Did You Know?

Every year a national competition is held in Bradford to see who makes the best curries in Britain. Judges score four restaurants selected by the local council that are judged on many different specific features about the dish itself and its presentation. It has been named Curry Capital of Britain for a record breaking five years in a row. 

Bradford was turned into town when the villagers were allowed to hold a weekly market. In those days there were no shops and anyone wishing to buy or sell anything had to go to a market. Once the market was up and running craftsmen would come and live in the town and sell their goods at the market.

Medieval Bradford would seem tiny to us, with a population of no more than several hundred but towns and villages were very small in those days. There were only 3 streets, Kirkgate, Westgate, and Ivegate.

Bradford is experiencing the biggest population boom in the country (if you don’t include London). It has the largest proportion of under fives as well as under 19-year-olds, and also the biggest average household size.

Jowett was a manufacturer of light cars and light commercial vehicles based in Bradford. Jowett was founded in 1906 by the Benjamin Brothers, and when the business first started they made peddle bikes, later going on to build V twin engines for driving machinery.

Excluding London, figures show that Bradford is currently undergoing the biggest population growth in the UK. The city also has the largest proportion of under-fives and under 19-year olds, and the largest average household size.

Britain’s highest water fountain: in the city park, you’ll find a beautiful fountain. The park is located near the Grade 1 listed City hall, and this is where you’ll find a lovely mirror pool. This is the home of the highest water fountain in Britain! The fountain can shoot water up as high as 100 ft!, At night, the city’s largest fountain puts on a beautiful laser display, too. You’ll also find smaller fountains in the park. 

Home to the largest former industrial building: It is home to the largest former industrial building! The Salts Mill was built back in 1853 and was designed by Lockwood Mawson. The owner was Sir Titus Salt. When the building was completed, it was the largest industrial building in the world! It was used up until 1986, when it closed.

Oldest concert hall in still in use: the city is also home to the oldest concert hall, which is still in use in the UK! In fact, this is the third oldest on the entire continent. St. George’s Hall was opened back in 1853 and it’s still going strong today.