Bedford Lemere Collection (1860s-1944) Gallery

Chicksands Priory BL11946

CHICKSANDS PRIORY, Shefford, Bedfordshire. Interior of Sir Algernon Osborn's study view to Dining Room, showing medieval vaulting from the original Gilbertine Priory. Photographed by Bedford Lemere for Sir Algernon and the architect (Herbert Hawks) in 1893. Chicksands was acquired by the Crown in 1936 and was used by the RAF and subsequently the USAF until 1995. It is now in private use but is opened to the public on specific days by appontment with the Friends

© Historic England

Machine gun troop BL24191_008

British cavalrymen from the 1st Life Guards with a Madsen Machine Rifle. A mounted soldier keeps the horses in the background. During the latter stages of the First World War British cavalry were expected to rapidly exploit break-throughs beyond enemy trench lines. They were equipped with light machine guns that could be deployed quickly. The Madsen was undergoing trials in London in May 1918, at the same time as this photograph was taken by Bedford Lemere and Co

© Historic England

Mercedes electric bus BL19992

Cut out of a Mercedes electric bus. Electric powered vehicles were first developed in the mid 19th century, but were superceeded by the cheaper and more reliable internal combustion vehicles. The first motorised buses appeared in London in 1902. The Milnes-Daimler model was a popular and reliable bus and numbered around 600 on the streets of London by 1907. The Bedford Lemere daybook records Charles Dewynter Ltd, advertising agents, as clients for this photograph

© Historic England