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About Bedford
He was born, Frederick Gustavus Burnaby in 1842 in the parsonage (since demolished) of St Peter’s Church where his father was the local vicar. Very well off, Burnaby’s father was known for his lavish hospitality and frequently entertained the Duke of Bedford and other celebrities.
He attended Bedford Grammar School, now the Tourist Information Building in St Paul’s Square before going on to Harrow. He then joined the “blues” regiment of horse guards. It was claimed he was the biggest soldier in Queen Victoria’s army and stories of his immense strength spread far and wide.
When Edward VII came to dine at the regimental mess, Fred gave him a demonstration of his strength by
bending a poker around the royal neck! He also used to exercise with dumbbell in one arm and a small pony in the other and had been known to “vault” over billiard tables.
