon Canal over the River Avon. Unfortunately it was built of cheap stone which was reluctantly accepted by the designer – John Rennie. This later resulted in the central arch sagging, causing much of the masonry to crumble.
In 1980 British Waterways installed a watertight concrete lining and in 1998-2000 restored the walls and parapet. This fine display of masonry skills and superior local stone, contrasts with the old patchwork of repairs under the arches.
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How to obtain a copy of this fascinating booklet.
All proceeds from the sale of this book are being used to finance the work on Barton Grange Farm project including the West Barn which houses the new Visitor Centre.
This is essential reading for anyone new to the town who wants to discover and appreciate its hidden secrets
The cost is £5.50 (inclusive of postage and packing) and is obtainable by writing to
Artist's Eye
Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust
Silver Street House
Bradford on Avon, BA15 1JY
enclosing a cheque for £5.50 in favour of "Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust." |
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