Markets
Bedford - a Town of
Markets
Bedford is a thriving market town
with its original ‘charter’ market dating back more than 800
years.
Bedford’s twice-weekly Charter Market literally put the town on the
map 
when King Henry II granted the charter in 1166 allowing
Bedfordians to hold their own market. A market was held on St
Paul’s Square since the 1500s but eventually it outgrew the site
and was moved to the Riverside Square car park some 18 years ago.
During February 2002, part of the market returned to its roots on
St Paul’s Square and also to Harpur Square in the heart of
Bedford’s town centre. Charter Markets are
held every Wednesday and Saturday.
In Kempston the Thursday and Sunday General Market provides a much
sought after service.
Bedford now also hosts three speciality Markets; a Gourmet Food
Market on Thursdays, joined by Farmers Markets on the 2nd and
4th Thursday of the month, the Friday Home and
Garden Market and a Handmade in Bedford Market in April, May,
June, August, September and October on the second Saturday of the
month.
For more
information on Markets and becoming a Market Trader please view our
'Bedford Town
& Market's Guide 2011/12'.
To download a map of central Bedford to accompany the Guide
please click here.
Please click on the links below to find out more about the
markets
Bedford Charter Market
Gourmet Food Market
Home and Garden Market
Kempston General Market