Early Beds Jobs

Anglian settlers are thought to be the first people to settle on the land in and around what is now called Bedford. It is assumed they stopped here because of the abundance of water in the region and the fertile ground that proved ideal for agriculture. This meant that farmers relied on their families to make their living and everyone would be expected to play a role in the upkeep of the land.

With the post-Roman era, Anglian folk were the first people to have Bedfordshire jobs in the agriculture industry; something that would live long in the county’s working history. Farming became an institution in Bedford and it allowed the area grow into the size and success that it is today.

Earning off the Land

From the 13th-15th century, sheep farming grew at an amazing rate and created many Bedfordshire jobs. At one point in history, Bedfordshire wool was in high demand throughout the country and records prove that the county continuously met the quota of wool for the King; a feat that many others failed in.

Other industries over the years that have offered Bedford jobs include the intricate straw plaiting in which items such as hats, ornaments and bags were made from weaving straw grown in the region. Thousands of people were once employed in this industry but inexpensive imports made the local trade drizzle out and cease to exist.

Early Immigrant Workers

During and after the French Revolution, French refugees headed to England to work in the lace market. The influx of migrants reduced the number of Bedford jobs for locals but the lace industry began to boom as better quality material was created by the migrants who were so desperate for the jobs compared to the locals.

19th and 20th Century

Industry grew across Britain yet for the best part of this 200 years, Bedford was still very much concentrated in the agriculture sector as it progressed to making farming equipment. The market town continued to grow and jobs were made to bring the town up to standard with others across the country with many shops now also hiring staff.

Sewers were dug and maintained, a water company was brought in to provide piped, sanitary water and a hospital and library was opened. After WWII, London was in desperate need of rebuilding and The London Brick Company opened up a site offering many new Bedfordshire jobs. This led to a large invasion of Italian migrant workers that today still make up much of the population of Bedford.

Into the 21st Century…

As with many still-developing towns across the UK, more and more business parks are springing up in the Bedfordshire area creating thousands of new jobs for the residents. Much of this work is now centred on IT, as it seems the country is moving out of the industrial period and into the science era. The large shopping and entertainment areas that are fairly recent additions to the area have created a new line of shop, bar and waiting jobs that are often popular with school leavers and the young generation.

Distribution centres are creating many new Bedfordshire jobs as it boasts an ideal logistical location to reach most of the country in a short journey. The cost of setting up here is cheaper than in the capital and with the current economic climate the way it is, Bedfordshire looks set to continue on its successful roll of offering modern jobs to a wide range of people.