Shefford, Bedfordshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shefford |
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 Shefford High Street |
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 Shefford
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| Population | 7,311 (Parish, 2021) |
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| Unitary authority | |
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| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Shefford |
| Postcode district | SG17 |
| Dialling code | 01462 |
| Police | Bedfordshire |
| Fire | Bedfordshire and Luton |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament |
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Shefford is a town located in Central Bedfordshire, England. In 2021, about 7,311 people lived there. Shefford is found about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south-east of Bedford.
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What does the name Shefford mean?
The name Shefford comes from old English words. It means "sheep ford." A "ford" is a shallow place in a river where people or animals can cross. Shefford got its name because there were places to cross the River Flit and River Hit.
The town's name was first written as "Shipford" in 1229. The way we spell it today, "Shefford," was used as early as 1262. There is even a place called Shefford, Quebec in Canada, named after this town.
Shefford's Past: A Look at History
Shefford has a long history, with signs of people living there even in Roman times.
How Shefford Started and Grew
Shefford grew up around two important river crossings. These were fords on the main road between Bedford and Hitchin. This road crossed the River Flit and the River Hit. Another road, which became the town's High Street, led west towards Ampthill.
Later, bridges were built to replace the fords. These were North Bridge over the Flit and South Bridge over the Hit.
Markets and Fairs in Shefford
Shefford has been a place for markets for a very long time. A market was held here by 1225. The town officially received the right to hold a market in 1229.
In 1312, Shefford was also given permission to hold a yearly fair. This fair was held around Michaelmas, which is a Christian festival. Today, only one of these old fairs remains. It is a street fair held every year on October 11th.
Early Buildings and Famous Residents
By the 1400s, the church of St Michael and All Angels was built. It is at the eastern end of the High Street. This church first served as a smaller church for the nearby village of Campton.
A famous poet named Robert Bloomfield lived in Shefford from 1812 until he passed away in 1823. One of the schools in Shefford is named after him.
Canals and Railways: Transport History
In 1823, the Ivel Navigation canal was extended to reach Shefford. This part was also known as the Shefford Canal. However, it stopped being used by boats in 1876. This was because trains became more popular for moving goods.
The Midland Railway opened Shefford railway station in 1857. This station was on their main line to London. Later, in 1868, a new main line opened, and the Shefford route became a smaller branch line connecting Bedford to Hitchin. The station closed to passengers in 1961 and to freight in 1964.
St Francis' Boy's Home: A Place of Care
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From 1869 to 1974, Shefford was home to an orphanage called St Francis' Boy's Home. It was run by the Roman Catholic Church. The orphanage was on High Street, next to the Catholic church of St Francis of Assisi. The church is still used for worship today. The old orphanage buildings have been turned into apartments.
Shefford During World War II
During World War II, Shefford became a special place for many Jewish children. About 500 students from Judith Grunfeld's school moved to Shefford and the surrounding area. The school moved in 1939 and stayed until 1945. This was part of "Operation Pied Piper." This operation moved schools away from cities to protect children from wartime bombing. A book called "Shefford: The Story of a Jewish School Community in Evacuation, 1939-1945" tells the story of this time.
Shefford's Rivers: Geography
The River Flit and the River Hit both flow through Shefford. The River Flit starts as a small pool near the M1 motorway. The River Hit flows from the Baldock area. The Hit and the Flit meet just a short distance from the Northbridge Street river bridge. When they meet, they form the historic Ivel Navigation. The River Ivel then joins the River Great Ouse further along its path.
How Shefford is Governed
Shefford has two levels of local government. These help manage the town and its services.
Local Councils
Shefford has a local council called Shefford Town Council. Their offices are at Shefford House on 15 High Street.
The larger council for the area is Central Bedfordshire Council. Their main offices are in Chicksands, which is just west of Shefford.
Changes in Parish Boundaries
Shefford was once a smaller part of the ancient parish of Campton. In 1866, it became its own separate civil parish. It stayed part of Campton's church parish until 1903.
Shefford Hardwick was a small area north-west of Shefford. In 1933, this area became part of Shefford. Shefford also gained land from nearby parishes like Southill, Clifton, Meppershall, and Campton at that time.
What Can You Find in Shefford?
Shefford has many shops and services for its residents.
Shops and Food
You can find supermarkets like Morrisons and Co-op in the town centre. There is also a Tesco store on the edge of town. Shefford has many places to eat, including Chinese, Indian, and Turkish takeaways and restaurants. You can also find a fish and chip shop.
The town has several pubs, a local micro brewery called Banks and Taylor (started in 1982), and a tea room. Other shops include two petrol stations, two car dealers, two pharmacies, three estate agents, a newsagent, a convenience store, a charity shop, an angling centre, a bakery, a wine bar, a Post Office, and a building supply centre.
Community Places
Shefford has a fire station, a bowls club, and a sports club. There are also two community halls: the Memorial Hall and the Community Hall. A public library is located on High Street.
You can find four churches in Shefford: Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, and Roman Catholic. There are also several schools and nurseries, and a large medical practice.
For young people, Shefford has a scout group, Guiding Groups, and a local Army Cadet Force hut at Chicksands.
Getting Around: Transport
Shefford railway station used to be on the Bedford–Hitchin line. However, it closed to passengers in 1961 and to freight in 1964. The area where the goods yard was is now an industrial estate.
Today, you can travel by bus. Buses 9A and 9B run hourly between Bedford and Hitchin. These buses are operated by Stagecoach East.
News and Entertainment: Media
Local news and TV shows for Shefford come from BBC East and ITV Anglia. Television signals are received from the Sandy Heath TV transmitter.
For radio, you can listen to BBC Three Counties Radio on 95.5 FM and Heart East on 96.9 FM. Bedford Radio is a local community radio station that broadcasts online. The town also has local newspapers like Bedford Today (which used to be Times & Citizen) and The Biggleswade Chronicle.
Learning in Shefford: Education
Shefford has several schools for different age groups. These include:
- Samuel Whitbread Academy (secondary school)
- Robert Bloomfield Academy (middle school)
- Shefford Lower School
- Shefford Nursery
- BEST nursery
- Acorn Pre-School & The Mighty Oaks
Sports and Fun Activities
Shefford offers various sports and leisure activities.
Football Clubs
Shefford has a non-League football club called Shefford Town & Campton F.C.. There are also boys' and girls' football teams at Shefford Saints Juniors FC. Both clubs play their home games at Shefford Sports Club on Hitchin Road.
A famous footballer, Jack Collison, who played for Wales and West Ham, grew up in Shefford and played for Shefford Saints.
Skatepark
For those who enjoy skateboarding, there is a modern, concrete skatepark at Lovelace Meadow.
Images for kids
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Shefford High Street
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The cottage where the poet Robert Bloomfield died in 1823
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St Francis' Catholic Church and adjoining former orphanage buildings.
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Shefford House, 15 High Street: Offices of Shefford Town Council.
See also
In Spanish: Shefford (Bedfordshire) para niños
