Former Church Of St Thomas

The former Church of St Thomas is a parish church dating from 1863-65, designed by W.H. Crossland. An aisle was added in 1879 and a porch in 1891. The church was declared redundant around 1975 and briefly used as a gymnasium. It is constructed from coursed dressed sandstone with a roof of graded Westmorland slates.

The church is built in the Free-Decorated style, characterized by steep roof lines and distinctive, quirky detailing. The west front features a massive rose window above a double-chamfered doorway and double quatrefoil windows to the aisles. An unusual stone cross within a circular frame sits atop the south-west angle, reminiscent of the work of S.S. Teulon. The apex of the nave has two turrets with conical caps. The aisles have two three-light windows. The three-stage south tower incorporates a south-east turret and a broach stone spire, with a two-light south window, a lancet below a round clock face in the middle stage, and three-light belfry openings with louvres. The chancel has a five-light east window, while the organ chamber features quatrefoil and two-light windows. The vestry is characterised by a quatrefoil east window, a triple-light south window, and a pointed doorway. The interior was inaccessible at the time of inspection in June 2009. Stained glass is retained in most windows, though much of it is damaged.

W.H. Crossland (1823-1909) was an architect from Leeds who trained under Sir George Gilbert Scott. He designed several churches in Yorkshire and undertook secular commissions, including Rochdale Town Hall and Holloway College at Egham. This church in Bradley is one of his earliest commissions.

The church is designated at Grade II for its architectural importance as a notable example of 1860s church design, showcasing the vitality of detail typical of the decade and well representing the style of W.H. Crossland. Its careful siting on sloping ground and the asymmetrical placement of the tower and spire also contribute to its aesthetic impact.