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The county of Bedfordshire, situated 30 miles from London, is the gateway to the Midlands and East Anglia. Set in a rich rural landscape of gently rolling countryside, meandering rivers and pretty villages, the county is an attractive place with many areas of outstanding natural beauty. Bedfordshire is great for walking, cycling and horse riding - along internationally known trails such as the Icknield Way, or short family oriented circular walks. There are lots of attractions in the county, including stately homes, gardens, woodland walks nature reserves, country parks and world-famous animal parks.

The smallest of what are known as the 'Shire' counties. Bedfordshire has no cities but can boast the fine market towns of Bedford, Luton, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard. The county covers 480 square miles of central southern England and has a populace of over 530,000. The county can be clearly divided between North and South, with the North being mainly agricultural and the South being mostly industrial, especially in the town of Luton. The village of Elstow in the north of the county was the birthplace of John Bunyan, author of the famous 'Pilgrim's Progress' which he penned whilst imprisoned in Bedford jail.

To the north of Bedford are a cluster of picturesque villages - many situated alongside the River Great Ouse.

Harrold

Harrold is situated just over 9 miles north west of Bedford along the River Great Ouse. There is a strong community spirit, with many busy social and sports clubs and organisations. There are a choice of public houses serving food. Other amenities include shops and post office, church, community centre, snooker club, and nearby the very popular Harrold & Odell Country Park.

Harrold is an ancient market town which has remained a village, having grown from a settlement dating back before Saxon Times. It was called Harewelle in the 11th Century, Harewode in the 13th Century, and Harewold in the 13th-16th Centuries, before settling for its present name.

The Parish of Harrold occupies a diamond shaped area of about 13 square kilometres, between the River Great ouse and the ridge of high ground separating the Ouse and Nene valleys. It forms the north-west limit of Bedfordshire and the parish boundaries form the county boundaries with Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire. Harrold has a population of about 1,300 people.

The general appearance is of red brick and stone built village, with a core of limestone buildings, roofed with clay tiles. Some of the stone buildings have thatch or slate roofs, adding to the character of the village. The central part of the village is a designated conservation area.

Harrold Green has been used for many events and functions over the years. It provides the distinction for Harrold of being the noted centre for the village. The 18th century Market House, or "Buttermarket" stands as an architectural and historical landmark, as does the circular "Lock-up" or prison, built in 1842, which has provided custody for villains for a night, or to stand trial.

Harrold Bridge has several distinctive sections: six arches over the river, then on the south bank a a short causeway, and a further nine flood arches across the flood plain.

For more information about Harrold please visit the community website at: Harrold-on-line

Sharnbrook

Sharnbrook is a delightful riverside village situated just over 8 miles north of Bedford with its main line railway station and excellent range of schools. There is a strong community spirit, with many busy social and sports clubs and organisations. There are a choice of public houses serving food. Other amenities include shops, post office, bakers, church, theatre and a short drive away is the very popular Harrold & Odell Country Park.

Carlton

Carlton is a pretty riverside village situated just over 8 miles north west of Bedford with its main line railway station and excellent range of schools. There is a strong community spirit, with many local amenities including a choice of public houses, local shop, church and village hall.

Turvey

The village of Turvey (the name means turf island) is a fascinating assortment of interesting buildings. All Saints church is partly Saxon and is said to be one of the finest in the Diocese. The churchyard contains many monuments to the two great families of Turvey, the Mordaunt family and the Higgins family. The Higins family were responsible for most of the many new buildings in the village, with the main material used being the locally quarried limestone rubble.

The landscape around the village is dominated by parkland with sheep grazed pasture, large trees and blocks of woodland. Further south the landscape is very open with a few scattered woodlands and hedgerows.

Turvey Bridge is reputed to be the oldest bridged crossing of the River great Ouse in Bedfordshire. A bridge across the river was first documented in 1140 and the present structure which was widened in 1935 crosses three branches of the river.

Turvey Abbey dates from the 17th Century but was not a monastic establishment until it was bought by a Roman Catholic Order of Benedictine monks and nuns in 1980

The Abbey was inherited by John Higgins in 1792 together with its farmland and the Manor of Turvey. The farmhouse in the park grounds was built shortly after this, replacing the Abbey that until then was essentially the farmhouse.

Turvey Abbey Park - Until 1783 most of the area that is now Abbey Park was included in one of Turvey's large and open common fields 'Garden Field' which would have been communally cultivated arable land for many centuries and is the reason for the ridge and furrow earthworks, which survive over much of the park.

Bedford

The historic market town of Bedford built upon the banks of the River Ouse is centrally located to London, Oxford and Cambridge. Bedford owes its origins and continued development to the river and remains one of the most important and attractive features of the town.

Today Bedford is a lively cosmopolitan town ideally situated for history, leisure, the arts, culture and quiet unspoilt countryside. With a rich history and heritage, which is celebrated in a programme of festivals and events, such as the Bedford River Festival, the International Kite Festival and the Victorian Christmas Fair.

Bedford railway station is the main railway station in the town of Bedford. It is located on the Midland Main Line from London St Pancras to the East Midlands. It is also the terminus of the Marston Vale line from Bletchley. The station is also known as Bedford Midland, and is situated to the west of the town centre. It is used by a substantial number of commuters to London. The station is served by three operators:

Midland Mainline serves the station as part of their Inter-City service from London St Pancras to Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield.

Silverlink County operate local services from Bletchley to Bedford via the Marston Vale Line. First Capital Connect operate regular services to Luton, St Albans, King's Cross Thameslink, Gatwick Airport and Brighton.

Bedford has attracted globally renowned companies for many years and is today becoming more appealing to international companies and inward investors.

Bedford is proud to be associated with some well-known and highly regarded businesses, many of which are significant employers. Bedford's economy also thrives on small enterprise, which accounts for 80% of the businesses in the town. The area has many strengths and the East of England is known for its knowledge and skill based businesses. Here are just a few of the major employers...

Accenture, Argos Direct Distribution centre, Arrow Electronics, ASDA Distribution centre, Autoglass, Bedfordshire County Council, Box Clever Retail, Bourns Ltd, BTB Mailflight, Casella Environmental, Charles Wells Brewers, Hanson Brick, Healthcare Logistics, Telecom Express, Unilever, Unipath Medical, & Woodbridge Foam. Bedford is an important centre for shopping and commerce and has a wide range of industries with an emphasis on engineering. Business parks and industrial estates include Priory Business Park, Elms Farm, Bedford Heights and Viking Industrial Estates, and at Kempston, Woburn Road Industrial Estate. There are also a number of 'out of town centre' retail developments, notably the Interchange Retail Park and Rope Walk.



                                          The Old Telephone Exchange, High Street, Harrold, Beds MK43 7DQ
                                                                       Telephone: 01234 721666
                                                                            Fax: 05601 265322
                                                                  Email: sales@danieljames.org.uk