Comprises the counties of Bedford, Buckingham, and Northampton, and that part of Berkshire (formerly in Buckinghamshire) that lies to the north of the River Thames. Suffragan of the archbishop of Westminster. Founded as the Vicariate Apostolic of Eastern District in 1840. Elevated to the diocese of Northampton on September 29, 1850. Names of many prominent persons of the Reformation period are associated with the diocese. See also,