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Today is the feast of St Blaise, patron saint of wool combers.
For those that don't know, he's the chap in stone whose statue stands at the original entrance of The Wool Exchange Building.
For those that don't know, he's the chap in stone whose statue stands at the original entrance of The Wool Exchange Building.
For those of you that don't know, Blaise was a physician in historical Armenia, modern day Turkey, in the 3rd – 4th century.
Throughout the 11th and 12th centuries he was a popular saint, becoming one of the referred Fourteen Holy Helpers.
Throughout the 11th and 12th centuries he was a popular saint, becoming one of the referred Fourteen Holy Helpers.
He was frequently depicted with two crossed candles -representing the candles that lit his cell during his imprisonment - and with a hand comb - the tool used to torture him.
It was in 1222 that 3rd February became his feast day and was declared a religious holiday.
It was in 1222 that 3rd February became his feast day and was declared a religious holiday.
But what's his connection to Bradford, we hear you ask?
As the patron saint of wool combers, the people of Bradford held him in very high regard - especially during the 19th century when Bradford played an active role in the booming textile industry.
As the patron saint of wool combers, the people of Bradford held him in very high regard - especially during the 19th century when Bradford played an active role in the booming textile industry.
Every seventh year in Bradford, there were days of celebrations in Saint Blaise’s (or Bishop Blaise’s) honour. Sources indicate that in Bradford there was a Blaise Festival or town-wide celebrations in 1811, 1818 and 1825.
The 1825 Festival was the largest and thought to be the last.
Sporadic festivals and celebrations continued throughout the rest of the 19th & 20th centuries.
Who could forget the Bishop Blaise Pageant of 1931?
Sporadic festivals and celebrations continued throughout the rest of the 19th & 20th centuries.
Who could forget the Bishop Blaise Pageant of 1931?
Even to this day, references to Saint Blaise surround us in Bradford.
Whether it's his statue outside the Wool Exchange Building or the street names that make up our great city, our connection to Blaise subconsciously remains
Whether it's his statue outside the Wool Exchange Building or the street names that make up our great city, our connection to Blaise subconsciously remains
For a more detailed history of Saint Blaise and his connections to Bradford, we direct you to this EPIC blog, penned by our FANTASTIC Assistant Curator, @LaurenPadgett24
https://www.bradfordmuseums.org/blog/bradford-and-st-blaise/#
Cheers to Saint Blaise!
https://www.bradfordmuseums.org/blog/bradford-and-st-blaise/#
Cheers to Saint Blaise!
