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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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  4. Bedford, Infirmary 1897

Bedford, Infirmary 1897
Photo ref: 39937
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Photo ref: 39937
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More about this scene

The old Infirmary, designed by John Wing and opened in 1803, fronted Ampthill Road; it was later expanded to be the Bedford General Hospital (South Site). Founded with a bequest from Samuel Whitbread, it had fifty beds - and a budget of £50 a year for leeches. In 1899, two years after this view was taken, it was replaced by fiery red brick and terra cotta buildings; its site is now occupied by an uninspiring Accident and Emergency building opened in 1964. It is a sad loss to the architectural heritage of the town.

An extract from Bedford Photographic Memories.

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Bedford Photographic Memories

Bedford Photographic Memories

The photo 'Bedford, Infirmary 1897' appears in this book.

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A Selection of Memories from Bedford

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Bedford

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Over Whelmed.
That view is still majestic, almost as much as my first days in the Lower School, as it was then, in 1950, when I moved up from the "Inky" as the prep. school was called. Everything was so well ordered, so old and really quite scary. There were so many rules to follow and the punishments could be quite severe if you transgressed.. Luckily, the worst I ever got was a detention. Others were not so lucky and could not sit comfortably for some while.
Bedford, Bedford School c1950
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Added 26 November 2024

One Of Three
In the 50s in School holiday time, I and my cousins used to visit matinees in all three Cinemas. The Picturedrome (although it went by another rude name, informally, something to do with small biting insects), the Plaza and the Granada. All gone but not forgotten. The Wurlitzer from the Granada was saved and is now as far as I can find, being restored in Barnsley.
Bedford, the Picturedrome 1921
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Added 26 November 2024

Evacuee To Bedford 1939
I was evacuated to Bedford in 1939 aged 7 and stayed first of all with a Mrs Drake ,the wife of a captain Drake who was in command of a ship called the Warspite. I remember it was off Goldington rd. by the school where all the evacuees were taken and sat around the central hall to be selected and billeted with various families. Mrs Drake had a housemaid and I remember the air raid sirens sounding at 11.00 am ...see more
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Added 22 November 2019

Proper Pride
My mother used to work at a factory called "proper pride" making lingerie does anyone remember it I think it was in mile road, it would be lovely to hear from anyone who knew it. My mother was called maria longo
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Added 06 August 2016

More about Image Optimisation

All our photos are printed as optimised versions of their originals, this process can take anything from 15 minutes to several hours. This ensures that the product you get shows the true quality that Frith photos are renowned for.

Example of image retouching:

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Genealogy & Research Images

Despite over 20 years’ work on the archive, these scans have still not been individually checked and may prove to be damaged, faded, or not of sufficient quality to ever be offered in our full product range. However, if you would particularly like to buy one of these please get in touch quoting the Frith negative number,(s) the town name and size of print you would like to buy. On receipt of your enquiry our archivist will check the scan and advise you if the quality is good enough.

What is an Album?

An album is a way to save a selection of Frith photos, maps and memories that are of interest to you.

Creating an Album enables you to make short lists and then make a final selection from the album. In particular it makes ordering things like calendars much easier - simply create an Album of the 12 photos you like and then use the Album when placng your order - our order process will give you this option.

You can create as many Albums as you want, so perhaps make one for your hometown, where you live now, where your parents live now etc.