| Biddenham | |
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Biddenham
Biddenham shown within Bedfordshire |
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| Population | 2,620 [1] |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | TL024502 |
| Unitary authority | Bedford |
| Ceremonial county | Bedfordshire |
| Region | East |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BEDFORD |
| Postcode district | MK40 |
| Dialling code | 01234 |
| Police | Bedfordshire |
| Fire | Bedfordshire and Luton |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament | North East Bedfordshire |
| List of places: UK • England • Bedfordshire | |
Biddenham is a large village and a civil parish in Bedfordshire, England, located to the west of Bedford near the A428 road.
The village largely serves as a dormitory settlement for Bedford, and also for commuters to London, being on the same side of the town centre as Bedford railway station. Biddenham is seen as a desirable location, with quaint thatched cottages in the older, southern end of the village, and a high proportion of large detached houses in the modern, northern end.
Biddenham is the location of the Manor Hospital, a BMI Healthcare private hospital. The village also contains a community centre, The Three Tuns pub, and a sports pavilion with a cricket pitch and a rugby field (interchangeable depending on the season). Biddenham holds an annual 10 km run starting from Biddenham Pavilion in September of each year. After going through the village, the course heads down the River Great Ouse, crosses over to the Kempston side heading towards Bedford then returns on the North side of the river after crossing again near the Gurdwara in Queens Park.
Biddenham Upper School and Sports College is located on Biddenham Turn. It is a state secondary school for Biddenham and the western part of Bedford. The school was originally named John Howard Upper School, but was renamed after a merger with another school in 1988. St Gregory's RC Middle School is also located on Biddenham Turn. This Roman Catholic school has no catchment area, and has pupils attending from all over the Bedford borough. St. James' Lower School, located on Main Road, is the village's lower school.
A sundial was installed in the village in 2000, inscribed with the location (Latitude North 52° 08' 40", Longitude West 000° 30' 05") and the phrase "Times Change and We With Them."
The new Biddenham Vale housing estate is currently being constructed to the south of the Biddenham parish. Although the development shares Biddenham's name, the new estate is actually located in the neighbouring parish of Great Denham.