DOWN YOUR WAY


Image Above: The summer flower beds maintain a good show as the autumn months approach. Below: The delighful riverside walks and parks. Images: Copyright 2018 Alan Humphreys


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devote the rest of his life to penal reform. Born in Bedford in 1496, Sir


William Harper, through his many interests, eventually rose to become Lord Mayor of London in 1561. He endowed the first grammar school in Bedford with funds from a plot of land in Holborn. Later, the Harpur Trust, which benefitted from the income of the land, was formed. The change from the letter ‘e’ to the letter ‘u’ in the name ‘Harpur’ is said to have come about when a clerk drew up the original papers which included this spelling error. Both Sir William’s first wife, Dame Alice, and his second wife, Dame Margaret, as well as he himself, are commemorated in many ways in the town; particularly relating to education. Bedford has many assets, not


least the River Ouse, which plays host to the biennial Bedford River


10 4 County Life www.countylifemagazines.co.uk


Festival. This natural feature is enhanced with beautiful gardens, riverside views and walks, a variety of churches, the fine museums and the beautiful parks. There is also outdoor dining, plus popular high street and independent shops, events and cultural activities. Parking is free for two hours on Saturdays and all day Sunday in council owned town centre car parks.The Harpur Centre parking is also free on Sundays. If you are planning a visit, the


BedfordBid (Business Improvement District) has a great website www.lovebedford.co.uk which provides an excellent insight into the town’s amenities and has a comprehensive diverse events section. Bedford is, without doubt, a unique town with a fine individual history and a rich, diverse culture.


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