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Local History 

Bradford has been at the centre of the British wool trade throughout its history as a result of its geographical position and its access to the raw materials required. 

A settlement was in existence before the Domesday  Book of 1086, which recorded all the lands and properties included in William the Conqueror’s new domain, but its first date is not known. 

A Royal Charter, passed in 1251, granted a weekly fair and by the end of the centuary an annual fair was added. 

In the Civil War Bradford, like most other wool towns, supported Parliament. 

The Industrial Revolution started in the 18^th centuary, transformed Bradford. New machines, using water then steam power, were developed and factories and mills replaced home working, causing a decline in the idea of the village and growth in the town populations. The year 1798 saw the first steam powered spinning mill in Bradford. 

Bradford has produced some famous names in the textile industry, including philanthropist Titus (later Sir Titus) Salt, who developed the manufacture of alpaca followed by mohair in 1836, and S.C.Lister (later Lord Masham) who introduced silk and velvet manufacture. The availability of coal and iron nearby and the development of canals led to the growth of heavy industry. Saltaire was the model town built by Sir Titus for his workers. 

As Bradford grew and attracted industry, its population increased. From about 8,000 in 1760, the population grew to more than183, 000 in 1881. Social problems were caused by overwork, overcrowding and poor diet. 

Also in the area are the towns of Skipton and Keighley, which owed their original importance to the wool trade. Skipton is now perhaps best known for its market and Norman Castle. 

Howarth is known worldwide as the bleak moorland village in which the Bronte sisters lived, and produced their novels and poetry.

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