Bolton is a Bradford village without 'a village street'. Until well into the twentieth century it was little more than a collection of scattered farms, hamlets and small terraces. Between the two World Wars substantial numbers of houses were built and the shape and style of today's Bolton was set. The main thoroughfare is Bolton Road and the most prominent building on that road and in the whole of Bolton is St James's Church.
The present church was consecrated in 1877. It was designed by Andrews and Pepper (leading Bradford architects who also designed Manningham Mills). The church was paid for entirely by one person James Atkinson-Jowett of Grove House. It is a Grade II listed building; the steeple is a Bradford landmark and interior features include an important stained glass window by Shrigley and Hunt of Lancaster, and fine tile and mosaic decoration by Simpson of London. There have been some alterations and re-orderings over the years to take account of changing needs and times, but the present-day church retains its historical integrity and character, whilst offering facilities for many different worship styles and activities.
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