[5] He grew up in the southeast of England and was educated at Tonbridge School and New College, Oxford, where he graduated with a "congratulatory first" in 1971 in modern history.

[6] He remained at the University of Oxford to complete a doctoral thesis on religion and politics in early nineteenth-century Britain, earning his DPhil degree.

Bradley has taught in the areas of Christianity in contemporary Britain; hymnody, liturgy and worship; monarchy, church and state; and the theology of musical theatre.

[12] As a journalist, Bradley has contributed to The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, The Tablet and Life and Work as well as often appearing on Songs of Praise and BBC Radio 4.

[13] According to Stephen Bates in his book Royalty Inc.: Britain's Best Known Brand, Bradley preached at Crathie Kirk then stayed the weekend at Balmoral Castle, where he was "driven through the estate by the Queen" and attended a barbecue hosted by Prince Philip.