1868 – Middle Class College, Bedford, Bedfordshire

From The Building News: “THIS building is now being erected at Bedford. The college is arranged to accomodate 300 boys. It is a red brick building, with (stone dressings to windows. The building faces the high road, and will be seen from all the railways entering Bedford. A separate residence for tho head master is provided, and arrangements are made for the under-masters and domestic servants. The college is supported by the Duke of Bedford. Lord Cowper, and other influential gentlemen of the county ; and it is intended to board and educate the sons of the middle classes for the annual payment of £25.

The building has been designed by Mr. Frederick Peck, and is being erected by Mr. William Huddleston, of Lincoln. The cost of the college, exclusive of fittings, is £12,000. It should be added that a competition was invited, that about fifty competitors sent in designs, and that those of Mr. Peck were selected.

The school closed in 1916, partly due to the Great War, the buildings had been requisitioned for use as a military college, and the numbers of boys had fallen greatly because many attended the school from overseas. Demolished in the 1960s after a period of industrial use.

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