Bedford

Bedford town is located on the north bank of the River Great Ouse, 25 miles south-west of Cambridge and 10 miles north of Bedford. The town is said to have been founded by the Anglo-Saxon, Ethelbert, in the 6th century and became an important market town as it lay at the intersection of three major Roman roads. Bedford was granted borough status in 1190 and became a county town in 1541. The town’s prosperity was based on its status as a major wool and cloth trading centre. The town’s first football club was formed in 1869 under the name Bedford Rovers and played in the Bedfordshire County League. Bedford Town FC was formed in 1888 and played in the Southern Football League. The club joined the Football League Third Division in 1920 and became a founding member of the Football League Fourth Division in 1952. Bedford Town FC was relegated from the Football League in 1962 and joined the Football League Fourth Division again in 1976. The club was promoted to the Football League Second Division in 1978 and played in the Football League First Division from 1988 to 2004, when it was relegated again. Bedford Town FC was relegated from the Football League in 2006 and joined the Southern League Premier Division. The club reached the Southern League Cup Final in 2013, but was relegated to the Southern League Premier Division in 2014. Bedford Town FC played in the FA Cup for the first time in the club’s history in 2018, but lost 3-0 to League Two side, Walsall.