Biddenham
General History
Craven's Directory

Biddenham > General History

BIDDENHAM, situated on the river Ouse, is a village and parish, 2 miles west of Bedford, 8 miles north-north-west of Ampthill, and 2 miles south of Bromham. It is in the diocese of Ely, archdeaconry and union of Bedford, hundred of Willey; and contained a population of 373 ; of whom 180 were males, and 193 were females. The living is a vicarage, value 100 ; the Rev. Henry Rice, M.A., is the present incumbent. The church, dedicated to St. James, is built in the ancient Roman style, with a square tower, a small leaden spire, and six bells. There is an Infant School here, supported by voluntary contributions. There are a few charities belonging to the parish. Area, 1500 acres. 

Gentry.

Rice Rev. Henry, M.A., vicar, Vicarage
Robe Captain John William, R.N. 

Trades.

Felts James, baker and shopkeeper
Felts John, butcher 
Goldging William, farmer
Howard Charles, farmer
Lavender John, farmer 
Lavender William, farmer 
Nichols Mary, Infant schoolmistress and postmistress 
Smith John, gardener 
Summerlin Frederick, shoeing smith
Wells Rebecca, victualler, "Three Tuns"
West James, parish clerk 

Post Office. Nichols Mary, postmistress.
Letters arrive at 8 a m ; depart, 4 p m 

St. James's Church. 
Rice Rev. Henry, M.A., vicar.
Service, 11am, and 3 pm

Infant School. 
Nichols Mary, schoolmistress. 35 boys and 25 girls

Page last updated: 23rd January 2014