Facts and places of interest in Biggleswade

Interesting Facts about Biggleswade

Did you know that the worlds first tractor was invented in Biggleswade by local Dan Albone in 1902

The town was granted a charter to hold a market during the reign of King John (1196–1216) — a market is still held in the market place in the centre of the town every Saturday.

The town is mentioned twice in the diaries of Samuel Pepys . On 22 July 1661 , Pepys stopped off in Biggleswade (called ‘Bigglesworth' by Pepys) to buy a pair of warm woollen stockings.

In 1785, there was a large fire in the town. The fire started at the ‘The Crown' inn and spread rapidly through the neighbouring streets. By the time the fire had been brought under control, nearly one-third of the town had been destroyed.

The name Biggleswade is derived from Biccel - an Anglo-Saxon personal name and waed, an old English word for ford.

Places of Interest in and around Biggleswade

Old Warden

The history of Old Warden goes back to the Roman era.

Lord Ongley built roomy thatched cottages for his tenants in the 19th century.

The Shuttleworth family rebuilt the mansion house in 1876. Old Warden Park is home to the unique 19th century ornamental Swiss Garden (see below).

The Shuttleworth collection can also be found at Old Warden which displays veteran motor cars and historic aircraft that fly above Biggleswade Airfield on summer weekends. The collection is housed and displayed in seven hangars in the traditional setting of a 1930's grass aerodrome.

Swiss Garden

The Swiss Gardens are said to be in the top ten of gardens in the country. Swiss Garden is set within 10 acres of land and are a good example of 19th Century gardening. There are many beautiful shrubs and rare trees. There is a Swiss cottage set at the centre of the garden along with other buildings including a wonderful Fernery and a lovely Grotto.