Bedford
Unveiling of the Bunyan Statue

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One of the greatest functions of this eventful year (1874) was the unveiling of the bronze statue of John Bunyan, presented to the town by the Duke of Bedford. This took place on Wednesday, June 10, and the report of the proceedings filled nearly three pages of the Beds. Times. There were sermons on the previous Sunday, notably one by the Rev. John Brown; and elaborate preparations in the town. It was arranged that the Sunday School children of Bedford and Elstow should have a festival in the Industry Close, Goldington-road, with a firework display in the evening. The conductors of St. Paul's Sunday School refused to join the other places of worship; but the children were attached to those of Holy Trinity School. There was, however, a ringing of St. Paul's, as well as of St. Peter's bells, and of course the streets were brilliantly decorated. The English and American Press was extensively represented, and the event was one of world-wide interest.

Lady Augusta Stanley performed the ceremony of unveiling the statue, which took place early in the afternoon in the presence of about ten thousand people. At a meeting in the Corn Exchange the principal orators were the late Dean Stanley, the Mayor (Mr. George Hurst), Earl Cowper, K.G., the Rev. Dr. Allon, and the Rev. John Brown. The late Mr. J. G. Wright, of Birmingham, also took a brief part in the proceedings of the day. Open air meetings were held for the purpose of giving information about Bunyan to crowds of visitors, the weather being fine to sultriness. In the evening, the Rev. C. M. Birrell was the lecturer at Bunyan Meeting.

Extract from: J. Hamson 'Bedford Town and Townsmen 1845-1895' Bedfordshire Times, 1896

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