Bunyan Meeting And School

Bunyan Meeting and School is a free church on Mill Street in Bedford, Bedfordshire, England. The congregation is closely tied to John Bunyan, author of The Pilgrim's Progress, and has worshipped on this site since the 17th century, while the present building dates from the mid-19th century.

How did the congregation begin?

The roots of the church go back to around 1650, when a group of Bedford men and women began worshipping outside the Church of England. In 1672, shortly after John Bunyan was chosen as pastor, the congregation bought an orchard on what was then Mill Lane, now Mill Street. A barn in the orchard was licensed for preaching. The deed for the site is dated 20 August 1672.

How did the buildings change?

A meeting house replaced the barn in 1707. The present church was completed in 1849, although some sources give an opening date of 1850. Schoolrooms backing onto Castle Lane were added in 1866. Bedfordshire Archives hold Sunday School records for Mill Street from 1865 to 1962, showing how long the site also served an educational role.

What is worth seeing?

The best-known feature is the set of massive bronze doors showing scenes from The Pilgrim's Progress. They were made by the sculptor Frederick Thrupp and presented by the Duke of Bedford. For anyone interested in literature or religious history, they are a highlight of the town.

Is it still a living church?

Yes. There are two Sunday services, and the building hosts community groups including Sight Concern and Bedford Town Band. In 2014 the congregation launched an appeal because repairs, mainly to the schoolroom roof, were expected to cost more than £660,000.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Bunyan Meeting? On Mill Street in central Bedford, Bedfordshire, England.

When was the current church built? In 1849; the earlier meeting house dated from 1707.

Who is the site linked to? John Bunyan, pastor of the congregation from 1672 and author of The Pilgrim's Progress.

What stands out in the architecture? The bronze doors by Frederick Thrupp, depicting scenes from Bunyan's book.

Is the building used today? Yes, as a church and as a meeting place for local community groups.

Bunyan Meeting makes a good stop on a walk around Bedford, especially for visitors interested in English literature, nonconformist Protestant history and local heritage. It is best to plan a visit outside service times and to check in advance when the building is open to visitors, as hours can change. The church lies close to the town centre, so it is easy to combine with other places linked to Bunyan and with a short stroll along the River Great Ouse, which flows through the town. The congregation welcomes visitors, and the interior and the story of the site suit a calm hour-long visit.