These fascinating pictures capture life a century ago – from work at the famous Cardington sheds to people stopping in the streets to watch the airship R101 flying over the town on its maiden flight.
We’ve even stepped back to the swinging sixties, when thousands of 'Flower People' joined a love-in at Woburn Abbey.
Do you have any pictures of Bedford’s past you’d like to share? Email [email protected]
1. Cardington Sheds, October 1929
2nd October 1929: Members of the Air Ministry examining one of the R101 Airship engines at the Royal Airship works Cardington. Photo: Puttnam
2. October 1922
October 1922: Parliamentary candidate Sidney Wells talking to a policeman during the Bedford election. Photo: Topical Press Agency
3. R101 Airship, 1929
October 1929: The airship R101 flying over Bedford on its first flight. Photo: Central Press
4. August 1933
24th August 1933: A young coach signals the start of a rowing race to the 'wet bobs' of Bedford at Longholme Reach Photo: L. C. Buckley