I have long been uncertain regarding the Anglican churches dedicated to St John near the city centre. This plan of 1876 shows the Anglican church of St John’s, Little Horton Lane. As you can see it was situated between Neal Street and Henry Street.

There had been an earlier St John’s, Manchester Road in the 1840s-1870s. Rev. Godfrey Wright, Bradford’s biggest landowner in the early 19^th century, sold the land for St John’s which opened in 1839. It was the gift of a John Berthron and was one of the first five Anglican churches constructed in Bradford after the parish church (now the Cathedral).  Unfortunately, a dispute between the incumbent and the Vicar of Bradford, Dr Scoresby, hampered its development and it was demolished after about 30 years. The Princes Theatre and Star Music Hall were erected on the site.

I assume that St John’s Little Horton Lane was built as a replacement for the earlier church. I believe the second church was opened in the year 1873. It is present in various maps and directories into the 1930s and I have been told that in fact it was demolished as recently as the 1960s, so it must be remembered.

This recent Google Earth capture shows trees in the position that I think St John’s, Little Horton Lane, occupied. I understand that the church font and other fittings were recycled to different churches. Can anyone tell me if all this is true, and if any of the stained glass was preserved?

If a St John’s Church features in your family’s history please take care since there were also Anglican churches with this name in Bowling and Great Horton.