A Royal Visit to Bridgend — 1888.
On Saturday the 22nd of September 1888, the inhabitants of the town of Bridgend were awaiting the arrival of very special visitors.
On Saturday the 22nd of September 1888, the inhabitants of the town of Bridgend were awaiting the arrival of very special visitors.
Trains and trams filled with passengers from the surrounding valleys were arriving in the town. By 12pm, the town was abuzz with excitement and thousands of people were lining the streets.
Who was this all aid of? A royal visit!
Lady Dunraven and her family were hosting HRH Princess Mary Adelaide of Teck and her family at Dunraven Castle. This included her daughter Princess Victoria — who later became ‘Mary of Teck’ — Queen Consort to King George V.
The Glamorgan Gazette noted that they were treated to a “right royal welsh welcome.”
Arches made of the finest flowers were erected all over the town. Flowers were arranged into harps, welsh dragons, royal coats of arms and the like. Shop windows were draped in cloth, streamers and flags. The old inhabitants of the town had “scarcely seen anything like it.”
Shortly before the Royals were due to arrive, their hosts, Lady Dunraven and her daughters arrived at the station.
Local dignitaries congregated on a specially built raised viewing platform outside of the station. These included Rev Edmondes (Coity) John Randall (Dunraven Estate Manager) and Arthur J Williams JP. In front of the viewing platform, the Glamorgan Artillery Volunteers and local rifle corps assembled forming a guard of honour.
The Royal train arrived at Bridgend Train Station at 3:20 pm. Princess Mary and her family were received by their hosts and made their way to a waiting room that the station master’s wife had decorated. The room was draped with garlands of flowers, bunting, colourful signal flags and plant arrangements.
As the party made their way outside to an awaiting carriage, the guard saluted and the National Anthem was played.
Before making their way to Dunraven Castle, the carriage made its way through the town. Starting a Dunraven Road (now Derwen Road) the carriage processed through Wyndham Street. At the corner of Wyndham Street, they were greeted by arches with “Welcome Royal Princess Mary of Teck” and “Long Life For Lord and Lady Dunraven.”
Carrying on through Dunraven Place, Caroline Street and Nolton Street, they were greeted by shouts of “Hurrah!” from the children of the National School, Board School and Catholic School.
Passing through Ewenny Road, they were again greeted by arches of flowers, streamers and “Hurrahs!” At the village of St Bride’s Major, the bells rang out in celebration of the Royal visit.The Royal party were welcomed by wellwishers at the gates of Dunraven Castle and reached the Castle at 5 pm. The reason for their visit was noted as a “private search for rest.”
The following day, Lady Dunraven, Princess Mary of Teck and their families attended a Sunday Service at St Bridget’s Church, St Bride’s Major.
On the following Tuesday, Princess Mary of Teck and her family attended a concert at Bridgend Town Hall. Along with Lady and Lord Dunraven, the audience mostly included local dignitaries. The town hall was decorated with brightly coloured cloth and again, more flowers.
The entertainment included performances from local singers, including Madame Williams Penn and Mr Tom Williams. Glee party performances were led by Mr William McGaul with “Merch Megan” and “Gwenith Gwyn” being sung and a young gentleman known as “Ap Pearce” performed the harp.
During their two-week stay, Princess Mary of Teck and her family visited local places of interest. One of those being Llanfihangel Church in the Vale of Glamorgan. Following the visit, they took afternoon tea at Llanfihangel Place.
On the final Sunday of their stay, Princess Mary of Teck and her family attended a Sunday Service at St Mary’s Church, Nolton.
