Fun facts about Bedfordshire

The county of Bedfordshire is often forgotten when talking about the UK’s history being overshadowed by the industrial revolution of the north or the various history and scandals of neighbouring London, but it has plenty of history, heritage and fun facts of its own.

Did you know… Bedfordshire has been used as a humorous way of talking about going to bed since the 1600s.

Did you know… hat making was Luton’s biggest industry in the 1700s? It’s why Luton Town FC has the nickname, the Hatters.
Image: Luton Town FC

Did you know… that half of Bedfordshire’s population live in either Bedford of Luton? That means there are loads of quiet(ish) places to enjoy during your trip!

Did you know… Catherine of Aragon, one time wife of Henry VIII was imprisoned in the county before their marriage was annulled. The actual annulment took place in 1533 after being agreed at Dunstable Priory.

Did you know… Bedfordshire has its own day where you can celebrate all things Bedfordshire? It’s on 28^th November and has been celebrated since 2015, its thought that the date was chosen because it is believed to be the birth date of John Bunyan

Did you know… Britain’s longest town is said to be in Bedfordshire? Arlesey’s main street is three miles long.

Did you know… Bedfordshire is where the concept of Afternoon Tea was born?

And speaking of food… Bedfordshire’s traditional dish is the Bedfordshire Clanger, a sort of sausage roll type snack made of suet pastry with meat at one end and jam at the other! There’s only one bakery left in the county that produces the clanger in a variety of flavours, so don’t miss out! You can also order them online! An additional clanger based fact is that clangers also serves as the nickname for people who live in the town.

Did you know… that the world’s first tractor was invented in Bedfordshire? They were created in Biggleswade by a man called Daniel Albone.

Did you know… that the first ever performance recognised as a play in England was written in Dunstable? It was written by Geoffrey de Gorham who staged it at Dunstable Priory.

Did you know… that Wendy from Peter Pan was based on a real person? If you’re wondering what that has to do with Bedfordshire, it’s because you can visit her grave in Potton. Her actual name was Margret Henley and the name Wendy came from her mispronounciation of friend as fwend. Her dad also inspired a famous literary figure, Long John Silver. He was the poet W. E Henley. The two are buried at St John’s Church.

Did you know… St Paul’s church in Bedford was used to broadcast the BBC’s daily service during the second world war? Lots of sites in Bedfordshire were important for the war effort, like Luton Hoo and the various armament production businesses that were based there.

Image: Luton Hoo

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