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The Bedford Architectural Archaeological & Local History Society came into being on 17th September 2008. The new Society was formed from the merger of Bedford Archaeological & Local History Society (founded 1888) and the Bedford Society (founded 1966). The Society is a Registered Charity. We are a group of local people, from a wide variety of backgrounds, who share a common interest in the history and archaeology of Bedford and its neighbourhood. We are also actively involved in trying to ensure that Bedford's buildings of special architectural and historic interest are protected and to increase public awareness of their importance. We also seek to preserve the best of the present urban landscape and to oppose developments which are incongruous or otherwise unsuitable.

This fine view of the Town Bridge is attributed to J H Matthiason, author and illustrator of Bedford & its Environs (1831), but it is more likely to be the work of the engraver R C Havell. Matthiason’s own drawings, reproduced in his amusing but historically inaccurate book, are of poor quality.

The view shows the Town Bridge, designed by John Wing and opened in 1813, from the downstream (east) side. Horse riders, carts, coaches and carriages had to pay a toll until 1835. The road known as The Embankment was not built alongside the Swan Hotel until after 1860.