Bedford Bridge Bedfordshire. Antique print of Bedford Bridge. The name of the town is thought to derive from the name of a Saxon chief called Beda, and a ford crossing the River Great Ouse. Original antique copper-plate engraving dated in the plate 10 Dec 1783. Size of engraved area 5x6 inches. A scarce Georgian antique item. Note: The shadow does not appear on the original item.