The Broad Ford from which Bradford gets its name is thought to have been a Roman crossing point over a large stream which now runs in a culvert beneath the modern city. Iron was extracted nearby during the Roman period but the first known settlement was recorded in Saxon times. This went on to become a small town by the Middle Ages.

Being rich in water, coal and iron, Bradford prospered. Early in the 14th century, coal was being extracted and woollen goods were being produced. However, the Civil War of 1642-49, saw the town’s fortunes reversed after Parliamentarians wrecked it in punishment for its support of the Royalist cause. A long economic slump followed.

It began to flourish again during the 18th century with the manufacture of worsted goods, and the arrival of the Industrial Revolution brought enormous speed and scale benefits to production of this speciality. About two-thirds of the UK’s wool production came from Bradford in 1831 and its excellent road, canal and (after 1846) rail links facilitated the export of the cloth around the world. Much of Bradford’s architectural legacy dates from this period.

Industrial growth led to rapid expansion. By 1851 the market town had a population of 104,000, and in1897 the still-growing metropolis was granted city status.

The 20th century brought mixed fortunes. The decline of the textile trade hit the city hard and, in common with many northern industrial regions, Bradford suffered throughout the 1980s from social and economic deprivation and high unemployment. While some of these problems have loosened their grip, the city (which has one of the UK’s largest Asian communities) has yet to attract much investment and Bradford remains largely overshadowed by its rich and prosperous neighbour, Leeds.