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