Take a trip into Bradford’s ancient past at the Bolling Hall Museum. Displays of art, clothing, furniture, kitchenware and weapons give an authentic impression of the lives of some of the city’s most important families. Wander between the rooms of Bolling Hall Museum, feel its aristocratic ambiance and keep your eyes open for the resident ghost.
Recorded in the Domesday Book, this manor house was the home of notable landowner families for over 500 years from 1316. During the English Civil War of the 1640s it became a stronghold for the Royalists, who were the allies of King Charles I. The mishmash of architectural styles ranges from medieval to Georgian and Victorian. The oldest section of the house is the 14th-century fortified peel tower.
Each room is meticulously set up to portray the design styles used throughout the house’s occupation. See displays of children’s toys, family portraits, knight’s armor and medieval-era land deeds. Browse a collection of coins and keys, which date back to the Tudor and Stuart periods. The family coats of arms of some of the previous proprietors decorate windows.
A striking feature of the interior décor is the solid wood beds, the most notable of which was made by famed furniture maker Thomas Chippendale. The death mask of Oliver Cromwell is among artifacts related to the civil war.
Paranormal activity has been reported at the house. Look for the presence of the White Lady, a legendary woman who asked the Earl of Newcastle to stop his planned 17th-century massacre of Bradford.
Find the museum in the suburb of East Bowling, a 10-minute drive south of Bradford city center. Public buses travel here from the Bradford Interchange bus and railway terminal. There’s a free car park at the museum. Combine your visit with a walk around the adjacent Bowling Park, where you can enjoy views of the city, summer picnics and winter tobogganing.
Bolling Hall Museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, except for select public holidays. Admission is free. An on-site shop stocks a range of souvenirs such as books and children’s toys. Visit the museum’s official website to find out about current exhibitions.
