Bedford

In Bedford our accommodation was the Swan Hotel, overlooking the Great Ouse River.

There has been a hotel on this site for many centuries but in 1794 the hotel was rebuilt for the Duke of Bedford. Naturally there have been many alterations over the years.

A view of the older part of the building seen from the carpark.

In a park near the hotel is the remains of the mound on which Bedford Castle used to stand. The castle and surrounding area was destroyed by the forces of Henry II after a siege in 1224.

Remains of other buildings outside the main castle complex have recently been discovered.

We often began the day walking along the banks of the Great Ouse.

There was always plenty of activity on the river provided either by rowers or the birds swimming on the river.

We discovered this swan carefully navigating down a weir. - part of a min hydroelectric power project on the river.

Parks are a feature along the river banks.

When exploring Bedford I found the public library.

In one of the streets I also found this row of buildings with distinctive chimneys.

The Puritan, John Bunyan, lived in Bedford for many years from the 1650s including twelve years imprisoned in the County Gaol where it is thought he began writing The Pilgrim's Progress.

Statue of John Bunyan in a park.

Memorial to John Bunyan in the garden of the Bunyan Meeting Church.

As in many of the towns and villages we visited, the markets are a regular feature.

Brief history of Bedford