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Britannia Iron Works
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General Giuseppe Garibaldi visits the Britannia Iron Works
In 1864 General Garibaldi visited Bedford. General Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807-1882) was a hero of the Risorgiment (a period of Italian cultural and political activism leading to the unification of Italy). He led 1,000 volunteers known as "Red Shirts" in the capture of Sicily and Naples (1860). His conquest led to the formation of the Kingdom of Italy.
During his visit Garibaldi went to the Britannia Iron Works where he inspected the factory, inscribed his name in the visitors' book, and planted a tree as a memento of his visit. Following this he went on to Clapham Park Farm, to see a demonstration of steam ploughing in the company of Mr. James Howard.
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