4 historic Wetherspoons pubs in Bedfordshire and the fascinating stories behind them

By Holly Allton

Food and drink writer

Published 2nd Sep 2024, 16:02 BST

These pubs have their own interesting tales to tell 📜

Bedfordshire is a historical county located in the East of England, with towns including Bedford, Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable, Biggleswade, Houghton Regis and more.

But while there are plenty of tourist attractions to visit for a slice of history, such as; Bedford Castle, Leighton Buzzard Light Railway, and many more, a visit to a local Wetherspoons can also be an educational experience.

Here are 4 Wetherspoons pubs based in Bedfordshire which have a fascinating past.

The Pilgrim’s Process in Bedford is named after one of the most widely read books which was written by Bedford-born John Bunyan.

1. The Pilgrim’s Process, Bedford

The Pilgrim’s Process in Bedford is named after one of the most widely read books which was written by Bedford-born John Bunyan. | Google Maps

The White House in Luton was formerly known as the Crown & Anchor Brewery in the late 19th century. The brewery was founded by Thomas Burr in 1780 and was located next door to his family home. His home was named The White House, which is where the pub gets its name from.

2. The White House, Luton

The White House in Luton was formerly known as the Crown & Anchor Brewery in the late 19th century. The brewery was founded by Thomas Burr in 1780 and was located next door to his family home. His home was named The White House, which is where the pub gets its name from. | Google Maps

The Swan Hotel in Leighton Buzzard is a grade II listed building which dates back to the 19th century. The site was formerly a coaching inn and posting house, before being refurbished in 2014 by JD Wetherspoons. As tribute to its past, the building still has the words ‘posting house’ on the front of the building.

3. The Swan Hotel, Leighton Buzzard

The Swan Hotel in Leighton Buzzard is a grade II listed building which dates back to the 19th century. The site was formerly a coaching inn and posting house, before being refurbished in 2014 by JD Wetherspoons. As tribute to its past, the building still has the words ‘posting house’ on the front of the building. | Google Maps

The Crown Hotel in Biggleswade originally dated back to before 1672 before it was sadly burned down in the Great Fire of Biggleswade on June 16 1785. It was rebuilt and gaine Grade II listed status in 1978.

4. The Crown Hotel, Biggleswade

The Crown Hotel in Biggleswade originally dated back to before 1672 before it was sadly burned down in the Great Fire of Biggleswade on June 16 1785. It was rebuilt and gaine Grade II listed status in 1978. | Google Maps

Boost Wetherspoons Pubs

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.