Bedford town’s rich and longstanding local history is present in almost all areas of the Borough, reminding us that if the town could speak, countless secrets and treasures would be revealed. As part of Love Local History Week, which begins on 2nd March, residents can discover more about the fascinating history surrounding Bedford by taking advantage of the following events being held at Bedford Central Library.
Tuesday 3rd March at 2.30pm
Votes for Women -The Women's Suffrage Movement in Bedford
An illustrated talk on the women’s suffrage movement in Bedford by Bob Ricketts. Bob is a well-known researcher and local historian who has held seminars previously on policing Victorian Bedford and the development of Bedford’s postal service.
Tickets £1 available from Bedford Central Library
Wednesday 4th March at 2.30pm
1st floor
Aragon Lacemakers
Join the Aragon Lacemakers to find out about the rich history of lace making in our local area, see some lace making in action and maybe even have a little go yourself!
FREE to attend
Friday 6th March at 11am
Bedford’s Architectural Heritage
A review of Bedford’s Architects & Architecture from 1800 to 1950 with local historian David Fowler.
Tickets £1 available from Bedford Central Library
Friday 6th March at 2.30pm
“Bedford Physical Training College Students During World Wars 1 and 2”
-A film made by Stephanie Daniels, Anita Tedder and Nigel Brittain and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund
Trained in teaching and massage, the ’Bedford Girls’ tended to wounded soldiers during the First World War and washed the socks of those returning from Dunkirk in 1940. Working alongside the local community, they selflessly supported war efforts. Using filmed interviews, audio clips, archive photographs and archive film from unique collections, this DVD production tells the story of this influential women’s college during war time.
Tickets £1 available from Bedford Central Library
Saturday 7th March 9am – 1pm
Bedfordshire Heritage Library Open Morning
Come and visit the Heritage Library, normally only open on Tuesdays, but open this morning to celebrate Love Local History Week! Bedfordshire Heritage Library, houses items from the local history collection that are rare, valuable or delicate and are of particular historical significance.
FREE to attend
Fun facts about Bedford:
796: King Offa, the strongest ruler in Britain since the Romans, dies. A medieval chronicler called Matthew Paris, records that he was buried in Bedford
1066: Bedford is seized by the Norman army
1166: Bedford receives a town charter from Henry II
1688: Two "dreadful fires" destroy areas of the town
1794: The Swan Hotel was built for the Duke of Bedford
1801: Bedford Prison built in St. Loyes Street
1846: Bedford to Bletchley Railway line opened
1905: Shopping Arcade in the town centre was opened on March 25th