Counties of the UK: Bedfordshire

This is the first instalment of a new monthly feature going through the Counties of the UK in alphabetical order to check out things of interest.  I hope you enjoy it

Location – the county is north of London – about an hour's drive to reach the southern border.

Origin of name – Named for a river crossing or ford (Bed?) and shire (county)

Pronounciation – Bed + ford + sher

Nickname – Clangers

County town – Bedford but Luton is twice as big

Unusual village names – Duck's Cross, Moggerhanger (pronounced Morhanger)

Flower – Bee orchid

Signature foods – Bedfordshire Clanger (traditionally filled with meat)

Woburn Abbey

Famous places to visit – Chiltern Hills, Bedford Castle, Woburn Abbey, Swiss Garden

Famous businesses/brands – Whitbread (beer),

Famous people from Bedfordshire include – Ronnie Barker, John Le Mesurier, Terry Waite, John Bunyan, Eddie the Eagle Edwards,

Go to this Pinboard to see the Counties of the UK.