Bedford’s twice-weekly Charter Market literally put the town on the map when King Henry II granted the charter in 1166 allowing Bedfordians to hold their own market. A market was held on St Paul’s Square since the 1500s but eventually it outgrew the site and was moved to the Riverside Square car park some 18 years ago. During February 2002, part of the market returned to its roots on St Paul’s and also to Harpur Squares in the heart of Bedford’s town centre.    

In Kempston the Thursday Kempston General Market provides a much sought after service with its 30 pitches.  

Bedford now also hosts three speciality Markets; a Gourmet Food Market on Thursdays, joined by a monthly Farmers Market on the 2nd Thursday of the month, the Friday Home and Garden Market and a monthly Antiques, Arts, Crafts and Collectors Fair on Thursdays. These take place on Harpur Square with the Antiques Fair also using the lovely Harpur Suite.