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Silver Street

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The story behind Silver Street, Bedfordshire On Sunday,
15th July 1979

Bedfordshire on Sunday, reproduced with permission

The unusual width of Silver Street at its junction with High Street derives from the major demolition of ancient property at both corners. The South corner was widened in 1937 while the demolition of the old County Gaol on the opposite corner took place as long ago as 1802. This was the prison known to John Bunyan as inmate from 1660 to 1672. With the disappearance of the gaol, Silver Street, which had been called Gaol Lane in the 18th century, regained its old name as shown in Speeds Map of 1610.

Page last updated: 22nd January 2014