2 May 2002: A visit to Somerset on the second day of The Queen's Jubilee tour

A traditional farmers' market, a visit to the tiny cathedral city of Wells and a reception in Bath's Pump Rooms were highlights of the second day of The Queen's Jubilee visit to the South West.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh began the second and final day of their South West tour in Taunton, the county town of Somerset, where bright sunshine greeted them. Dressed in mint green, The Queen got a flavour of local produce in Taunton Vale Farmers' Market. The Queen and the Duke visited every stall in turn, speaking to the owners, and meeting members of local voluntary groups.

One of the local residents had a special association with The Queen. Doreen Hardman had nursed the Queen's father, King George VI, in 1951 after he became ill with lung cancer. The Queen spent a few minutes chatting with Mrs. Hardman, 89, and thanked her for her caring service. Mrs. Hardman was proudly wearing the Royal cypher "GR" given to her by the King.

The Queen went on to accept a book on first aid from the Somerset branch of the Red Cross, the organisation of which she is national patron, before departing for Wells.

Thousands of flag-waving and cheering royal supporters lined the streets of England' s smallest city to welcome The Queen and The Duke as they arrived in the market place. On display were some impressive carnival floats; the local carnival is celebrating its centenary this year. The Queen and Duke also saw the giant QinetiQ balloon gondola which is being flown to the edge of space this summer by balloonists Colin Prescot and Andy Elson. 

After inspecting the gondola and talking to Andy Elson, Colin Prescot and 13 members of the project team, The Queen and Prince Philip took separate routes. Prince Philip visited the town hall, where he presented Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards. The Queen walked to the Cathedral Green to watch displays of country dancing and listen to music from Wells Cathedral choir and school. Some of the members of the cathedral's Chapter were presented to the Queen.

The Queen was invited to look at the Somerset Goes Global Exhibit in the cathedral Chapter, a three-year project funded by the Department of International Development. The Queen pressed a button to send an e-mail to all schools throughout the world who have close links with Somerset. The Queen also saw displays of in-line dancing and skateboarding, and met representatives of local youth organisations. 

In the town hall The Queen inspected the first royal charter granted to Wells by King John in 1201 and one which she granted to the city in 1974 when local government was reorganised and Wells retained its city status. Also on display was the Wells millennium tapestry. The Duke rejoined The Queen in the Mayor's Parlour where they signed the visitors' book.

Before leaving the Town Hall The Queen was presented with a commemorative scroll written on paper handmade at nearby Wookey Hole.

The third and final destination of the day was Bath, an historic city with ruins dating back to Roman times, when it was famous as a spa. Up to 20,000 people lined the streets of Bath as The Queen arrived at the town's historic Guildhall at about 1 pm. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh were guests of honour at a meal for more than 100 guests representing the whole county.

At a lunch inside Guildhall, The Queen gave a speech which paid tribute to the special qualities of the South West. "The beauty of the South West is well known, and appreciated by the 21 million visitors who come here every year. As well as an outstanding coastline, there are wonderful gardens, cathedrals, ancient cities and rural landscapes such as those I have seen over the last two days."

She also thanked the people who had turned out to welcome her and shown such support throughout her reign and in recent days. "I would like to thank all those who have made the last two days so enjoyable. Following a time of sadness in my family, the warmth of the welcome we have received in the south-west has been especially heartening. Your celebration of my reign has brought home to me with renewed force how much I owe to you all for your loyalty over the last half century."
In the afternoon The Queen and Prince Philip visited Bath Abbey to see the restoration work and meet craftsmen involved. They continued on to the famous Pump Rooms for a reception with voluntary organisations before returning to London on the Royal Train.

Read the text of The Queen's speech in Bath (pdf, 148kB)

Back to May index