Heritage Open Days Are Back in Bedford Borough
From Thursday 6th- Sunday 9th and Thursday 13th- Sunday 16th September, you can celebrate history and architecture across the Borough with Heritage Open Days 2018.
There will be a free town centre guided walk of 'Bedford's Historical Plaques: Blue, Bronze and Others' giving visitors a chance to find out some of the fascinating history behind the ordinary doors and windows in Bedford. This will take place on Saturday 15th September from 11am; pre-booking is necessary and can done via sian.hughes@bedford.gov.uk or 01234 276257.
Over these two weekends, volunteers will be showcasing hidden stories and architectural treasures in many properties across the Borough, all completely free.
This includes events at St Pauls' Church and Bedford Cemetery where help will be on hand to help you look back through the historic burial register as well as guided walks where visitors can learn about this history of notable Bedford figures.
While in the town centre, there are fascinating exhibitions at The Higgins Bedford, the Panacea Museum and the John Bunyan Museum and Basement. The John Bunyan Community Boat will also be running public cruises over these weekends.
Further out of town, there is the chance to 'Step Into the World of John Bunyan' at Moot Hall, see the only complete windmill left in the county at Stevington, and visit St Mary's Church in Felmersham with guided tours and access to parish records. Just outside the Borough, Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre with the original Victorian Booking Office and Vintage Tea Room will be open to visit over these weekends.
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson said "There are many historical and architectural gems across Bedford Borough, and these Heritage Open Days are a great opportunity to find out more about the local area. Our thanks must go to the volunteers and organisations involved in making these weekends happen."
'Heritage Open Days' is England's biggest festival of history and culture involving over 40,000 volunteers across the country. For a full list of events on offer locally and for details of how to book where necessary, please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/heritageopendays