The society is dedicated to the author of one of the greatest works of English literature, The Pilgrim’s Progress.

The day’s theme, Representing Dissent in the Long Eighteenth Century, was discussed in various guises by leading academics and PhD students from the UK and France. Students from Bedfordshire were also in attendance.

The Conference is an example of the kind of academic experience provided to students on the University of Bedfordshire’s MA English Literature course.

Dr Jane Carr, Acting Head of Department Performing Arts and English, said:

“Events like these are important in raising the research profile of the Department, nationally and internationally.

“They also offer MA and research students in English an opportunity to participate in academic discussion with students and scholars from other institutions.”

Organised in collaboration with Northumbria University, the Conference aims to run regularly, alternating between the two institutions. Bedfordshire, as Bunyan’s birth place, proved to be the perfect location to host the inaugural event.

“The University of Bedfordshire was a most appropriate venue, with its wonderful new Gateway building,” said co-organiser Professor Bob Owens, from the Department of Performing Arts and English.

“It was good to have a mix of papers by established scholars as well as up-and-coming postgraduate students.

“From the enthusiasm of participants, and the lively discussion that took place, it was clear that people enjoyed the day.”

Topics covered by speakers included how Dissenting congregations kept ‘church books’ where they recorded details of the life and activities of the community, the ways in which Dissenters attempted to defend themselves against accusations of disloyalty to the state, and how Dissenting women used poetry and other forms of writing as a means of self-representation.