The Development of Telecoms - Bradford
Wherever men deal in wool Bradford is a name of paramount consequence. Perhaps this very renown tends to obscure its other claims to notice. These are associated with circumstances as diverse as its unique geographical position midway between the east and west coasts in the heart of the industrial West Riding and its ecclesiastical importance as one of the newer bishoprics. Its cathedral, originally the parish church, dates back to the 14th century.
The city of Bradford is the headquarters of the area, but nearby are the important textile centres of Huddersfield and Halifax, which are also well known for their engineering and chemical products and Keighley which is world famous for textile machinery.
To those unacquainted with the Bradford telephone area, not the least surprising feature is the wild unspoilt country within easy reach of the towns, country of romance such as the Bronte country, the Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire Moors.
The area covers 785 square miles of which more than half is rural; indeed the territory north of Skipton is very sparsely populated. Here are the headwaters of the rivers Aire, Wharfe and Ribble, long deep dales, steep and desolate fells, isolated and remote.
This part of the area is now largely designated as a National Park. The scenery is austere and grand rather than dainty, although there are numerous charming waterfalls and little lakes or "tarns" with plenty of wild life.
The area contains 61 exchanges of which 43 are automatic serving over 67,000 exchange connections with about 105,000 stations.
The total staff inclusive of operating force numbers 1,660. The annual revenue approaches £1,700,000.
