Biggleswade History Society

01/11/2026

A quick reminder that our next talk is tomorrow, Monday 2nd November and is on the fascinating history of the BBC.

The talk starts at 8pm at Trinity Methodist Church on Shortmead Street, Biggleswade.

All welcome, guests £4, members are free.

20/09/2026

It is superb to see Biggleswade‘s rich transport history brought to life on a gloriously sunny September Sunday.

Cars made in Biggleswade are sitting a few hundred metres away from the factory in which they were made, and handsome historic buses are once again taking passengers on trips around Central Bedfordshire decades after they last ran them full time. I have to say the old bus liveries certainly do give the modern designs a run for their money.

The Berkeley car factory site will be having a plaque unveiled at its location this afternoon, and the buses will be running throughout the day. Pop down as you can and enjoy these beetle vehicles in the beautiful autumn sun.

🍁 #ｓｕｎｄａｙｖｉｂｅｓ

12/09/2026

It’s heritage open day at Biggleswade market today, and the History Society are talking to people about every day working history.

We have a number of photos from businesses that used to be very large employers in Biggleswade. It’s been great hearing everybody’s memories and talking all things history!

We are here till two pop down and say hello.

24/08/2026

Do you want to meet some of the people who keep Biggleswade History Society running? Are you interested in everyday histories?
Come and take a look at the Society’s Heritage Open Day stall which is all about daily lives through the ages with a particular focus on working life. Featuring a number of local businesses on the exhibition, it will uncover a new understanding of Biggleswade’s past. We’d love you to come along and share your own experiences of working in Biggleswade too.
We can’t wait to see you there!

🗓️ Saturday 12th September
📍 Market Square, Biggleswade
🕰️ 9am-3pm

19/07/2026

Biggleswade has been home to many pubs over the centuries, each with its own story to tell.

The Red Lion on London Road may no longer be serving customers, but its history stretches back hundreds of years. It was mentioned in the 1678 Manor Court Book and featured in a description as a pub in 1898. Its striking mock Tudor frontage still catches the eye today, and if you look closely, you can even spot the brickwork repairs to what was previously a cottage and barn associated with the pub, following a fire in 1914.

Just across the road stands Stratton House Hotel & Spa on The Baulk. Once a grand private mansion, in the 1950s it became council offices before opening as a hotel in 1981. Today, it functions as a hotel, restaurant, and pub.

Do you remember the Red Lion when it was open, or have any memories of Stratton House over the years? We'd love to hear your stories in the comments!

Photos and Information from “Thirsty Old Town, The Story of Biggleswade Pubs” by Ken Page pages 15-17.

24/05/2026

The Venue, formerly George’s Hall, has been at the heart of Biggleswade’s social life for well over a century. Built in 1912 in a striking neo-classical Edwardian style, it was designed by Charles Owen Jones and constructed by Charles Wright. Named after David Lloyd George, the Liberal Prime Minister whose government established the Ministry of Health and introduced support for injured soldiers after the First World War, the building has a rich and fascinating history.
The 1920s were especially eventful: Harry Houdini performed here in 1920, it became a playhouse in 1923, and later transformed into a casino in 1925. In 1931, Lloyd George’s daughter, Megan Lloyd George, even held a political meeting here. During the Second World War it remained a place of entertainment and community spirit, before becoming a popular dance club in the 1950s.
More than 100 years later, it’s fitting that the building is still a place of dancing and drinking— just in a very different way.

Sources: BHS website – article on George’s Hall by Ken Page (23 February 2004).�📸: Photos from Biggleswade Heritage Trail, Vol. 1 and Biggleswade in Words and Pictures by Biggleswade History Society.

04/05/2026

Members of the BHS team have had a great day at celebrations today. The village have been welcoming the month of May since 1563, so this really is living history in action!

This year we joined Letchworth Morris and Bedford Morris dancers at the permanent Maypole at 6:30am on the 1st and again today at The Crown in Northill for a display. One of our newest society members is a dancer, so it was great to see him in action.

29/04/2026

Great to see our town history preserved for the future.

🌼 Join Us for a Special Community Event 🌼

You’re invited to the unveiling of the newly refurbished Victorian Horse Trough & Fountain (formerly the Town Well) at White Hart Car Park / Victoria Place on 7th May at 12 noon.

We’re also introducing the tradition of Well Dressing—please bring flowers or plants and help decorate the troughs and surrounding area. For more on the background about the history, visit our webiste here: https://biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk/a-piece-of-biggleswades-history-restored/

The unveiling will be led by the Mayor, Jonathan Woodhead, with celebrations continuing afterwards at the Campaign for Real Ale B**r Festival B**r Festival

We hope you can join us 🌸

27/04/2026

Interested in the history of the R101 airship? ✈️
Join us on Monday 11th May for our next meeting, where we’ll explore the fascinating rise and fall of this iconic airship.

With many thanks to We love the Cardington Sheds (hangars) fans page for letting us use your fantastic photos for this post. All images used here come from their page, so do check it out for more photos and information of the airship and Cardington Hangars.

🚨 Don’t forget, arrive at the society meetings from 7.30pm for an 8pm start.

21/04/2026

Biggleswade High Street has a rich history✨
When walking through town everyday, you may not realise that you are walking through a street with hundreds of years of history.
Photo 1: Some shops that were on the High Street in 1881. Chew&Son opened in 1838 selling w**e and spirits. But, at the turn of the century it had taken over the shop Denny that is next door to Chew&Son in the photo.
Photo 2: Spong and Son’s decorated in celebration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. The shop was multifunctional as a chemist, stationers and printers - how useful!
Photo 3: The High Street in 1902, showcasing much of its Victorian charm.
Photo 4: Soldiers parading through the High Street during the First World War (1914-18).
Photo 5: Neville Smith shop in the early-mid 1900s open and selling bikes and motors.
📸: all photos taken from Biggleswade History Society Publication ‘Old Biggleswade’ volumes 1&2, which can be purchased for £1.