John Bunyan Museum and Library

About the museum

John Bunyan (1628-1688) was a Bedford preacher and tinker who spent years in prison for preaching outside the Church of England. His book The Pilgrim's Progress, begun during his imprisonment, became one of the most widely read works in English. In 1672 his congregation bought a barn in Mill Street, Bedford, for worship. A church later stood on the site, and the congregation became known as Bunyan Meeting. The present church dates from the late 1840s and is still used for services.

The museum was set up in 1998. A purpose-built museum building in the church grounds replaced a small museum room inside the church, and the Bunyan objects and memorabilia were moved there. Its displays follow Bunyan's life and times with recreated scenes, audio and hands-on interactives, and show everyday life in seventeenth-century Bedford. Objects linked to Bunyan include an iron violin, a wooden flute and a stoneware jug linked to his time in prison, as well as his will and a third edition of The Pilgrim's Progress.

The museum also looks after a library about Bunyan and Nonconformist history, with books, pamphlets and biographies, and about 400 foreign-language editions of The Pilgrim's Progress in more than 200 languages and dialects. The library can be used by appointment. Today Bunyan Meeting combines a working church, the museum, a community gallery and a coffee shop. The museum is accredited by Arts Council England.

Highlights

• Recreated scenes from the life of John Bunyan
• Objects linked to Bunyan, including a flute and violin from his time in prison
• Editions of The Pilgrim's Progress in over 200 languages
• Library of Bunyan and Nonconformist history (by appointment)
• Free admission, with a family trail on every visit

Permanent exhibition

• John Bunyan Museum – Recreated scenes, audio and hands-on displays follow Bunyan's life, imprisonment and writing, and show life in seventeenth-century Bedford.

Founded

1998

Operated by

Bunyan Meeting Free Church

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the museum is free. Donations are welcome.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum entrance and shop have level access, and the gallery and first-floor rooms are level, although some flooring is uneven and cobble-style. A chair lift with a 325 kg limit suits wheelchair users. The church and coffee shop are reached by a ramp from Mill Street, and the basement has a ramp with a handrail. Accessible toilets are on the ground floor of the museum and in the church near the coffee shop. A hearing loop is installed in the museum and in the church. Blue Badge holders can park free for 3 hours on Mill Street in front of the church.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Family activities are offered on every visit; ask at the desk for the trail. The museum has hands-on interactives and home-schooling resources. Baby changing is available in the ground-floor museum toilets and in the church foyer.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

The church coffee shop serves hot drinks and snacks and offers a book swap and free WiFi. The museum shop sells books, souvenirs and gifts about John Bunyan, seventeenth-century Bedford and The Pilgrim's Progress, including pocket-money items. A guidebook is on sale.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The church publishes a page on hiring its facilities.

Plan your visit