Bedfordshire
Natural History
Places > Bedfordshire > Natural History
The Natural History of Bedfordshire by W. Owen
The General Magazine of Arts and Sciences, Temple Bar, 1760.
Page 8
Page eight notes the presence of five churches in Bedford including Saint Paul's Church "the principal ornament of the town". "The buildings of this town are "pretty good" according to the author and there is a "fine stone bridge" and a bowling green on the site of the castle. The school of Sir William Harpur is mentioned as are the two hospitals. The use of the River for the Corn Trade, particularly for the exportation of barley to Holland, is also remarked upon. "The River here makes such an inundation, sometimes, in the Isle of Ely, after a rain in the winter time, that then it is a common saying, The Bayley of Bedford is coming."
John Bunyan - "tho' we don't mention as a learned and elegant writer" - is recorded as having been associated with the town.
Page last updated: 23rd January 2014