The Borough of Bedford was awarded Charter status by Henry II in 1166.
The Borough includes the county town of Bedford, the urban area of Kempston
and 43 rural villages - an area of around 120,000 acres. Its population of just
under 140,000, is the most cosmopolitan in the UK, with some 57 ethnic groups
being represented. Bedford and Kempston make up the urban centre of the district
- a centre noted for its excellent shops, wide range of high quality housing,
first class educational facilities and unrivalled recreational amenities. The
River Great Ouse is a central and attractive feature of the town. Within the
district and surrounding the urban area are numerous villages in pleasant rural
settings.
