Live eventBedford

Trevor Huddleston The man behind the statue

Bedford Corn ExchangeBedford

13 November 2026 · 11:30

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Trevor Huddleston; The man behind the statue 13 November 11.30am until 12.30pm, Free, Booking EssentialThe talk, given by Lydia McDonald Keeper of Social History, will explore Archbishop Trevor Huddleston's life, his work with the anti apartheid movement in South Africa, and his role in the release from prison of Nelson Mandela on 11 February 1990. Huddleston is remembered for his outstanding achievements, following his death, with a statue, a bronze cast bust, displayed in Bedford Town Centre, that was unveiled by Nelson Mandela when he visited on 7 April 2000. Despite the statue in the town centre, few people know of Huddleston. This biographical talk uncovers Trevor’s early family life in Bedford, his work as a missionary to South Africa, his international anti apartheid campaign, as well as his friendships with key figures including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Oliver Tambo and his fight