The territory included within the limits of Bradford was originally a part of Rowley,  which name
was changed to Bradford at a town meeting held Jan. 7, 1672, in memory of Bradford in the West
Riding of Yorkshire, England. The first town meeting was held in 1668, the "orthodox minister,"
 Rev. Zechariah Symmes, of Charlestown, already having been secured. On March 8, 1850,
part of its territory was set off and incorporated as the town of Groveland. On January 4, 1897,
the town of Bradford was annexed to the city of Haverhill.