Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Bedford (borough)

BEDFORD, a parliamentary and municipal borough of England, the county town of Bedfordshire, on the Ouse. The chief buildings are the law courts, a range of public schools, a large infirmary, County Jail, etc., and the churches. The town is rich in charities and educational institutions, the most prominent being the Bedford Charity, embracing grammar and other schools, and richly endowed. There is an extensive manufactory of agricultural implements; lace is also made, and there is a good trade. John Bunyan was born at Elstow, a village near the town, and it was at Bedford that he lived, preached, and was imprisoned. Pop. (1917) 37,663.