Visit of HRH Princess Margaret 1966. (1)

This video shows the arrival of HRH Princess Margaret at Taunton railway station on 29th July 1966. She was driven through the town to the County Hotel where luncheon was offered by the Borough Council. Following lunch the Princess opened Dr Barnardos Residential Special School at Middleway, but surprised everyone present by naming it "Princess Margaret School" which sounded a lot better than the original name! The Princess then walked to nearby Blagdon Lodge, operated by Taunton Old People's Housing Society, to perform the opening ceremony there by unveiling a plaque. The Princess then journeyed to Queens College playing fields where she departed by helicopter.
FOOTNOTE: Planning Permission was granted in November 2004 for the demolition of the principal buildings on the site of Blagdon Lodge and the Princess Margaret School and the erection of a retirement village complex.