Publications
A History of Some Faith Groups in Bedford
Bedford Architectural, Archaeological
& Local History Society
April 2023 Bedford Local History Magazine
This special issue of Bedford Local History Magazine celebrates the recent history of some faith groups in Bedford. We have tried to be as inclusive as possible, with articles ranging from twentieth-century-built Anglican churches in Bedford and Kempston, a recent evangelical church (The Miracle Church of God in Christ), Bunyan Meeting, the Society of Friends, the Salvation Army, the Jews in Bedford, the Moravians, Rev. John Priestley Wormoll and the revival of Roman Catholicism in Bedford, to the Panacea Society. The Spring 2024 issue of Bedford Local History Magazine includes an authoritative, colour-illustrated article by Paul Nicholson on A History of some Eastern Religious Groups in Bedford.
Bedford Local History Magazine is free to members of BAALHS.
It is available for £5 from the Eagle Bookshop,
16-20 St. Peter’s Street, Bedford, MK40 2NN
https://eaglebookshop.co.uk
Life in Bedford During The Second World War
This large-format paperback tells the story of how Bedfordians’ lives were affected by the dramatic upheaval of war between 1939 and 1945. Peppered with the voices and personal experiences of men, women and children who lived through this turbulent period, it captures the life-changing ways in which, while the armed forces fought around the world, people on the Home Front fought their own domestic war locally. The book is illustrated with over 80 photographs, some for the first time.
Bedford Local History Magazine
The Bedford Local History Magazine is issued by BAALHS every Spring and Summer. Its aim is to encourage and publish original research on all aspects of Bedford’s history and heritage. The Spring 2024 issue includes a ground-breaking article by Stuart Antrobus on Commemorative Plaques on Bedford’s Streets – a study of their history. This includes, as an insert, a unique map showing all the town’s 91 plaques. A richly illustrated article by Paul Nicholson on A History of some Eastern Religious Groups in Bedford. Plus a Picture Quiz by Stuart and articles by the editor on The History of Bedford’s ‘Old’ and ‘New’ Town Bridges and Bank Buildings (1855-1938) – from Bank to ‘Vault’. Also reviews of three recent local books. Updates on local archaeological excavations and discoveries. Plus, reviews of new books on Bedford’s history and that of neighbouring villages.
As the Editor of the Magazine, I keen to encourage researchers, whether BAALHS members or not, to submit their research and, where I can, give advice and help to answer queries.
Bedford History Timeline
Written by Alan Crawley and Bob Ricketts and published by BAALHS, this unique volume is an illustrated ‘timeline’ of Bedford’s history from the sixth century to 1938, covering all the major events in the town’s history. It is dedicated to the memory of Richard Wildman, renowned local historian and former President of BAALHS. The text is matched on the left-hand pages with illustrations of key events, historic buildings, etc, sourced principally from The Higgins Bedford Art Gallery & Museum, Bedfordshire Archives Service and Bedford Borough Libraries. There are introductory chapters on the origins of the town and its early churches. The volume is indexed and has suggestions for further reading, should readers want to follow-up topics of interest.
Bedford Rocks
The Autumn 2023 issue of Bedford Local History Magazine (‘BLHM’) celebrates the national award by the British Association for Local History to BAALHS member and local historian, Stuart Antrobus for his ‘Outstanding Individual Contribution to Local History.
Articles include Bob Ricketts on ‘Bedford Rocks? Popular Music, Culture, and Rock & Roll in Bedford: Part 2 1968-1972’. This builds on Nicke Wilde’s ground-breaking article ‘Bedford Rocks? Popular music and Rock and Roll in Bedford 1955 to 1968’, which appeared in BLHM IN Autumn 2022. Also, by Bob, ‘A Tale of Three Tramways’ – the history of the former Bedford Waterworks Tramway at Manton Lane, the Kempston gravel pit railway, and the putative Bedford & Kempston Tramway, mooted in 1891. This is followed by ‘Saving our heritage – A History of the Bedford Society’. The Bedford Society was founded in 1966 to campaign against the threatened loss of many of Bedford’s heritage buildings. The catalyst for its formation was the founders’ vehement opposition to the proposed new river bridge at Newnham and what became Longholme Way. The bridge and relief road were eventually built, but only after two public enquiries and a delay of five years, but the Society secured improvements to the design of the bridge and, by way of compensation, substantial public open space. Amongst their successes were the preservation of the Blore façade of Bedford Modern School and the Regency-style Priory Terrace. Gordon Vowles concludes with a homage to historic Cardington.
There is also a review of Gordon’s recent book on ‘Henry Clutton: Victorian Architect of Gothic Revival Churches and Country Houses’.
BAALHS is keen to encourage, support and publish original research on the history and heritage of Bedford. If you would like to propose an article, please contact the Honorary Editor, BAALHS, Bob Ricketts at bob.ricketts57@gmail.com.