Bedford
The Embankment

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Towards the end of the 19th century the transformation of the River Ouse to an amenity area began. In 1888 the Suspension Bridge was constructed to provide access from The Embankment to Mill Meadows, which the Council had purchased in 1883.

In 1894 the Duke of Bedford gave the town a meadow close to the river called Dukes Field, which was laid out, as Russell Park. A keepers lodge later to become Russell Park Caf was built. Newnham swimming pool was opened in1896. The swimming pool was on the site of the ancient pool, which was part of the old Newnham Priory, the existence of which was first recorded in 1086.

In Bedford leisure hours in the summer were centred on the river. People who could afford to kept their own boats at Chethams Boatyard. On Band Nights the raft on which the musicians were playing was surrounded by a mass of boats.

The highlight of the summer was always the Regatta, which started in 1853 and celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in 1913. The programme for that year stated, "its a fixture taking rank with the best of the provincial meetings, and one that affords pleasure and enjoyment not only to rowing men, but to the population generally of the borough of Bedford".

The river fetes were always splendid affairs, the 1929 event was organised by the Rotary Club of Bedford and was a River Pageant and Military Tattoo. Events included water jousting, riverboat trips and an enactment of a surprise attack on the town by the Danes.

To celebrate the Coronation of George V in 1911 aquatic sports were organised including water jousting, tug of war in boats and a water polo match. During the day the band of The Bedfordshire Regiment played a selection of music from a floating raft. As a finale to the days celebrations a grand Illuminated River Procession was held commencing at 9.15. Describing the evenings entertainments The Bedfordshire Times reported, "The riverside illuminations were far superior to anything that had been seen before. The general effect being enhanced by the splendid illuminations of the Bedford Bank, The Town and County Club, Chetham and Biffens Boathouse and the Picturedrome Cinema".

Sources

The Newspaper Cuttings Collection, Local Studies Library, Bedford Central Library

Page last updated: 22nd January 2014