On Thursday 6th August 1891 a young woman in her early twenties described as being pretty, well-dressed, about 5ft 4ins with reddish brown hair, and a plump round figure, boarded the Midland night train from...
Dr Rowland Hill Coombs (1844-1929) was an exceptionally eminent Bedfordian who lived a long life full of many achievements and diverse interests. His father, Dr. James Coombs was a doctor and a chemist, who, like...
In December 1882, and two months after the sad and sudden death of the first Head Mistress Amy McDowall (nee Benson), the Governors appointed Marian Belcher, portrayed as a comfortable English woman in her lace...
Evelyn Marian Jackson was born on the 18th July 1892 at Pitt Street, Barnsley, Yorkshire. She was one of six children born to William and Frances Jackson. Her father was a Master Corn Miller...
Those who knew Ada Benson described her as formidable. She was a staunch Anglican, a real pioneer with high principles and hard working. It was her intention to train girls in true religion, good manners...
The Mary Palmer Choirs took part at the musical festivals in many places up and down the country, and they gained an enviable reputation wherever they sang. The Palmer family were talented musicians; Mary’s youngest...
Lady Fanny Jean Turing Trustram Eve was a well-known social reformer. She stood out among the many exceptional women because of her different activities. Her nephew was Alan Mathison Turing, the renowned computer scientist, and...
Hester Periam Hawkins was dedicated to the study of the heavens, and her deep spirituality characterised her thinking and writing. Apart from astronomy, Hester spent much of her time in social service, and the British-Israel...
Amelia and her husband James came from Devon to live in Bedford during the 1800s with their four sons and one daughter, and set up home in Gwyn Street, Bedford.The Band of Hope was first...
Emily, Lilian, and Ivy Stannard were famed for their paintings and achieved a great deal of distinction in the world of art. Their father, Henry Stannard, R.B.A., a painter and tutor of art, had taught...