The Story of Bradford

The Story of Bradford traces the city’s history from earliest times to the present, concluding with comments on the issues, challenges, and opportunities that the 21st century will present. Rather than being narrowly focused on local history, the book will attempt to show, where appropriate, how what happened had a wider significance. For example, the chapter on Bradford and the First World War shows that the departure of the German wool merchants in 1914 and the tragedy that befell the Bradford Pals at the Somme had a serious effect not just on the city (which probably never fully recovered) but further afield. While the achievements of the great nineteenth-century wool barons feature, due regard is also given to the condition of the working-class, industrial unrest, including the Manningham Mills Strike that led to the creation of the Independent Labour Party in Bradford. Neither does the author neglect the city’s architectural development and heritage.