If a poor man and his wife live together, they are allowed to the amount of 5s. per week. One hundred pounds per annum is appropriated to be given in sums of L5. each, to twenty poor girls upon their going out to service. The residue of the income is to be laid out in buildings, and in endowing more alms-houses, or building cottages to be let at a low rent to the poor. Here are also a house of industry, and an infirmary, which are well supported. Lace-making employs a great number of the lower classes, both in the town and county of Bedford. The lace is chiefly made by women; and children at the early age of four years are set down to it. On certain days, the persons appointed by the dealers collect the lace of the different villages, and convey it to the London market. A strong stone bridge connects the northern and southern parts of the town. "This bridge," says Grose, "is one hundred and sixteen yards in length, four and a half broad, and has a parapet three feet and a half high; this, it is said, was erected in the reign of Queen Mary, out of the ruins of St. Dunstan's church, which stood on the south side of the bridge. It has seven arches, and near the centre were two gate-houses; that on the north, being used for a prison, and that on the south served as a store-house for the arms and ammunition of the troops quartered here. These gate-houses were taken down in the year 1765, and six lamps set up on posts at proper distances." The town-hall, or sessions-house, in which the assizes for the county are holden, is situated in an area before St. Paul's church. It was erected in the year 1753, and is a capacious and handsome structure. _Markets_, Tuesday and Saturday.--_Fairs_, First Tuesday in Lent, April 21, July 5, Aug. 21, Oct. 11, and Dec. 19, for all kinds of cattle.--_Mail_ arrives 1.14 morning; departs 2.54 afternoon.--_Banker_, Thomas Barnard, draws on Kay and Co.--_Inns_, George, and Swan. [Sidenote: Very ancient corporation.] [Sidenote: Origin of the Bedford family.] [Sidenote: Bedford Level.] [Sidenote: First charter granted by Henry II.] [Sidenote: King Offa buried here.] [Sidenote: John Bunyan.] [Sidenote: Noble charity, founded by Sir William Harper.] [Sidenote: Its revenues.] [Sidenote: Alms-houses.] [Sidenote: Lace-making, the chief trade.]