Bedford
General History
Melville's Directory of Bedfordshire, 1867
(Bedford Extract)
Places > Bedford > General History
Bedford is an important market town and borough, with two railway stations, distant 50 miles from London by the line, and 03 by the London and North Western. The town is very pleasantly situated; the River Ouse flows nearly through centre, across which is a very handsome stone bridge, with five arches, the first stone of which was laid on the 26th August, 1811, and was opened on the 1st of November, 1813, and thrown open, free of toll , on the 1st of July, 1835. The streets of Bedford are very good, especially the High street, which, for its fine buildings, extensive shops, its length, is excelled by few; and the general appearance of the town is very attractive to the stranger. A large number of private families are residents here, who are attracted by the great benefits and economy in education from the free schools; consequently a large amount of building is continually going on, and the environs of the town abound in villas and residences of the gentry.
The county and borough assizes and quarter sessions are held here. The market day is on Saturday, which is generally attended. There is also a pig market held, every Monday, in the Saracen's Head yard. The fairs are on the 21st and 22nd of April, July 6th (wool), August 21st, October 12th, and December 19th.
The principal manufactures carried on here are for agricultural implements, which are on an extensive scale. Messrs. James and Frederick Howard have erected works, which, for extent and beauty of design, have seldom been equalled. Messrs. Page and Co. also are very large manufacturers of agricultural implements.
The pillow lace trade is also carried on here to some extent. The straw plait manufacture has also been lately introduced, and it is hoped will be a benefit to the town.
Bedford returns two members to parliament. The present ones are, Henry Stuart, Esq., and Samuel Whitbread, Esq.
There are five parishes - St. Paul’s, St. Peter's, St. Mary's, St. Johns, and St. Cuthbert's; also Trinity Church, which is a Chapel of Ease to Sc. Paul's.
CHURCHES.
ST.PAUL'S is a very ancient and fine edifice, situated close to the High street. The style of architecture is chiefly Gothic. It has a handsome tower, with a spire, and also a fine-toned peal of bells. At one time this Church was collegiate, and remained so until the reign of Henry II. The interior contains some very ancient monuments, one of which is to the memory of Sir William Harpur, the greatest benefactor the town ever had, and the founder of the charities bearing his name. The living is a vicarage.
ST. PETER'S is an ancient structure, and contains some fine specimens of Norman architecture, especially a fine arch. The interior has under-gone a thorough repair. The living is a rectory, in the gift of the Crown.
ST. MARY'S, situated opposite the end of Cauldwell Street, is an ancient edifice, with a tower, and a small peal of bells. The living is in the gift of the Bishop of Lincoln.
ST. JOHN'S, situated in St. John street, is an edifice of great antiquity, although without possessing mach architectural beauty. The living is a rectory, in the gift of the Corporation.
ST. CUTHBERT'S, a more recent erection, built on the site of the old Church, is a very good specimen of the Saxon style of architecture. The interior is fitted up with open seats. The living is a rectory, in the gift of the Lord Chancellor.
TRINITY CHURCH, situated at the end of St. Loyes, is a very neat structure.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS
THE COUNTY PRISON is a capacious building, situates in St. Loyes Street, and is conducted on the model or separate system.
THE COUNTY INFIRMARY is a large brick building, on the Ampthill road.
THE COUNTY LUNATIC ASYLUM is now closed, a new erection having been opened in Hertfordshire.
Tux CORN EXCHANGE is in St. Paul’s Square, and is a very handsome and convenient building.
THE CHARITIES of Bedford are numerous; but that so well known as the Harpur Charity (so called from its munificent founder, Sir William Harpur), is by far the largest. He was a native of Bedford, a livery-man of the Merchant Tailors' Company, and filled the office of Lord Mayor of London in 1501. The estate, which originally consisted of thirteen acres, one rood, of land, in the parishes of St. Andrew, Holborn, and St. George the Martyr, was purchased by Sir William Harpur, for the sum of 180; but in consequence of the whole being now built upon, the income has accumulated to such an extent, that it produces nearly 14,000 annually; from this amount the charities are maintained. The schools consist of the Commercial school, the Grammar school. a National school, and an Infant school. A hospital for the maintenance and education of fifty children. Apprentice fees of 30 for ten boys. Marriage portions are also given to females born in Bedford, and of good character. There are also a large number of almshouses.
THE BEDFORD ROOMS, situated in Harpur Street, contain news and reading rooms, library, and museum; also a large room for balls, concerts, auctions, &c;
The principal HOTELS are the Swan, the George, and the Red Lion.
The Swan is very pleasantly situated on the banks of the river Ouse. The gardens are beautifully laid out, and contain a very fine bowling green.
The CEMETERY is very pleasantly situated a short distance from the town, on rising ground, and is laid out with great taste.
There are two newspapers published in Bedford. The leading one, and by far the best, both in extent of circulation and information, is the .Bedford Times and Independent. The other is called the Bedford Mercury.
The Population of Bedford, in 1851, was 11,691; and by the recent census of 1861, it was 13,412.
The Public Officers, Institutions, and Places of Worship, will be found at the end of the Bedford Directory.
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