A Royal Visit - Ragley Hall

In 1874 the ‘Stratford Herald’ reported on a Royal Visit to Ragley. ‘Royalty has not visited this neighbourhood since George 4th was Prince of Wales and visited Ragley. Alcester surpassed itself yes terday in the manner in which it came out to do honour to the royal guests of the Marcuis’. These were Prince and Princess Christian. Mr.Overbury, the High Bailiff, had called a public meeting at which a subscription list was set up. Citizens vied with each other in their decorations. At three points from the railway station to Ragley Hall triumphant arches were set up. At night decorations were illuminated with gas designs and hundreds of chinese lanterns. The newspaper said that there was a scene of brilliance never before witnessed in Alcester. One particular house attracted notice, that of Mr.Walker (this was in Church Street); for 30 years ‘he has held the honourable appointment of Needlemaker to the Queen’. Princess Christian and the Queen, continued the report, are known to excel in the art of needlework. ‘Alcester produces the best needles in the world.’

Autumn 1985 Index