Alex Massie Alex Massie

Who Will Speak for Bedford?

In his latest column for the magazine (subscribe!) Charles Moore offers a backhanded compliment to Leicestershire and Staffordshire, writing that they, like much of the English midlands are “much more attractive than people think”. This seems reasonable: the solid, unfussed calm of midland market towns and the quiet pleasures of the midland countryside are oft-overlooked. But then he writes:

The only county hard to praise is Bedfordshire.

Can this be true? Is Bedford the worst – or if not worst then hardest to praise – county in England? I’ve never set foot in Bedfordshire and can’t remember seeing anything good from the train either. So, readers, what if anything is one missing? Or is Charles correct?

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