Bradford Cathedral to Showcase Detailed Scale Model in 2026

Heritage Treasures Day highlights historic cathedral and model project

Bradford Cathedral will feature a detailed scale model of the building during this year’s Heritage Treasures Day, offering visitors a new perspective on the city’s oldest religious site. The model, created by Burley-in-Wharfedale model-maker Michael Scott, has been in development since April 2024 and is nearing completion.

Model-making project details

Michael Scott has dedicated nearly two years to constructing the model, which is built to N Scale and made from card materials. The model includes intricate details such as the cathedral’s 125 windows and doors, reflecting various architectural periods present in the actual building. Scott has studied the cathedral extensively throughout the process and has aimed to capture its essence, despite acknowledging that the model is not without imperfections.

Scott commented on the project, saying that he initially underestimated the amount of work involved. He has gained a deeper understanding of the cathedral’s history and the human stories connected to it during the construction of the model.

Historical significance of Bradford Cathedral

Bradford Cathedral is recognised as the city’s oldest building, with its main stone structure dating back to the 15th century. The cathedral also contains earlier architectural fragments and features notable Victorian and mid-20th century additions. Among these is the east end extension designed by Sir Edward Maufe, an architect born in Ilkley.

The interior includes a medieval oak-timbered ceiling and a collection of Victorian stained glass windows created by prominent artists such as William Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and Edward Burne-Jones.

Visitor information and tours

The cathedral is open to visitors from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday, though opening times may vary due to events. Guided tours are available and provide insights into the building’s history, art, and artefacts. Upcoming tours include:

• 24th January – Ecclesiastical Textiles Tours at 11am and 1pm
• 31st January – Cathedral After Dark Tours at 4:30pm and 7pm
• 28th March – Morris & Co Stained Glass Tours at 11am and 1pm

Visitors interested in the model-making process can also follow Michael Scott’s work on his YouTube channel, @Chandwell, where he documents this and other architectural models.

Details regarding the exact dates when the model will be on display at Bradford Cathedral are expected to be announced later in the year.