William Bedford (chaplain)

According to the Australian Dictionary of Biography, Bedford was reputed to have been a stay-maker patronized by Elizabeth Fry, who interested him in prison work.

Bedford remained in this position for the rest of his life, conducting weekly services at St David's and the prisoners' barracks.

Bedford pressed military officers who had mistresses to marry them, and according to James Bickford, "gradually and sulkily the discomfited chiefs gave in.

"[4] According to the Australian Dictionary of Biography, "Bedford's combative nature, self-confidence and uncertain principles had involved him in many controversies in his long colonial service.

"[1] James Bickford describes him as a man "full of human sympathies", who "combined the love of John with the fire of Peter".