Bedford was one of
the first counties to have photographic records of people sentenced for felonies.
Pictured here is Samuel Oliver, convicted of "wandering abroad to beg
and gather alms, High Street, Bedford, 10th day of May 1860." He was sentenced
to 21 days in prison.
Henry Lee, alias James Hill,
was convicted at Luton of intent to commit a felony and of assaulting a policeman.
He was sentenced to six years.
These represent only a fraction of what is available - old newspapers, photographs - a huge treasure chest awaits anyone with an interest in local history. Elsewhere on this site are some pictures of Bedford, taken in the early part of this century.
If you are unable to visit the Records Office but are seeking information, a limited research service is available at a very modest cost. Details are available in a leaflet entitled "Enquiry services for family and local historians." Another useful pamphlet is "A summary list of our archive holdings" which is also available from County Hall.