Dating back to the Norman conquest of Britian the original village grew around the "Broad Ford" crossing Bradford Beck by the site of Bradford Cathedral.
During the industrial revolution in the late eighteenth and nineteenth century Bradford grew in importance as a producer of textiles and became known as the 'woollen centre of the world'. Today most of the textile mills and heavier industries are no longer present; but these have been replaced with modem engineering, chemicals and financial services (especially building societies), making Bradford one of northern EnglandÍs important cities.
From itÍs past as an international trading centre, there are some fine Victorian buildings to be seen, including the recently refurbished Wool Exchange. Bradford has several gardens and parks, including Lister Park (with the Cartwright Hall museum and art gallery and the Mughal Water Gardens), Peel. Park (the venue for the annual Mela Ð where east meets west in the showing of its culture). Nearby is the local beauty spot of Chellow Dene (near Allerton) with its two fine Victorian reservoirs set in pleasant woodland.
Despite its industrial past, the city of Bradford is situated near to the very edge of the countryside of West Yorkshire. There are some idyllic spots and country walks e.g. in Apperley Bridge, one can take a casual stroll along the Leeds / Liverpool canal to watch the barges - this being only a few minutes walk from the Idle Park development at Thorpe Edge.
Bradford is an exciting place, overflowing with culture, traditional heritage and variety of urban and rural experiences. From theatre and concerts, cinema, award-winning museums, sculpture and acclaimed art galleries, Bradford has it all.
Mark Oliver Homes are dedicated to building affordable and attractive housing in and around the Bradford area.