A Timeline of Bradford

By Tim Lambert

1086

Bradford is a large village with a population of about 300. It later grows into a small market town. Wool and leather are made in the town.

1461

Bradford is granted the right to hold 2 annual fairs, a sign of its growing importance.

1557-58

Bradford is struck by the plague. Nevertheless, the town grows larger and more important. Wool is the main industry.

1642

During the Civil War Royalists try to take Bradford but they are beaten off

1643

The Royalists capture Bradford and sack it

1644

Parliamentary troops recapture Bradford

1645

Plague strikes Bradford

1720

Bradford has a population of about 4,000

1771

The first bank opens in Bradford

1801

The population of Bradford is over 6,000

1803

A body of men is formed in Bradford with the powers to pave, clean, and light the streets

1823

The streets of Bradford are lit by gas

1846

The railway reaches Bradford

1847

A corporation is formed in Bradford

1848-49

420 people die in a cholera epidemic in Bradford

1851

Bradford has a population of 103,000

1853-71

Sir Titus Salt builds a model village at Saltaire

1863

Peel Park opens

1872

The first public library opens in Bradford

1882

Horse drawn trams run in Bradford

1889

Electricity is first generated in Bradford

1897

Bradford is made a city

1904

Cartwright Memorial Hall is built

1907

The first council houses are built in Bradford

1916

A fire in a munitions factory kills 39 people in Bradford

1919

The Church of St Peter is made Bradford Cathedral

1950s

Many immigrants arrive in Bradford

1959

Cliffe Castle Museum opens

1966

Bradford University opens

1971

The Kirkgate Centre opens

1974

Bradford Industrial Museum opens. Bradford is made a Metropolitan District Council.

1977

A Transport Interchange opens

1983

The Museum of Photography, Film, and Television opens

1990

Bradford Law Courts are built

1996

The Wool Exchange is refurbished and reopens as a shopping centre

1997

The Peace Museum opens

2012

City Park opens

2015

The Broadway Centre opens