Bedford was established in the mid-1800s.
This little town is picturesquely situated at the foot of the Winterberg Mountains with heavily
forested slopes rising out of extensive grasslands. It is blessed with extensive bird life and
several species of game abound in the immediate area. The old homestead of Sir Andries
Stockenstrom. Lieutenant Governor of the time is nearby. During the War of Mlanjeni, his lovely
old farm, Maastroom, was spitefully raized by British troops. Thomas Pringle, one of the 1820
Settlers, and his Scottish party played a major influence on the town. Pringle later became
famous as a poet.
