History of St Mary's Bradley Building 

By the late nineteenth century, the Wesleyan chapel in Bradley was no longer meeting the community's needs. Despite active Methodist efforts, the ageing chapel's poor location and tired structure limited its ability to support worship, education, and social activities vital to village life.

After careful consideration by the trustees and the circuit, a decision was made to build a new Wesleyan chapel at Hillside, symbolising the community's commitment to faith and progress and better suited to their needs. The New Wesleyan Chapel was opened in October 1894, marking a proud moment in Bradley's religious history.


The building was designed in a confident Gothic style, reflecting both the strength and aspirations of late Victorian Methodism. Its opening was celebrated with a procession and special services, attended by ministers, trustees, and members of the wider circuit. The chapel immediately became a focal point for village life, hosting regular worship, prayer meetings, and well-attended anniversary services.

Alongside worship, Hillside Chapel supported a thriving Sunday School, youth activities, and a rich musical tradition. Concerts, lectures, and social gatherings were regular features, reinforcing the chapel’s role not only as a place of devotion but also as a centre for education, discipline, and community cohesion. An organ was later installed, enhancing the importance of music in worship and public events.


Throughout the early twentieth century, the chapel remained central to Methodist life in Bradley, sustaining the village through periods of social change, economic hardship, and war. As congregations declined in the mid-twentieth century and Methodist structures evolved, the chapel’s role gradually diminished.

By the mid-twentieth century, changes in population, patterns of worship, and the practical demands of maintaining multiple Methodist buildings led to closer cooperation within the village.

In November 1958, members from both congregations met and unanimously agreed to merge, with the decision of which building to keep left to an independent committee. After consultations, it was recommended that the Skipton Road Chapel be retained. Both societies held unity services in January 1960, and the Skipton Road Chapel underwent renovations, reopening in March 1961.

The Hillside Chapel was sold to the Anglican community in 1961, with a £1000 donation from George Marshall. It was then reopened as St Mary's Church by the Bishop of Bradford in March 1963, marking a new chapter in its community service.

Information and photographs from the book Methodism in Bradley by Michael Walmsley (1997)