Approximate Location Map
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Other current and historical names
Location and coordinates are for the approximate centre of Bedford within this administrative area. Geographic features and populated places may cross administrative borders.
Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew
Bedford.-- co. town of Bedfordshire, parl. and mun. bor., situated in a fertile dist., on both sides of river Ouse, crossed by a bridge of 5 arches, and on main line of Midland Ry., 49¾ miles NW. of London, 2127 ac., pop. 19,533; 2 Banks, 4 newspapers. Market-days, Monday and Saturday. It has important mfrs. of agricultural implements, straw-plait, and lace. It is also eminent as an educational centre. Among its endowments is a free grammar school, founded in 1561 by Sir W. Harpur, in connection with which 2 high schools for girls were opened in 1882; the annual income from this endowment, originally #40, is now upwards of £13,000. There is also the Bedford County School, a handsome new building, with accommodation for 300 boarders. John Bunyan (1628-88), author of the "Pilgrim's Progress", born at Elstow, in the vicinity, was imprisoned for twelve years in Bedford Gaol. The town returns 1 member to Parl.
A village in Buckelowe hundred, in the county of Bedfordshire.
Two manors recorded in Domesday.
1st Manor
2nd Manor
