History and heritage

The County is noted for its connections to the lace industry (reputedly started by Katharine of Aragon). It is also John Bunyan Country. Many of the villages surrounding Bedford are associated with his preaching and world famous book 'The Pilgrims Progress'. As you travel through the county you can't miss the gigantic airship hangers at Cardington a reminder of the areas rich aviation heritage. Britain's first hot air balloon landed there too! You can follow the WW11 'Airfield Trail' around the north of the county, once alive with the Big Band sound of Glenn Miller (who was stationed here during the war). It was from the airfield at Twinwood that he took his final flight. For a real 'vintage' experience, visit the Shuttleworth Collection where aircraft are kept in full flying order and can often be seen 'looping the loop' in the skies above Old Warden.

Heritage Sites

There are fascinating reminders of our past dotted all around Bedfordshire, which has a rich heritage.

Among the many and varied attractions are magnificent stately homes – Woburn Abbey and Wrest Park. These all contain a treasure trove of history and are set in beautiful parkland.

Woburn Abbey is built on the site of a Cistercian monastery, founded in 1145, and has been the home of the Dukes of Bedford for 350 years. It sits within a beautiful 3,000 acre deer park landscaped by Humphrey Repton. Within the Abbey is an outstanding collection of antiques and works of art, including paintings by many of the world's masters.

At Silsoe can be found Wrest Park House, with its impressive gardens. The mansion was built in 1839 by the Earl de Grey, whose family owned the manor of Wrest for 600 years. Nearby at Flitton is the Grey Mausoleum, the family's burial place.

Dramatically overlooking the Marston Vale are the ruins of Houghton House, an impressive building which is thought to be the "House Beautiful" in John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress". This and other Ancient Monuments around the county are well worth a visit.

Many more heritage sites are tucked away on country lanes, among them the extraordinary 16th century dovecote and stables at Willington, and Chicksands Priory whose former inhabitants of monks and nuns are said to haunt the building.

Many archaeological sites can be found in the county and provide a remarkable insight into Bedfordshire's rich historic past.