Learn about horse power and steam engines amid the vintage cars and machinery in this former textile factory, where the old workers’ rooms are on display.
Located in Moorside Mills, Bradford Industrial Museum has a collection of working machinery from the manufacturing era that built this city. The terraced houses of the workers and the mill manager’s majestic manor offer insight into daily life in the textile workshop. Watch demonstrations showing the inner workings, context and effects of the old-world motors, steam engines and machines.
Moorside Mills was constructed in the 1870s and changed hands many times over the decades. The terraced housing of Gaythorne Row shows how the workers lived, while the 19th-century décor of Moorside House provides a glimpse of the owners’ comparative affluence.
The complex has a large permanent collection, featuring an array of antiquated contraptions. Check out waterwheels and oil engines and learn about the history of steam power. Inspect the Bradford trolleybus and vintage cars in the transportation section. The exhibit in the mill’s canteen block provides information about horse power.
Enter the Printing Gallery exhibit for the Victorian machines used for letterpress printing. Attend a demonstration run by volunteer docents on Wednesdays you’ll leave with a souvenir bookmark.
Make your way through the temporary exhibits, which have included a photography display on the closing of the coal mines and a section on women’s rights. Bring your kids to the Family Drop-In days, when you can take part in craft activities. Young children can also participate in workshops on weaving, science and the Victorian classroom.
Browse the items in the gift shop, which has books, toys and other memorabilia.
The museum opens Tuesday through Sunday and on bank holidays from morning until late afternoon. Note that running times for the machines vary. Call the number on the official website to check current schedules in advance. Admission is free.
Bradford Industrial Museum lies between the Fagley and Undercliffe districts in the northeastern part of Bradford. Take a bus from the city centre to get here in about 20 minutes.
While in the area, visit nearby attractions such as Calverley Golf Club, Bradford Moor Park and Undercliffe Cricket Club.
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