Two very different topics, from very different eras, are covered in this summer double bill! The Town Transformed - Bedford 1939 - 1999, and The Great Siege of Bedford Castle, 1224.

The afternoon will begin with well known local author Bob Ricketts talking about the huge social changes that took place in Bedford in the decades following the Second World War, covered in his comprehensive book published earlier this year.

After a short interval, historian James Petre will talk about that extraordinary event in the history of the town - The Great Siege of Bedford Castle. James and his publisher Shaun Tyas are launching the book about the siege based on the successful conference held in 2024 at The Higgins to mark the 800th anniversary of the event.

Copies of both books will be available to purchase and both authors will be very happy to sign copies.

The bookshop will be putting on a special display of books and ephemera realted to the history of Bedford and Bedfordshire throughout the week leading up to the talks.

The event is free but places are limited so please book to reserve your place by email or by telephone.