2028 will mark the 400th anniversary of John Bunyan’s birth and the 350 years since the publication of The Pilgrim’s Progress, his best-known book. This will be a significant event both in Bedford, Bunyan’s hometown, and lovers of his work. The Pilgrim’s Progress, after all, has been translated into more than 250 languages and dialects, evident in the thousands of visitors from across the world who are welcomed to the John Bunyan Museum in Bedford every year. It is clear that The Pilgrim’s Progress remains a much loved and relevant book today, 350 years after it was written.

Who was John Bunyan?

John Bunyan was born in Elstow, just outside Bedford. He worked as a tinker, making and mending pots and pans, ploughs and implements, in the surrounding area. You can still see the anvil that he carried around with him, in the John Bunyan Museum, attached to Bunyan Meeting Church in Mill Street.

While imprisoned for his beliefs, John Bunyan began composing The Pilgrim’s Progress, a tale of an individual embarking on a journey of spiritual discovery. He encounters both helpful and guiding people along the route, as well as some dishonest characters who treat him with cruelty. In this blend of adventure tale and spiritual quest, he triumphs over numerous obstacles on his journey of faith.

Why does he remain relevant to us today, some 400 years later?

Many of the themes in both Bunyan’s life and his literature are still of significance today – freedom of speech, political incarceration, the significance of faith in daily life, and the importance of education and literacy in a society. The suppression of these issues via censorship or persecution are still regularly reported in the news.

What is Bunyan 400?

​The anniversary may be four years away, but we are already in discussions with local, national and international communities. In October 2024, a presentation was made to Bedford’s community leaders which received an amazingly enthusiastic response. Lots of people and organizations are keen to be involved in this unique celebration of Bedford’s history, with ideas spanning theatrical and musical performances, a book festival, an international conference, an exploration of John Bunyan’s Christian faith, reading and hearing in diverse communities, school projects, publications and much more.

How can I get involved?

If you or your organization would like to know more, are interested in sharing in the anniversary, or already have plans to which we or others might be able to contribute, we would love to hear from you.

Please email [email protected] in the first instance.