BUNYAN TODAY

INSPIRED BY BUNYAN

Many historical figures have been inspired by John Bunyan and his works; artists William Blake, William Holman Hunt, JMW Turner, and authors such as Charles Dickens, William Makepeace Thackeray, Louisa May Alcott and Charlotte Bronte.

The inventor and United States Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, referred to Bunyan in his autobiography as “my old favourite author.” The Queen quoted from The Pilgrim’s Progress in the first televised Queen’s speech

Winston Churchill, the Queen Mother, Baroness Margaret Thatcher, and Labour MP Tony Benn, all had either readings from The Pilgrim’s Progress or the hymn ‘To be a Pilgrim’ also known as ‘He who would valiant be’ written by John Bunyan, sung at their funerals.

Over the years we have welcomed many well known people to Bunyan Meeting, Museum, and Basement

SO WHY DOES JOHN BUNYAN MATER TODAY?

AS A WRITER

Bunyan wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress. In 2013 Robert McCrum in The Guardian named it one of the “100 best novels”. It’s been translated into over 200 different languages and dialects, and has inspired artists and illustrators through the ages with its fantastic colourful imagery and powerful story. This story continues to touch the lives of people around the world today.

AS A PREACHER

Bunyan helped change Christianity by empowering ordinary people to worship without interference from the church or the state. Prayers no longer had to come from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer but were the congregation’s own. As a consequence more people were motivated to learn to read and write.

AS A MAN

Bunyan, motivated by his Christian faith, stood for religious liberty, freedom of conscience, thought, and speech. He inspires us for his conviction and bravery, for his creativity and vision, and for his remarkable journey from rural Bedfordshire to world renown.

All details are subject to change due to covid for 2021 visits

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