The highlight of my Christmas was a present which was very well received indeed. ‘Wilts County Mirror Souvenir Booklet’ from June 27-29, 1908 charts the visit of the King and Queen to Wilton House. For its age the booklet is in remarkably good condition and as I looked inside I was delighted to find some wonderful photographs taken by our old friend, Horace Messer, the photographer who featured in last weeks Bygone column.
Of real interest is the fact that the booklet highlights the route taken by the Royal coach on route to Wilton House from Salisbury Railway Station and in particular, the welcoming effort made by the citizens of Fisherton.
“Down the South Western Road, and rounding the corner under the Fisherton Bridge, there was a great concourse of people who cheered lustily. His Majesty frequently raised his hat, and the Queen bowed her acknowledgements.
The West End Dairy had the gables decorated while over the bay window were photographs of their Majesties. Mr Chubb at Bemerton Lodge had numerous miniature flags displayed while Mr WF Gullick’s nursery was decked with green, white and red flowers and streamers. At Fisherton House the Union Jack was flying with the building facing the road covered in bunting and flags.”
The effort made in Wilton Road was quite extraordinary. The Malmesbury Arms received considerable attention as did the West End Hotel. The Windsor Castle had a large flag over the centre of the building and the Wilton Arms looked magnificent in green, white and red – but it was the Railway Hotel in South Western Road who perhaps stole the show. They managed to cover their whole establishment with flags, streamers, rosettes and the motto, ‘God save our King and Queen.’