In the nineteenth century most of the education of Bedford was provided and run by the Harpur Trust, at both elementary and secondary levels (Bedford, Bedford Modern, the High School and Dame Alice Harpur schools). This study shows the extent of the contribution to elementary education by the Harpur Trust and its decline at the end of the century because of rise of state regulation.

The second half of the book contains a summary of the religious census taken in every parish in Bedfordshire on Sunday 30 March 1851. The returns provide a snapshot (albeit open to interpretation) of the religious allegiances of Bedfordshire people at mid-century. For a critique of the results, especially as they affect Methodist congregations, see BHRS vol. 92 The rise of Methodism by Dr Jonathan Rodell.