The name Bradford means “village by a ford.” The first part of the name “Brad” meant broad. So, the name should really be “Village by a Broad Ford.” The name referred to a crossing of the Bradford Beck at Church Bank, which is just below the Bradford Cathedral.
Bradford is the world’s first UNESCO City of Film.
It is home to Britain’s highest water fountain.
It is home to the oldest concert hall, which is still in use in the UK.
Bradford is England’s highest city. It sits 554 ft above sea level.
The Jowett car was manufactured in Bradford.
The city invented school dinners: actually, the city was the very first place in the UK to serve state-funded meals. This started back in 1906 at one of Bradford’s primary schools. The meals were started due to school children collapsing from hunger...yet...
In the 19th century, Bradford became the international centre for textile manufacture, especially in wool. The city became a boomtown during the industrial revolution, which led it to becoming the wool capital of the world. In fact, by 1914 Bradford was considered one of the wealthiest cities in Europe because of its connection with wool. Much of this was exported through Hull.
Bradford City was formed in 1903 but the sports club that ultimately became City, Manningham Rugby League Club, were established in 1880 and were winners of the inaugural Rugby League championship in 1895. By the time of the change over from Rugby to Association Football Manningham had fallen on hard times and in 1903, after resorting to a series of archery contests to keep the club afloat, a more permanent solution to the financial problems was hit upon. Manningham changed code from rl to football.
Bradford City is the only League club in England to wear claret and amber, and nobody knows why. The first game in claret and amber was against Hull on 20th September 1884 at Carlisle Road.
Bradford City’s ‘Bantams’ identity arose from them looking like cocks, when the resemblance of their claret and amber colours to the plumage of bantams was suggested. They have also been known as the Cityzens, the paraders and the Woolwinders.