The earliest part of this building, dating from the 14th century, has been interpreted as a peel tower, although Bradford is somewhat outside the typical geographical area for these defensive structures.

The Manor of Bolling (Bollinc) is first mentioned in Domesday Book and was at that time in the possession of a man named Sindi.

The estate changed hands several times thereafter until eventually it was let to several tenants until being presented to Bradford Corporation in 1912.

[6] On this occasion the Royalists took the town, which had strong Parliamentarian sympathies, and it was thought that the victors would put the inhabitants to the sword.

There is usually material on display relating to the English Civil War including a death mask of Oliver Cromwell.