On the 2nd of June 1887 the residents of Dorchester turned out and lined the gaily decorated streets to welcome the Prince of Wales. He was met on his arrival by the Mayor, Mr Alfred Pope, the Lord Lieutenant Lord Ilchester, and Mr Brymer, the High Sheriff. The Prince drove through the town in an open carriage and was accompanied by Lord Alington and the Hon. Humphrey Sturt and attended by General Teesdale.
The visit was on the occasion of the Bath and West of England Show. At a luncheon at the Corn Exchange the Aldermen and Councillors were presented to the prince. Afterwards he was taken to the Show-yard where he was shown around by Lord Ilchester. Reports made at the time say he was “heartily cheered on his return drive through the town.” He departed by train late in the afternoon.
We have placed in the photo section a copy of an etching taken from a photograph of the event shot by Walter Pouncy the Dorchester photographer.