Hobbies and interests

Famous Sons of Bedford

Famous sons and people associated with Bedford

Three museums in Bedford tell the story of the Borough and of the men of faith and imagination who lived here. Perhaps the best known of these is John Bunyan, who was born a few miles away at Elstow. He wrote his famous book, 'The Pilgrims Progress' while imprisoned in the Country Gaol for refusing to recognise the Established Church; to this day, nonconformist chapels, some dating back to Bunyan's time, are much in evidence in towns and villages all over the area.

Sir William Harpur was a Bedford man remembered with gratitude. Born at the turn of the 16^th century, he became Lord Mayor of London and founded a school in Bedford, to be maintained by a rich endowment of London land. The Harpur Schools flourish today and many sons and daughters of Bedford thank Sir William for his foresight.

John Howard was left an estate in Cardington by his father in the 18th century, he denounced the appalling conditions in gaols and in the even more terrible prison ships. His name lives on in the Howard League of Penal Reform. The Bedford reformist tradition is continued by Trevor Huddleston born here in 1913.

Although not born in Bedford, Glenn Miller and his band were based here during the war. It was from here that many of his morale-boosting broadcasts were made and from where he flew to entertain the Allied troops in war-torn Europe.

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Bedford History
History

Borough of Bedford Coat of Arms
Past Mayors of Bedford
Hobbies and Interests
Local History
War Memorials
Glenn Miller
Archbishop Trevor Huddleston
Past Events
Butterfly Bridge
Aragon Lacemakers
History