About Bedfordfiew

The site of Bedfordview was largely taken up by the farm Elandsfontein, and the coat-of-arms of Bedfordview features an Eland holding a fountain as a tribute to the early rural history of the town. Elandsfontein was purchased for the mineral rights, and was later divided into smaller farms and small-holdings, many of which were settled by retired miners. The entire area became known as Geldenhuis Estates Smallholdings.

One of these farms was owned by Sir George Herbert Farrar, a randlord who played a prominent role in planning the infamous Jameson Raid, one of the main causes of the Second Anglo-Boer War. His farm, Bedford (named after his home-town of Bedford in England), was located in the present-day suburb of St Andrews, and parts of the original farm can still be seen in St Andrews' School. Apparently the raid itself was planned in a small house close to the farm. Sir George is buried in Milner Ave, close to the school, the only official grave in the town.

The name "Bedfordview" came about as the result of a competition in 1926. A girl who won the competition thought there was a nice view from Bedford Farm. "Bedford View" (two words) was then registered. Over the years the name has contracted to one word. By 1932 the small-holding had developed into a small village.

Bedfordview's famous oak trees, planted along Van Buuren Avenue were apparently planted by the British cavalry, who were based in Bedfordview during the war.