Bedfordhire is an historic county which is named in the domesday book as 'Bedanfordscir' The borders have changed a little with one or two villages swapping allegiance but it has remained remarkably stable.

Traditionally people from the county are called 'clangers' probably a reference to the Sharpenhoe clangers a local beauty spot outside Luton,  although  Ron Hackett wrote to us to say:

Bedfordshire clangers may be a reference to the suet pudding made for Bedford's agricultural workers, (also known as a "clanger")!  The pudding was a  suet roll with spiced meats one end and jam at the other, thus providing both a savoury and a sweet dish. Thanks Ron!

The flag is actually a coat of arms which is used by the county council.

I have failed so far to uncover the symbolism involved but for once it doesnt feature a cross.

The coat of arms has the inscription 'Constant be' from John Bunyan's hymm' he who would valiant be' Bunyan was from Bedford.