Bradford in Blue Plaques: Eastbrook Chapel

April 28, 2016 Bradford Civic Society

Bradford in Blue Plaques: Eastbrook Chapel

Eastbrook Chapel 

Nominated by Revd Graeme Dutton, Minister in The Bradford South Methodist Circuit and Lead Minister at St Arnold’s Bradford

“Situated on the corner of Leeds Road and Chapel Street, Eastbrook Hall stands as a beautiful and elegant reminder of the grandeur and history safeguarded by the Little Germany Conservation Area. Its soaring Edwardian facade was designed by architect William J Morley, who is responsible for a number of other striking Bradford city centre buildings. 

“Employed on behalf of the Methodist people, Morley utilised a mixture of Renaissance and Jacobean features to create a Central Hall that would replace the smaller chapel already in situ since 1825. This hall would serve as a home for worship and focus of mission activities for Bradford Methodists from its opening service on March 21st 1904 until the 1980s 

“Perhaps the building’s most notable feature can be seen rising above the parapet. Here, a graceful octagonal drum, decorated with urns, archivolt lights and Ionic columns supports a copper dome with crowning lantern. The dome makes an important contribution to the skyline of the Vicar Lane area.

“For the Methodist people, Eastbrook Hall continues its influence through the projects its sale has continued to fund, such as the Touchstone Centre and other projects in various areas of the city. Part of the original communion rail from the sanctuary is still in use at New Hey Road Methodist church. If you stand at the rail and look out through the chapel window on a clear day you can sometimes catch a glimpse of  light reflecting from a familiar, ornate copper dome.”