John Bunyan ( 28th November 1628 - 31st August 1688)

John Bunyan was born at Elstow, near Bedford in 1628. In 1653 he joined a Chapel in Bedford. After the monarchy was restored and Charles II became king in 1660, 'dissenters' (Chapel folk) were persecuted for their faith.

John Bunyan was arrested on 12 th November 1660 for preaching without a licence, and spent most of his time in prison from then until 1672. He was locked up again from 1675-76.

While he was in prison he wrote a number of Christian books, the most famous of which is 'Pilgrim's Progress'. This is an adventure story that is a picture of the Christian life. 'Pilgrim's Progress' has become one of the best-selling books of all time, and has been translated into 70 languages. Bunyan also wrote a popular hymn:

"He who would valiant be 'gainst all disaster
Let him in constancy follow the Master.
There's no discouragement shall make him once relent
His first avowed intent to be a pilgrim."

Can you think how Bunyan might have written this in today's language?

John Bunyan became the Minister of his Christian community in Bedford, where the Chapel is still in use today. He travelled to London in 1668; he died there on 31 st August and was buried in Bunhill Fields.

(Click the photo to see an enlarged image in a new window)