Study in Bradford

Studying in Bradford is a great experience for any student wishing to find a city with a rich and diverse culture. Crowned Curry Capital 2004 X-Cel went to check out one of Yorkshires finest cities.

The Industrial History of Bradford 'Broad Ford', later known as Bradford, was first settled in Saxon times and by the middle ages had become a small town centered on Kirkgate, Westgate and Ivegate.

At the turn of the 19th Century, Bradford was a small rural market town of 16,000 people, where wool-spinning and cloth weaving was carried out in local cottages and farms. By 1841 there were 38 worsted mills in Bradford town and 70 in the borough and it was estimated that two-thirds of the country's wool production was processed in Bradford. Less than ten years later, Bradford had become the wool capital of the world with a population of 100,000 leading to the development of a solid engineering and manufacturing base and a key financial centre which has continued to flourish ever since.

Industrial growth led to the rapid expansion of the city. Between 1800 and 1850 Bradford changed from a rural town amongst the woods and fields to a sprawling town filling the valley sides. The town centre expanded and its old buildings were largely replaced by new ones with lavish Victorian architecture still much in evidence today. Bradford was granted city status on 9 June 1897 and became a metropolitan district council in 1974.

Although textiles have declined during recent years, the local economy has diversified and the area now boasts impressive engineering, printing and packaging, chemical, financial, banking and export industries. High technology and the media industries are also thriving in a city which has moved with the times whilst retaining the skills, quality and innovation on which it has built a world beating reputation.

Arts And Culture In Bradford;

Arts and Culture in Bradford is at the top of the agenda. So much so, that they made a bid this year for Capital of Culture 2008 only to have missed out to Liverpool. Having produced many famous authors (from the Brontes to J.B. Priestley and more contemporary writers such as John Braine and the poet Joolz), composers such as Delius, singers and musicians such as Kiki Dee and Gareth Gates, and of course David Hockney (arguably the world's greatest living artist), the City of Bradford has already made significant contributions to the literary, musical and visual arts at the international level.

Studying In Bradford will also allow you to enjoy a city that is also rich in architecture and attractions. The National Media Museum and Bradford’s Industrial Museum note significant parts of the City’s history as well as the art gallery’s. All of these bring hundreds of visitors to Bradford each year.
Theatre in Bradford is also enjoyed by the locals. The best in opera, live entertainment and drama can also be found at the Alhambra Theatre and St Georges Hall.

David Hockney
David Hockney was born in Bradford Yorkshire in 1937, David won a scholarship to go to Bradford Grammar School and by the age of 10 he had already decided he wanted to be an artist of some kind. He completed his Grammar school education, and then followed it at Bradford Art College, from where he got a place to study at the Royal College of Art in London.

On completing his diploma at the Royal College of art, David was awarded a Gold medal, and he quite rapidly became known as 'Hockney' the artist. His success in the 1960's seemed to have no realms. The Salts Mill in Bradford now holds one of the largest exhibitions of David Hockneys work www.saltmill.org.uk

Eating Out In Bradford
Crowned Curry Capital in 2004, the restaurants in Bradford are a reflection on the strong Asian population in Bradford. Bradford now has a good reputation for some of the best Asian cuisine in the UK. However, Bradford district also has much to offer providing world cuisine to its multi-cultural locals. The great Yorkshire pub can be found at the bottom of most streets serving real ale.

Students In Bradford
Studying In Bradford has its rewards. For example, Bradford University has an international reputation for excellence. Accommodation and living is also extremely cheap and Bradford is close to other great cities such as Leeds and Sheffield. Combine this with a sea of cheap beer and curry and you have found your perfect student haven!

For more information on studying in Bradford contact:

www.visitbradford.com