in Articles
Madeline Seys Phillips
Madeline Seys Phillips was well known in Bedford for her charitable work. Her one priority was to care for the sick, aged, and poor in St. Paul’s parish. She was, for many years, on the...
in Articles
The Bedford Railway Mystery
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...
in Articles
Dr. Rowland Hill Coombs
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 Pioneering Women Of Bedfordshire
Marian Belcher – Second Head Mistress of Bedford High School
In December 1882, and two months after the sad and sudden death of the first Head Mistress Ada McDowall (nee Benson), the Governors appointed Marian Belcher, portrayed as a comfortable English woman in her lace...
in Pioneering Women Of Bedfordshire
Evelyn Marian Jackson – WW1 Voluntary Aid Detachment Nurse
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...
in Pioneering Women Of Bedfordshire
Ada Benson – First Headmistress of Bedford High School
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...
in Pioneering Women Of Bedfordshire
Mary Caroline Palmer – Founder of the Bedford Choir
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...
in Pioneering Women Of Bedfordshire
Lady Fanny Jean Turing Trustram Eve – An Outstanding Politician
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...
in Pioneering Women Of Bedfordshire
Hester Periam Hawkins Astronomer and Author
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...
in Pioneering Women Of Bedfordshire
Amelia Ford – Chief Founder of the Bedford Band of Hope Movement
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...