Shefford, Bedfordshire

Roman remains were discovered in Shefford in the early nineteenth century. Shefford grew up between a pair of fords on the main road from Bedford to Hitchin where it crosses the River Flit and River Hit. Another road leading west from that main road, heading towards Ampthill, became the town's High Street. Both fords were later replaced by bridges; North Bridge over the Flit and South Bridge over the Hit. A market was being held at Shefford by 1225, with a formal market charter being issued in 1229. In 1312, another Royal charter granted Shefford the right to hold an annual fair. This was held at Michaelmas, and although at least two more fairs were established in the town at later dates,…