The remains of a large Norman motte and bailey castle are at Yelden (also known as Yielden) on the Northants and Bedfordshire border. Only the earthworks now remain.

Tags:   Bedfordshire castles countryside Yelden Norman motte & bailey castle

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Bedford is situated on the River Great Ouse, which provides a very attractive leisure facility, with a large park on one side and gardens on the other. There are several rowing clubs based here, including from the local independent schools. The Town Bridge dates from 1813 and was designed by architect John Wing, who also designed the town's hospital and prison.

Tags:   Bedford River Great Ouse rivers rowing boats bridges Bedford Town Bridge John Wing, architect

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The Butterfly Bridge across the River Great Ouse at Bedford was designed by architects Wilkinson Eyre to reflect the curves of the earlier footbridge, to encourage a renaissance of the river banks and to act as a new landmark for the town. It was completed in May 1997.

Tags:   Bedford River Great Ouse rivers rowing boats bridges Butterfly Bridge, Bedord Wilkinson Eyre, Architects Simply superb

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The River Great Ouse splits at Bedford and through navigation for boats is by way of this backwater on the south side of the Mill Meadows. The river alongside its very attractive embankment is mainly used by the various rowing clubs.

Tags:   Bedford River Great Ouse rivers narrowboats bridges footbridges

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The beautiful old coaching inn, the Swan Hotel, is adjacent to Bedford's Town Bridge and was designed by the leading Georgian architect Henry Holland for the Duke of Bedford. It dates from the late 1700s. The Town Bridge is a little later, dating from 1813. The River Great Ouse is extremely popular with local rowing clubs, several of whom have their boat-houses on the banks of the river.

Tags:   Bedford River Great Ouse rivers Bedford Town Bridge bridges Swan Hotel, Bedford Georgian coaching inns 18th century architecture Henry Holland rowing boats swans

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