"This first itinerary in Bedford's Heritage Circuit is made up of churches, residences and commercial properties. It takes you along street with the sites of some of the earliest buildings in Bedford.

Some history to start. The American Loyalists and British who settled here around 1812 were Methodists and Anglicans. They called the village Bedford, qhich was a popular name in the colonies because of John, Fourth Duke of Bedford(1710-1771)

The village of Bedford, in Stanbridge township, was the seat of Missisquoi county by 1829 and became a city in 1890. In the second half of the 19th century, industrialists set up factories along Rivière aux Brochets. During that time, French Canadians and Irish

formed a Catholic parish. A substantial commercial core flourished on Principale (Main) and Dupont Streets, while prosperour homes were constructed on Philipsburg and Dutch Streets.

The period of growth Bedford experienced between 1864 and 1894 is illustrated through its heritage architecture. This period also coincides with the appearance of the Gothic Revival or "gable dormer" style, characteristic of the "Victorian era."

For more information corpobedford@bellnet.ca

To see the map and direction of the circuit, click here