New Historical Map Highlights Bradford’s Industrial Heritage

December 4, 2025 Off By

Bradford’s growth from village to industrial centre explored through detailed map

The Bradford Literature Festival (BLF) collaborated with the UK Historic Towns Trust (HTT) to launch a new historical map titled Historical Map of Bradford: Wool Capital of the World during the 2025 festival. The map illustrates Bradford’s transformation from a small medieval village into a major manufacturing hub during the Industrial Revolution.

Map development and features

The map is based on an early Ordnance Survey map and covers three conservation areas of Bradford: the city centre, Manningham, and Little Germany. It highlights lost buildings, industrial sites, cemeteries, and other points of interest, accompanied by illustrations that explain the city’s complex development over time.

The UK Historic Towns Trust produces unique historical maps and atlases that chart the evolution of towns and cities across England, Scotland, and Wales. Their work involves collaboration with local community members, historians, geographers, archaeologists, and organisations to encourage understanding and preservation of urban heritage.

Launch event and public response

The map was launched at Bradford City Hall, whose gothic architecture provided a fitting setting for the event. Presentations were made by Ian Roberts, a local archaeologist and project lead; Giles Darkes, HTT’s Cartographic Editor and mapmaker; and Jerry Brotton, a Bradford-born historian and author.

During the festival, the map was exhibited at City Hall, allowing visitors to examine its detailed features. It proved popular with festival audiences, becoming the top-selling item at the Waterstones Festival Hub pop-up bookshop.

Comments from organisers

Martin Wills, Development Manager at The Historic Towns Trust, noted that the partnership with BLF helped reach a wider audience and contributed to the success of the events, describing the collaboration as positive and well-supported.
Lizzy Newman, Senior Creative Producer at BLF, said the project brought Bradford’s history to life and highlighted the city’s rise as a global industrial centre. She described the launch and exhibition as festival highlights and welcomed the public’s enthusiasm for exploring local heritage.