Bedford Borough Records: Introduction

Bedford was granted Borough status by King Henry I in the early 12th century. The original charter was lost long ago, possibly destroyed in a fire at St. Paul's Church in the mid-12th century, but one of the highlights of Bedfordshire Archives' collections is the charter issued to the burgesses of Bedford by King Henry II in 1166 confirming their liberties (reference BorBA1/1). 

Bedfordshire Archives holds an extensive collection of records relating to the Borough of Bedford created over the last 850 years. An introduction to the contents of the collection can be found by following the links below. 

Bedford Borough Records before c.1650

Bedford Borough Records after c.1650