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Gate, where they presented a silver cup with cover and a salver 
all in a rich case of crimson velvet laid with gold,* and the 
Mayor in most solemn manner on behalf of the city wished the 
Queen a happy journey. Outside the city gate the Sheriff and 
his men were waiting and conducted the cavalcade to the confines 
of the county. All being gone, the Mayor invited the Corporation 
to his house, where they drank cheerfully her Majesty’s and the 
Prince’s healths. 
The route taken was by Marlborough, where the party was 
splendidly received ; the scholars of the Free School recited some 
verses and the Town Clerk delivered a long speech. As the 
Queen passed she was met by a great number of shepherds with 
their crooks and tar boxes, playing upon pipes and reeds ; also a 
company of spinners with their wheels appeared, and all tasted 
liberally of her Majesty’s bounty. So Windsor was safely reached. 
The journey seems to have attracted more than usual attention, 
as on the 13th, at Kensington, the Lord Mayor and Court of 
Aldermen waited on her Majesty to congratulate her on her 
arrival from Bath, and invited her to a banquet in the city, which 
she accepted. 
The next visit to be noticed is entirely unknown. In the 
following year 1703, the Queen determined to repeat her trip 
and this being decided, before starting a special survey was made 
of the roads, the report being that they were so bad no passage 
could be made, and suggesting an indictment.t On the 18th 
August accompanied by her husband the Queen set out. The 
daily movements are not now detailed on the rolls as of old ; but 
the roads must have been repaired as the travelling seems to have 
been much faster. Reading and other usual stopping places were 
passed, the first night being now spent at the Duke of Somerset’s 
near Marlborough ; and next day, Thursday, the 19th, after dining 
at Laycock, Bath was reached about seven in the evening. On 
* Gazette. + S.P. Dom., 1703. 
