Bradford

Bradford is a city in West Yorkshire, England, and the administrative center of the City of Bradford Metropolitan District. It lies in the Aire Valley, northeast of Leeds, and forms part of the larger Leeds City Region. The city has a long industrial heritage and functions as a regional commercial and cultural center.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Bradford became one of the leading centers of textile manufacturing, particularly wool and worsted cloth, aided by mechanization, canals, and railways. The surrounding area includes Saltaire, a Victorian-era model village founded by Sir Titus Salt, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cultural and educational institutions in Bradford include the National Science and Media Museum and the University of Bradford. The city has parks, historic architecture, and a diverse population with communities from South Asia, the Middle East, and other regions.

Bradford Interchange is the city’s main railway hub, with services to Leeds, York, Manchester, and other destinations. The metropolitan district has around half a million residents. Its economy is now driven by services, retail, logistics, and public sector employment, within the Leeds City Region.