'Bradford Jesus Man' Geoffrey Brindley - 5 years since his death

Geoffrey Brindley took on the status of a much-loved figure in the Bradford district, where he was regularly spotted walking the streets in a brown robe and sandals, with a satchel around his neck.

He was so well-known that a website was even set-up dedicated to listing sightings of him.

When Mr Brindley died, aged 88, in August 2015, a book of condolence was set up at Bradford Cathedral for people to leave their tributes, after an outpouring of public tributes followed his death.

'Bradford Jesus Man' could often be seen in his sandals in the district's streets

Who was Bradford's Jesus Man?

The Telegraph & Argus reported in 1960 how Mr Brindley, then 33, gave up his job as a machinist to live in a cave near Settle in order to receive a message from God.

He spent 12 days in the cave before setting off back to Bradford wearing a habit.

Mr Brindley, also known as the Airedale Monk, was taken ill at his home in Baildon where he fell down the stairs. He died in hospital several days later.

Tributes to Mr Brindley flooded in from all over the world, including America, Russia and Malaysia.

Geoffrey 'Jesus Man' Brindley. Picture: Andrew Clayborough

Speaking at his inquest in October 2015, Assistant Bradford coroner Oliver Longstaff said Mr Brindley, who was born in Buxton, Derbyshire, had died as a result of an accident.

He described him as a fascinating man and added: "He was a local character of some reputation with a social media following of about 20,000. He is going to be missed."

Mr Brindley's funeral took place at Bradford Cathedral in October 2015.

The procession headed to Bradford from Shipley along Manningham Lane, passing Valley Parade and onto Hamm Strasse. It then went onto Barkerend Road to Thornbury roundabout, then along Leeds Road and Church Bank.

Geoffrey Brindley in a cave in Settle in 1960

Tributes paid

The Bishop of Bradford Toby Howarth said he did not know Mr Brindley personally, but added: "Speaking for the wider Christian community, we greatly mourn his loss.

"We are grateful for his life and all that he meant for many people in Bradford and the district."

'Jesus Man's' funeral at Bradford Cathedral in October 2015

His legacy

Jesus Man is remembered fondly by the Bradford public and even has a plaque on a bench in his honour.

The bench, on Wrose Road, Wrose, at the junction with Snowden Road, was unveiled in 2016.

The plaque and the refurbishment was paid for out of money raised via crowdfunding by Vicky Davis, of Low Moor.

Crowds gathered for the procession at Mr Brindley's funeral in October 2015

Speaking at the time, she said: “The bench and plaque will pay a tribute to his life.

"He was a very well known and liked man, not only in Bradford but people from all over the world knew him, and his legacy as Jesus Man will live on."

A bench dedicated to the Bradford Jesus man Geoffrey Brindley. Stephanie Wright and John Dembickjy are pictured at the bench

What are your memories of Bradford's Jesus Man? Leave them in the comments section below.