Private Matthew Clay was one of the few heroic defenders who held the strategically important walled farm of Chateau Hougoumont at Quatre-Bras on the battlefield of Waterloo against repeated attacks by French troops. He kept...
William Palmer was one of the six children of William Palmer, who was a builder’s foreman, and Charlotte (née Gumbrill). The family lived at 33 West Hill Street, Brighton, Sussex, where William was born on...
Up to four separate police forces served Bedfordshire during Queen Victoria’s reign, as boroughs became incorporated: Bedford Borough Police Force – established in 1836, policing the Borough of Bedford. Bedfordshire Police Force – established in 1840, initially...
Bedford County Gaol was built on Dovecote Close (between Tavistock Street & Dame Alice Street) owned by the Duke of Bedford, who sold it for 10/-. John Wing, a local builder and architect, drew up...