Bedford
Bedford is the county town of Bedfordshire, and is a market town on the River Great Ouse.
John Bunyan, author of "The Pilgrim's Progress", was born nearby at Elstow. He was imprisoned for his beliefs at Bedford Prison from 1660 to 1672, and again in 1676, and it was while in prison that he wrote this famous and influential book.
Bedford was a thriving town in the Anglo-Saxon period, and was later one of the more important towns of the Danelaw.
There is a large Market Place near the river, and a pedestrian suspension bridge dating from the 1880s.
St. Peter's Church has some Anglo-Saxon work and some stones blackened by fire during the sack of Bedford by the Danish army.
St. Mary's Church has a Norman tower.
St. Paul's Church has a fine set of misericords, and outside is a statue by Alfred Gilbert of John Howard, the prison reformer, who lived in Bedford.
Persons born in Bedford include the comedian Ronnie Barker; and Bishop Trevor Huddleston.
Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Bedford for groups.