Bradford in the early 19th century

By 1822 310 worsted manufacturers attended the Bradford Piece Hall, compared with 68 at Halifax.

By 1770 production in the worsted industry was as high in the West Riding as in Norwich; subsequently the West Riding, and especially Bradford, became dominant, largely as a result of mechanisation. By 1810 Bradford was consuming more wool for worsted production than any other West Riding town. It was also gaining in importance as a merchanting centre.