In the early 1960s, the first Muslims arrived in Bedford to work in the local brickyards. As the community grew, so did the need for a place of worship. A house on Ford End Road was purchased and became the first Mosque in Bedford — a vital space for prayer and Quranic education.
By the 1980s, the Muslim population had expanded, and the Mosque could no longer accommodate large gatherings. The “Green Hall” on Fairfax Road was then acquired and served the community for many years.
In the mid-1990s, with the community still growing, plans began for a purpose-built Mosque. Thanks to incredible local fundraising efforts — including generous donations of personal belongings — construction began in 1999. Just two years later, Jamia Masjid Gulshan-E-Baghdad opened its doors, becoming Bedford’s first purpose-built Mosque with space for over 1,200 worshippers.
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The Mosque Today
Our Mosque continues to be a hub for worship, learning, and community connection. We host:
