If you’re strolling around the University’s Bedford campus between Block P and R you may not be aware but you will in fact be treading on the very footsteps of history.

For a new seven circuit labyrinth, which follows the pattern of an archaic design named Cretan Labyrinth, has been created to “help everyone at the University find inner calm and relaxation”.

Cretan Labyrinth links back to the myth that Ariadne – the Greek goddess – gave Theseus – the mythical founder and king of Athens – a ball of string, one end of which he tied to the entrance to the labyrinth so that he could easily find his way back out after slaying the minotaur.

Today this very pattern is still used for people to benefit from.

On Thursday 2 October Bedfordshire’s own Cretan Labyrinth was opened up for everyone at the institution to enjoy.

Cass Howes, a Chaplain at the University, who has been leading the Bedford Campus Community Labyrinth project, said: “The labyrinth is an ancient symbol, now used to help people find inner calm and relaxation, it can be used by anyone, of any culture or faith and of any age.

“At the opening, we were delighted to see students, staff, and members of the local community introduce the labyrinth in style by doing a meditative walk, which was led by drummers from the pagan community and wisdom keepers from a range of other faith traditions.

“Bedfordshire Alumni, who form the Divadlo Theatre Company, sought to explore the labyrinth using physical performance and demonstrated its power to unravel problems. Using a combination of music and movement, the performers journeyed through confusion, chaos and eventually calm.”

Future plans include a candlelit walk and workshops for the Post Graduate Certificate of Education course to use on enrichment days focused on use of the labyrinth with children and young people

To book facilitated walks please contact labyrinth@beds.ac.uk