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Plaque commemorating John Bunyan

"On this site stood the Bedford County Gaol where John Bunyan was imprisoned for twelve years 1660-1672".
Following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 after the Civil War and the Commonwealth, an attempt was made to restrict the growth of independent churches and preachers. John Bunyan was arrested at an independent meeting, and refused to give an undertaking not to preach. So he was committed to prison. As he was not a common criminal, he was allowed indulgences - for instance his wife would bring him meals from their home nearby. He wrote 3 of his books while in gaol. In 1672 he was released after King Charles II issued the Declaration of Religious Indulgence.
The site of the plaque can be seen in TL0549 : Plaque in the pavement, corner of Silver Street & High Street, Bedford