Bedfordshire is a county located in the East of England. It is bordered by Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Hertfordshire. The population of Bedfordshire was 681,800 as reported in the 2011 Census.
History
The history of Bedfordshire dates back to 6th century Anglo-Saxon times when it was known as Bedanfordscir – an area stretching from Buckinghamshire to the River Great Ouse. Later it became part of Mercia until 886 when it came under Danish rule.
Location & Accessibility
Bedfordshire is ideally situated for transport links and logistics networks. The county covers 1,741 square kilometres (672 sq miles) and is accessible from London by road via the M1 motorway. Luton Airport provides direct air access to major European cities, while a comprehensive rail network ensures excellent connections with other towns and cities.
Industry
The economy of Bedfordshire has traditionally been based on agriculture and coal mining in the south-east corner of the county. However, in modern times it has become more diverse with motor manufacturing, electronics, engineering and tourism all playing an important role.
Areas in Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire is home to a number of small towns and villages, including: Luton, Bedford, Kempston, Biggleswade, Sandy and Leighton Buzzard. The county also contains a number of historic sites such as the Dunstable Downs and Wrest Park.
Investment in Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire has seen significant investment over the past decade in areas such as housing and education. This includes major new housing developments around Luton Airport and plans for the redevelopment of Luton Town Centre. Furthermore, an Enterprise Zone was established at Houghton Regis in 2011 with the aim of creating business growth and generating new jobs.
Other Areas of Interest
Bedfordshire is home to a number of attractions for visitors, including the ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Woburn Abbey and Safari Park as well as a range of outdoor activities such as golf, cycling and walking. There are also many historical sites in the county including churches, castles and country houses.
Bedfordshire is an attractive investment destination with its convenient location close to London, excellent transport links and diverse economy offering potential for growth. The county has seen significant investment in recent years which has contributed to its development and prosperity. The range of attractions and activities available in the area make it a great place to live, work and visit.