City Guides
Bradford
History
Bradford’s involvement in the manufacturing of textiles dates back to the thirteenth-century, but its industry didn’t become central to the British economy until the Industrial Revolution. With soft water, iron, ore and coal all cheaply and readily available in the area, Bradford was able to sustain its industry with minimal trading with other areas.
The county borough of Bradford was granted city status at the end of the nineteenth-century, but its boundaries have been altered to incorporate more of the surrounding areas on four occasions since then.
Along with many other Northern cities, Bradford’s importance as a manufacturing centre has decreased, and the collapse of the mining industry accelerated its economic decline. In the past twenty years, however, the city has seen resurgence in local business and employment, although the rate of unemployment is still below that of the national average.
Bradford’s long and significant history is well documented, and there are a number of heritage centres and museums displaying ancient exhibits uncovered in the region and exploring the city’s history. Bradford is also the proud home of one of only two World Heritage Sites in Yorkshire: the village of Saltaire. The village was built in the nineteenth-century to house the local mill factory workforce, and remains an example of outstanding architecture. Salts Mill is a shopping and cultural development, housed in what was once the textiles mill in the area.
Bradford’s Cathedral is an impressive fifteenth-century building on Stott Hill in the city centre with a tower standing 100-foot high. Two carved Saxon stones have been discovered on the site, leading archaeologists to the conclusion that Christians have been using the site for worship since the seventh-century. Educational events and visits are organised by the parish to teach local children about Christianity and local history.
Bradford Industrial Museum is housed in what was once a nineteenth-century mill. The current collection comprises textile machinery, and steam power, engineering and motor vehicles. The homes once lived in by mill workers and the mill owner remain, and visitors are permitted to visit and explore the artifacts found there.
Bradford is also home to a number of unique museums, including The National Media Museum (formerly The National Museum of Film and Photography), the most visited museum outside of London. Collections include original inventions and contemporary innovations in photography, cinematography equipment and exhibits exploring the development and growth of television. Admission to the museum is free, but charges do apply for the three cinemas – including the IMAX cinema with the largest screen in the world. There is also a café and shop on the premises.
The county borough of Bradford was granted city status at the end of the nineteenth-century, but its boundaries have been altered to incorporate more of the surrounding areas on four occasions since then.
Along with many other Northern cities, Bradford’s importance as a manufacturing centre has decreased, and the collapse of the mining industry accelerated its economic decline. In the past twenty years, however, the city has seen resurgence in local business and employment, although the rate of unemployment is still below that of the national average.
Bradford’s long and significant history is well documented, and there are a number of heritage centres and museums displaying ancient exhibits uncovered in the region and exploring the city’s history. Bradford is also the proud home of one of only two World Heritage Sites in Yorkshire: the village of Saltaire. The village was built in the nineteenth-century to house the local mill factory workforce, and remains an example of outstanding architecture. Salts Mill is a shopping and cultural development, housed in what was once the textiles mill in the area.
Bradford’s Cathedral is an impressive fifteenth-century building on Stott Hill in the city centre with a tower standing 100-foot high. Two carved Saxon stones have been discovered on the site, leading archaeologists to the conclusion that Christians have been using the site for worship since the seventh-century. Educational events and visits are organised by the parish to teach local children about Christianity and local history.
Bradford Industrial Museum is housed in what was once a nineteenth-century mill. The current collection comprises textile machinery, and steam power, engineering and motor vehicles. The homes once lived in by mill workers and the mill owner remain, and visitors are permitted to visit and explore the artifacts found there.
Bradford is also home to a number of unique museums, including The National Media Museum (formerly The National Museum of Film and Photography), the most visited museum outside of London. Collections include original inventions and contemporary innovations in photography, cinematography equipment and exhibits exploring the development and growth of television. Admission to the museum is free, but charges do apply for the three cinemas – including the IMAX cinema with the largest screen in the world. There is also a café and shop on the premises.
Entertainment