'Bradford Jesus Man's funeral at Bradford Cathedral 5 years ago

Around 150 mourners applauded and waved as Geoffrey Brindley's wool coffin was carried from Bradford Cathedral at the end of the service.

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.

'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.

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.

The funeral cortege of Geoffrey Brindley - 'Bradford Jesus Man'

Tributes at Jesus Man’s funeral

The Reverend Sandra Benham, who led the service, told the congregation: "He offered a constant witness. He was always there come rain, snow or hail. Always there, always the same.

"He had time for people, he was not in a rush, he was not caught up in our so often frenzied world.

"He simply walked, waved and smiled."

Among the mourners at the funeral was Mr Brindley's cousin, Colin Watson. He spoke about Mr Brindley's grandparents, William Hallows and Mary Goodwin, of Buxton, who had two daughters called Mary Ellen and Florence.

Mary Ellen married Andrew Brindley, and the couple had three sons and one daughter. Geoffrey Brindley was their third son, said Mr Watson.

Geoffrey Brindley's funeral held at Bradford Cathedral

He added: "All the immediate family are now deceased and Geoffrey was the last one. Geoffrey's father was tragically killed in a railway shunting accident when Geoffrey was around ten years old."

"On behalf of Geoffrey's family, I would like to thank the people of Bradford for looking after him during this uncertain period in his lifetime and I can only apologise for any problems he may have caused.

"I hope he has now found peace."

Former Bradford resident Michael Kerrigan, of Lincolnshire, read a poem he wrote in Mr Brindley's memory.

Before he read it out, Mr Kerrigan said: "I had five decades acquainted with Geoffrey Brindley. I have known him fondly from behind the steering wheel of my car. It was always such a delight for me to see his cheery face.

"I will miss him and his cheery presence in my world."

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