Local knowledge - Bedford streets 1851

[Byron Emu]

Does anyone know if the building at 25 Princess Street, Bedford still exists as it was in 1881?

Also, the building at 12 Queen Street (parish of St Peter Martin) as it was in 1851?

If so, I would like to obtain pictures if possible.

Byron
Melbourne, Australia

[johnP-bedford]

Byron

No 12 Queen Street existed on the 1963 Kelly's directory - but missing from 1968 edition. Only the East side (odd numbers) are listed on 1972 edition.

The other address, I think is PRINCES Street, that is attached to Queen Street. No 25 was there in 1963 & 1968. In 1972 25 missing, but numbers 21a listed with an occupant. Nos 27 - 31 listed with no name.

Regards John

[Byron Emu]

Thanks John,

I probably need to find a collection of old photos of Bedford streets - any ideas?

Byron
Melbourne

[johnP-bedford]

Richard Wildman has done a number of books featuring photographs of old Bedford, but having just scanned a few in the library I did not see any featuring that area of town.

However there is a book 'My Neck of the Woods' by Violet Tompkins which describes her life during the years around the 2nd world war, in Bedford's Black Tom area. There are some photos of Queen Street amongst others.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Neck-Woods-Childhood-Bedfords/dp/0955384400/sr=1-12/qid=1170513062/ref=sr_1_12/026-7591163-0912409?ie=UTF8&s=books

As an aside, in 1881 census, whilst William & Ruth Umney were at no 25 Princes Street; my paternal grandmother's father Tom Bishop, a Tailor, was living at no 11.

Regards John

[StevenG]

Just to confirm ...

There are no residential properties at all remaining in Princes Street.  The south side is taken up by the multistorey car park, the north is dominated by a community centre.

What residential property remains in Queen Street is modern flats.  The west side, where no. 12 was, is industrial.  I'm not sure if there are any older properties at the very north of the street as I drive down it south from the junction with Cavendish Street.

[Byron Emu]

Hi John & Steven

Thanks for the info, I guess I need to find a department at the Town Hall that might have some old photos.

William Umney was my great-great-great-grandfather (no doubt he got his Sunday suit from Tom Bishop at number 11, and Tom got his boots from William Umney at Number 25...!)

Byron

[johnP-bedford]

Byron

Why not send email to Beds County Archives .... follow the Contact Us link

http://www.bedfordshire.gov.uk/archive


Regards John

[Carol22]

Hi there,

I recently went to Bedford to search for Ancestors, and although the Archive are wonderful, they do not have the photographs to give you.
They sent me to a bookshop at the side of the Swan Inn, who were brilliant, even got some more history from the man in the shop. when I got home to Yorkshire there was something else I wanted, just rang explained, they looked for it, told me the price plus p.&p. I sent the cheque and it arrived very quickly.

County Town Books
7 High Street
Bedford
MK40  1RN
01234 341789

hope this helps

Carol

[cathymcc]

Try the archivists they will let you know if they have any old photos - the area was redeveloped about 30 + years ago but there may be old pics about.

Please also see the Beds Archives search site [Bedfordshire is the only County with its own search site]

search for: Blars adlib
and you will find it

cathy