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Taunton Courier, and Western Advertiser Wednesday 27 Jun 1928

Page 8 & 9 Column Various

Black and White film footage of Taunton Pageant

TAUNTON PAGEANT WEEK.

1,500 PERFORMERS RE-ENACT THE PAST.

A BRILLIANT SPECTACLE.

LESSONS OF A THOUSAND YEARS.

SOMERSET'S PROUD PLACE IN HISTORY.

Taunton, the County Town of Somerset, is this week a very gay and proud borough. Not only are 1,500 inhabitants of all ages and walks of life engaged nightly in staging a great pageant, depicting twelve centuries of Taunton history, but residents generally are also showing a very live interest in the event, which needs only fine weather to make it a memorable success. The Pageant is excellently produced by Major M. F. CELY TREVILIAN, D.L., of Midelney Place, Curry Rivel, who is also the author of the book. The town and the approaches to the pageant field are gaily decorated in honour of the occasion, while the enthusiasm which is evident among all sections of the community ensures a full measure of public support at all the performances.

On Monday evening the final dress rehearsal took place before an audience of 4,500 school-children, who were given this treat by Mr. G. U. FARRANT, chairman of the Finance Committee, and the official opening was last evening (Tuesday). It was preceded by a civic procession from the Municipal Buildings to the pageant field, led by the Mayor of Taunton (Councillor Howard WESTLAKE), and including the Lord Mayor of Bristol, six Mayors of Somerset, and the Mayor of Banbury (Mr. J. CHAPMAN), an Old Tauntonian and son of a former Mayor of Taunton. The booking office staff has had a busy time during the past few days, and when the Pageant concludes on Saturday evening it will doubtless have been witnessed by somewhere about 25,000 people.

Rain fell during the first hour of the performance on Monday evening, but the weather was afterwards fine, and it is hoped that good fortune in this respect will favour the event during the remainder of the week. There is sheltered accommodation for an audience of over 3,000 nightly.

The story of the pageant was broadcast from the Cardiff Station by the Mayor of Taunton on Friday evening. His Worship mentioned the recent celebration of the 300th anniversary of Taunton's first charter, granted by King Charles I,; the 250th anniversary of the second charter, granted by Charles II.; and the 50th anniversary of the present charter, granted by Queen Victoria, all three anniversaries falling in the year 1927.

After paying a tribute to the pageant master (Major M. CELY TREVILIAN), the Mayor explained that the Taunton pageant seeks to reproduce true representations of history, and to show that there is continuity in it from earliest recorded times, when Ina, King of Wessex, founded Taunton Castle in 710, down to the stirring and tragic days of the 17th century, that witnessed the siege of Taunton, the Monmouth Rebellion, and the Bloody Assize.

Taunton's proud motto, “Defendamus,” forms the inspiring theme of the pageant, and its four parts show historic examples of defence of county, defence of custom, defence of law, and defence of feedom.

The site for the pageant – Crescent Field, which the County Council hope to make its administrative centre in the course of the next three or four years – has been admirably chosen and laid out. The action takes place against the background, bound on the left by the granite walls of the Shire Hall, and on the right by the handsome spire of St. John's Church, and the intervening space has been filled with a finely-executed castle scene, which, overshadowed by a row of tall elms and chestnuts, merges naturally into its surroundings.

Three stands, each capable of seating 1,000 people, have been built, in addition to a bandstand, which is occupied by about 50 local musicians, and a raised prompt box. The atmosphere of pageantry is created for the spectator immediately he arrives at the site, for the entrance is built in the form of a lofty battlemented gateway, complete with portcullis. Passing through this, he gets the desired impression that he is about to enter the land of the past. To Mr. H. S. W. STONE, the well-known local architect, is due much of the credit for so admirably planning the site.

THE PAGEANT DESCRIBED.

KING INA AND DEFENCE OF COUNTRY.

“God Save the King” opens the performance, and then commences the inspiring music which has been written for the pageant by Mr. Laurance E. TANNER, and the playing of which does the orchestra of 50 musicians (string and wind instrumentalists) and their conductor, Mr. H. KNOTT, infinite credit.

The prologue, aptly entitled “Midsummer Night,” presents the poetical and legendary scene of the passing to his burial at Glastonbury Abbey of the noble King Arthur, the founder of British chivalry, who was excellently pourtrayed throughout the performance by Major G. W. LAWSON. Taunton's association with the great Abbey is later represented by brethren of the leper house (Messrs. W. R. WELCH and A. E. SMITH), which was established by the monks on the outskirts of Taunton in the Middle Ages, and which was rebuilt by Abbot Bere early in the 16th century. This building stands to-day as ancient almshouses at the eastern end of the town, and bears the Abbot's crest and initials, R. B.

The first part of the pageant deals with defence of country, and the initial episode introduces Ina, King of the West Saxons, who, with his thanes and carles, defended the frontier, on which Taunton now stands, against Geraint, Prince of Devon, and his wild Welsh. As Nimue, the lady of the lake, Miss Norah SOOLE makes a noteworthy contribution to the pageant, her enunciation in all she has to do being perfect. Mr. A. J. WEST infused the requisite vigour into his part of Ethelward, a Saxon thane, and it was the heated denunciation of him by Geraint (Mr. J. A. SPARKS) that was followed immediately by the clash between the Saxon spearmen and Welsh bowmen. King Ina, in the person of Lieut.-Colonel H. C. METCALFE, issues the decree that such outrages must cease, and the place must be defended – hence the first castle is built.

KING ALFRED AND THE CAKES.

In 873 Alfred, King of the West Saxons, leaps forth from the history book. Mr. J. ARCHARD makes a capital study in this role, his inattention to the cooking of the cakes in the cottar's hut at Athelney and the boxing of his ears by the indignant housewife (Mrs. G. L. GRESWELL), because he allowed the cakes to burn, being an incident of especial interest and amusement to the school children present on Monday evening. The despondency he felt at having very limited rations left was excellently portrayed, for, as he explained, if he attacked, and his men proved too few. “then the end of all my dreams for Wessex, good-bye to the thought of a united England.” Suddenly, however, the Portreeve (His Worship the Mayor of Taunton) brings news that help is coming from Taunton, and the magic influence of these tidings if faithfully indicated by Mr. ARCHARD. The second part of the same scene shows the baptism of Guthrum, king of the Danes (Mr. K. M. WARNE), which is most impressively performed by the Bishop of Sherborne (Rev. C. INGLES - “a symbol that from this day forth we shall live no more as Saxon and Dane, but all be Englishmen. The race shall be mightier than the tribe, the right than the might. Black eagle and golden dragon shall couch together beneath the blood red cross, to which we pledge devotion and defence.”

DEFENCE OF CUSTOM.

The second part of the pageant deals in a very effective manner with the defence of custom. Episode three depicts the Manor of Taunton Deane in the year 1384 and wayfaring and town-life in the Middle Ages are realistically represented. The great days of the church, the Monks of the Priory, the Lord Abbot of Muchelney, the Bishop of Winchester, the steward of the Manor, Carmelite Friars – all are here shown in a scene which, because it is typical of the period and the soil, full of wit and humour, makes a strong appeal. Nothing could be more picturesque than the merry dances of the town and country folk, and it was into such a setting that the Bishop of Winchester (Rev. L. J. COURSEY) was delighted to step. The Rev. T. L. BULLOCK was at once very effective as the Archbishop of Canterbury, who, on the occasion of his visitation to Taunton Deane, “looked to find priests at their prayers, and saw them at sport and wantonry.” The Bishop of Winton also incurred his wrath by “sitting in my presence as though he were a king.” The Prior (Rev. R. J. PEARSE) informs the Archbishop that “in Taunton Deane the Lord is King, saving His Majesty's presence alone,” while the Bishop of Winchester tells him, in his message of welcome, that “here, alone in all the world, canst shed thy cares and dignities and be once more a simple gentleman . . . “ The Archbishop at the last declares that “Brother William (the Bishop) has put me right.”

Episode four shows Perkin Warbeck having just been captured, and brought to Taunton a prisoner of Henry VII The King is greeted by the notables of the town, who seizes the opportunity of his good humour at the suppression of revolt to persuade him to build a tower for St. Mary's Church as a thankoffering. It is pointed out to His Majesty by the Portreeve that “though we have a noble church, yet in this county of towers we have no tower worthy of Somerset's chief borough.” Here ends the lesson of defence of custom.

DEFENCE OF LAW.

RELIEF OF THE TOWN.

After the passage of nearly 150 years, Roundheads and Cavaliers are fighting for supremacy, and Colonel Robert BLAKE has thrown himself into Taunton with a body of fearless fighting men. The King's forces, under Lord Goring, are positioned outside the town, and his army is over-running Somerset. The attack upon the trenches which protect the town, and the cavalry charges, together with the succour given to the wounded by townsfolk, is finely staged. There is nothing stronger or more profoundly patriotic in the pageant than the relief of the town. Mr. J. BURROWS, as Sergeant Coles, has charge of the preliminary barricading operations by the Roundheads, and the townspeople are exhorted by the Mayor of Taunton (Mr. F. A. BARBER) and Rev. Thomas Welman (Mr. E. EDGECOMBE) to trust God, Who will not fail them. Mr. G. P. CLARKE gives a very able pourtrayal of the part of Colonel Robert Blake and shows how an intrepid leader inspired his forces to drive back the attackers in those far off days. A touch of vivid realism is given to the affair by the crash of musketry from the direction of the enemy, immediately, followed by the appearance of the Royalists. Skirmishers approach under cover of cannon fire, and the Royalist infantry then advances to the assault and their cavalry charges to the Taunton defences. The impressiveness of the scene is heightened by the gallant townsfolk singing at the back of the stage. “A safe stronghold our God is still. A trusty shield and weapon.” Their faith is vindicated for yet another furious onslaught is repulsed, and the King's men are obliged to retire. The ultimate arrival of Weldon's Dragoons at the gates, escorting waggons loaded with provisions, gives rise to profound thankfulness and singing fills the air.

THE WESTERN REBELLION, 1685.

“KING” MONMOUTH AND MAIDS OF TAUNTON.

Then comes the defence of freedom and thought and Episode 6, the Western Rebellion, which is divided into two scenes, The Blow and The Recoil. The scene opens with an assembly of townsfolk discussing in animated tones the rumour of Monmouth's approach. Evidently the majority look forward to his coming, but that there is some opposition is particularly seen on the arrival of the Mayor (Rev. Preb. H. L. MAYNARD) and Corporation, Captain William Speke (Mr. R. J. FALCONER), and other gentlemen. The newcomers have a mixed reception, and when His Worship learns that the gathering is about to welcome the Duke he declares it to be treason. “These words may be treasonable to-day, but in a week's time they will be otherwise - blood will flow again,” says Hammond, minister of Paul's Meeting, whose part is being played by his successor of to-day, Rev. R. D. DAVIES (Major's chaplain). Rev. E. OGDEN, vicar of St. James, is also representing a former curate of his church, Rev. S. STRODE, an ardent follower of Monmouth's cause.

The scene on the arrival of Monmouth is finely staged. Captain Hucker (Mr. E. J. S. PRICE) welcomes him to Taunton as “the saviour of the Protestant religion and our English liberties.” and in acknowledging the greetings, which are heartily endorsed by the townsfolk, the Duke speaks of the kindness and great-heartedness he has previously met in that “loveliest of England's shires.” Mr. ROWLAND infuses Royal dignity into his part as “King” Monmouth; his confidence and enthusiasm are infectious and he captivates the imagination of the crowd, which cheers lustily his declaration that he has come to “restore the liberties of which godly towns like yours have been vilely robbed..” Recruits step forward under Major Hewling (Mr. L. F. COURSEY), and many express willingness to follow him, despite the lack of arms. One sees also in Mr. ROWLAND's study the sullen, despondent look of Monmouth when he realises the lack of experience of his supporters. But there are persistent shouts from the crowd of “Down with King James” and “Death to the Tyrant,” and the Duke rouses from despair and ultimately yields to the popular demand that he shall proclaim himself King. Immediately after the proclamation Miss M. M. WILLIAMS, as Miss Sarah Blake, admirably expresses the sincere pleasure felt by her 26 fair maids of Taunton in being associated with the King, and charmingly presents to him the flag, sword, and Holy Book. These gifts are gratefully acknowledged by the recipient, who declares “Your flag shall ever flutter in our van, pointing the way to the victory your sword shall win for the great cause.” A few minutes later Monmouth is speeding to Sedgmoor – his doom.

JUDGE JEFFREYS.

One of the great dramatic successes of the performance is achieved by Mr. H. Derwent MOGER in his portrayal of Chief Justice Jeffreys, in the Assize scene, which is pageantry of the best. The scarlet robes of “Kirke's Lambs” form a brilliant background to the Court and the spectacle is one that grips the imagination, the beauty of the costumes being also arresting. Pomp and ceremony are naturally associated with the arrival and departure of the Judge's coach and the Court proceedings are of tense interest. Jeffreys' words are historical and his ravings give ample scope to Mr. MOGER for his ability as a player, which he exercises to the full. The gesticulation, impiety, and scoffing of the bloodthirsty Jeffreys are revealed with a surprising amount of skill, and his words themselves are as little short of torture as anything can be – and he revels in them. Mrs. Derwent MOGER was a very successful Miss Hewling, who pleaded in vain for the life of her brother, the Baptist Hewling; and the other principal parts are all well played.

The pageant closes with an epilogue bringing the story back again to Midsummer Night, and the witnessing the prophetic return of King Arthur to receive his great sword, Excalibur. This he hands to the Bishop of Winchester, who places it hilt uppermost in a cleft of rock, and immediately comes forth a flood of light, illuminating the golden cross – the symbol of Christian victory in the age-long fight against injustice and evil.

ARTHUR'S LESSONS TO HIS PEOPLE.

DEFENCE OF RIGHT, NOT AGGRESSION.

TEACHING THROUGH THE DRAMA.

“The Pageant, therefore, must not be regarded simply as a play; its principle was always the same, namely, to use the Drama as the hand-maiden of religion or morality by means of using scenes of a historical or mythical character to illustrate some ethical teaching.”

• THE PAGEANT MASTER.

King Ina

Perkin Warbeck

Roundhead Soldiers

NIMUE, Queen of the Waste Lands, presenting Excalibur to King Arthur.

Photos by H. STAINER.

The revival of Pageants in England is quite a modern affair; indeed, it is one of the noteworthy events of this first quarter of the twentieth century, and doubtless its fruits will prove quite as noteworthy as the renewed interest in the folk lore of song and dance that has been shown during recent decades.

The revival may be dated from the production of Sherborne Pageant in 1905, when the 1,200th anniversary of the foundation of the bishopric, school, and town of Sherborne was celebrated in this manner. Since then Pageants have been staged on all conceivable occasions, a democratic age finding some reflection of its spirit in the form of drama, which demands such gigantic casts. Undoubtedly the message of the Pageant from the point of view of the performers alone has had quite a salutary effect on the nations of class distinctions that have been and are still bandied about. Here is a community effort that ranks with an orchestra as one of the finest examples of team work.

MODERN PAGEANTS' ANCESTRY.

Sherborne Pageant was quite a small affair compared with Major CELY TREVILIAN's production. Nine hundred performers took part – magnificent, probably, for the days before the American obsession for size crossed the herring pond and caught the imagination of public and Press – but appearing quite miniature in view of Taunton's 1,500 this week, and of other huge casts of recent years. The appeal to the public mind, however, was at once successful, for in one week no less than 50,000 spectators came from all parts of our island to see the history of St. Aldhelm's town portrayed.

One of the most interesting episodes of the Taunton Pageant is that showing the town at sport on the invitation of the lord of the manor, which contains a Pageant within a Pageant. Actually through such performances as those given by the players of the fourteenth century in crowded city streets have the present magnificent displays evolved from the Dionysian rites of the Greeks. These rites were religious and musical; from the hymns and dances celebrating Dionysis in a rhythm appropriate to the passion of his worshippers was created the vision of man in motion, of man acting, drama in Greek signifying action. Then in England miracle plays, dramatised Biblical stories from that of the Creation to those of the anti-Christ and the Day of Judgment, seeking to show, for instance, the foolishness of the scoffers at the time of the Flood; the morality writers taught in abstract ideas, showing, for example, how Everyman fared on that last dread journey to death; and in succession come modern pageants seeking to teach the great lessons of history. The Taunton Pageant, built around Arthurian traditions and the idea of continuity, attempts to show how the heritage of freedom, personal, political and religious, was won for us by our forefathers; how in each age men have sought the best as their consciences led them, and that each generation must raise the age old walls another course till, at last, Jerusalem shall rise in England's green and pleasant land.

A DISILLUSIONED PEOPLE.

So the prologue opens on the magic of a mid-summer night, on such a night, 'twas said, Arthur, England's hope, would return. Yet he returns not; Briton's father, sad and disillusioned because the gods come not also, despite anguished entreaty of a people sadly harried by their enemies.

To Contantine Arthur had committed his realm, bidding him hold it 'till he should return from the island valley of Avilion. “He held it as bidden,” says Wace, concluding his story of the period in a tragic tone, “but, nevertheless, Arthur came never again.”

Discontented, the crowd urge a Druid priest to invoke the help of his gods – the gods whom they have long spurned. Alas! no help comes. “His gods are gone – dead – powerless,” cries a woman. “There is none to aid us, we are utterly deserted.”

A Christian priest chides them – no less than Sir Bedevere himself, the last of the knights of the goodly company of the Round Table. They dishonour the God by whose Sign they are marked to call upon strange Gods; to expect Arthur to rise from the dead. They deceive themselves. . . .

But hark! Comes a faint sound of elfin music, and thro' the trees shines the silver and green of Nimue's robe. Nimue, Spirit of the Country-side, brings comfort.

The people pray, thro' God to Arthur himself, in the beautiful invocation, “Arthur of the flashing brand, hear our prayer,” and as the singing ceases comes a bier, led by Sir Pelleas, guarded by the three Queens, on which lies the King, clad in the vestments of death.

His Message is that they must find new leaders from among themselves, seeing that he himself may not stay, and they must learn the lesson of defence. Not for attack must they aim, but “to defend the right against the wrong, weak against the strong, and this fair land against the invaders' steel.”

And Nimue shall remain with them to guide in their lessoning.

* * *

It was once held that Taunton was a Roman town, but the absence of such relics as would have been found had that been the case has made this quite untenable. The country round was indeed occupied by the Romans, but it was left to the Saxons, nearly three centuries after they had left, to settle the town, and this was done by Ina, King of Wessex, following his fight with Geraint and the Pprince <sic> of Devon. Anxious to defend his land against the Welsh of Devon he commanded a fortress to be built on the Tone, and at the same time, suggests the Pageant aster, he may have instituted the custom which existed in the town at the Norman Conquest of the youngest son being his father's heir and not the eldest.

* * *

One of the best known stories of our English history provides the theme for Episode 2 – King Alfred's burning of the cakes at Athelney. Well drawn in this scene is the character of Peggga, the cottar's wife who, having lent her frying pan, calls upon the King to tend her cakes with the disastrous consequences known. The following scene shows the consequence of the King's victiry <sic> a the Battle of Edington, when Guthrum, the Danish King, is received into the Christian Church and vows peace with Alfred.

* * *

The two customs more particularly dealt with in the episodes dealing with the defence of custom are those of the rights of the Bishop of Winchester as Lord of the Manor of Taunton Deane and that of thank offering by the King for a notable victory nearby.

In Taunton Manor the Bishop possessed almost regal power, being a lord temporal as well as a lord spiritual, and therefore, when the Primate arrives no homage is due from William of Wykeham, whereat the Archbshop <sic> is somewhat incensed. The position was unique. Elsewhere, wherever he may go, the Primate is followed by pomp and ceremony akin to the dignity of his office, but here in Taunton the Bishop greets him as a friend. The scene has a gay setting, for the folk of the town are merrymaking at the visit of their Lord to preside over the Court Baron, and intinerant sellers vend their goods. Then come also the mummers with their conventional characters, Father Christmas, St. George and Beelzebub.

Henry VII.'s visiti to quell the rebellion, led by Perkin Warbeck, took place in 1497. Warbeck, however, had failed to take Exeter and had deserted his followers, fleeing to Beaulieu for santuary, and eventually giving himself up. Henry therefore came to Taunton in search of an enemy and found none. He stayed at the Priory, as repair work was being done at the Castle, and the Portreeve is shown gently hinting that His Majesty may maintain the custom of a thank-offering by bearing the cost of building St. Mary's tower. The King had some share, but apparently refused to bear the whole cost, since bequests of that date were made to assist.

* * *

Lastly comes defence of law. The siege of Taunton in 1645 drove the people to starvation. Blake was holding a town very difficult of defence, and his success was the stepping stone to higher things. The siege and the fight for the town are graphically portrayed. Blake's courage, the religious fervour of Welman and the compassion of the Mayor for the starving townsfolk provided excellent material for some of the most dramatic writing of the whole pageant.

* * *

Last comes defence of freedom – freedom to worship according to conscience. Monmouth, as the champion of Protestantism, won the good opinions of the country people with his affable and winning manners, but no person of note joined his ranks. For a time it looked as if he would receive considerable support, and he was well received at both Taunton and Bridgwater. His welcome at Taunton included the presentation of sword, banner, and Bible by the maids of Miss Blake's School, and here he was persuaded, against his own desires, to proclaim himself King.

Then comes the recoil – the Bloody Assize of Jeffreys. Defeated on Sedgemoor, Monmonth is captured, and, in horrible retribution, his followers are dealt with by the Chief Justice. Of the “heroic stuff” many of his prisoners were made there can be no doubt. Colonel Abraham Holmes, a retired officer of the Parliamentary army, and a zealot who owned no King but King Jesus, is said to have amputated his own arm during the battle of Sedgemoor, then faced the bullyings of Jeffreys with complete calm, and eventually, as he mounted the scaffold to meet his death, apologised for his awkwardness. “You see,” he said, “I have but one arm.”

Jeffreys has been described as the most consummate bully ever known in his profession and he delighted to harrow the feelings of his prisoners with amplification of the torture they were to suffer, his language being most vile. In Somerset two hundred and thirty-three prisoners were drawn, hanged and quartered in a few days, and on the green of every large village from which Monmoth's supporters had come, corpses polluted the air. His words in the Taunton Pageant are almost historically correct.

THE RETURN OF ARTHUR.

So back comes Arthur to learn how his people have taken their lessoning. Alfred bears witness that they have earned their King's commendation; the Mayor indicates the two – Charles and Victoria – who, in turn, have granted the town its Charters; Henry foretells that for the future they will strive to find afresh the faith their fathers held.

But Arthur may not stay; King still he is, but of no earthly realm; King now enthroned in their hearts.

And, leaving Excalibur as symbol of all that Arthur stands for, he goes bidding his people pay their devoir to the King of Kings.

Winton's Bishop takes the sword, passes back to the castle walls, grasps it by its blade, and lo! Excalibur discovered as the Cross.

SERVICE AT ST. MARY'S.

PAGEANT MASTER AND MAYOR TAKE PART.

VICAR AND OUR DEBT TO THE PAST.

The pageant festival service at St. Mary's Church on Sunday evening was attended by a crowded and fully representative congregation and was singularly appropriate in its character. The service was conducted by the Vicar, Rev. Lindsay J. COURSEY, assisted by the Curate, Rev. T. O. SELLICK, and the first and second Lessons, respectively, were read by the Pageant Master, Major M. F. CELY TREVILIAN, D.L., J.P., and the Mayor of Taunton, Councillor Howard WESTLAKE. The processional hymn was, “O worship the King,” and surpliced choir and clergy being followed from the West door by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor (Councillor J. S. SCUDAMORE), members and officers of Potter, the Corporation, Borough Justices, Borough representatives of the Somerset County Council, members of other local public bodies, and the Taunton Fire Brigade, who had marched to the church in procession from the Municipal Buildings. “Jerusalem” was sung in the course of the service, and, after the sermon by the Vicar, “Defendamus” was fervently rendered. Then followed the Blessing and the National Anthem, after which the pageant overture was played as a voluntary by the Organist, Mr. H. KNOTT.

DEBT OF PRESENT TO PAST.

Preaching from the words of St. Paul to the Hebrews (xi-40), “God having provided some better things for us, that apart from us men should not be made perfect,” the Vicar said that we to-day were perfectly willing, he supposed, to admit the debt that the present owed to the past. In scientific phraseology we spoke of it as the signs of heredity – we to-day are what we are very largely because of those who went before; this England in which we live is such as it is largely because of the men and the women who went before, amongst them those whom we should summon up during the coming week from the dead: the kings of yesterday, the leading men of the nation, ecclesiastics and others – yes, the common folk, too, the men and women who to such a large extent contributed to make England what it is to-day. Gladly we acknowledged our debt, but God had provided for us a better part, that they without us should not be made perfect. There was not only the debt of the present to the past, but there was the debt of the past to the present.

THE BUILDING OF JERUSALEM.

What was the dream before us now? We listened in the first Lesson to the praise of famous men and we said, “Their name liveth for evermore.” We listened in the second Lesson to the seer, the man of vision who was able to penetrate away beyond the times in which he lived – perhaps he wrote as the waters beat on the isle of his exile (who could tell?) that he saw the new Jerusalem coming down from God arrayed as a bride for her husband, the new Jerusalem, the city of God. Some would say that for the fulfilment of that vision we had to pass beyond time into eternity – that the seer was seeing things that were to be hereafter, but which had no possibility of fulfilment in this land in which we live. He (Mr. COURSEY) wondered if it was true; he wondered if in the Divine Providence we were not called upon in our day and generation, here in the town in which we live, to build “Jerusalem in England's fair and pleasant land.”

Surely that was the though which should obsess our minds at this time. The City of God embraced everything that was true, noble, pure and good. Science, which some people feared, because they did not know, was just teaching us more and more about the ways of God. Art, music poetry, the drama, everything that was true came within its embrace.

WHAT PAGEANT REHEARSALS TAUGHT.

One thing he had been learning in the pageant rehearsals was the importance of the crowd. The way in which the speaking parts were taken depended upon the way the average person in the crowd was doing his or her bit. “You are important,” said the preacher. “If in the pageant you were taking the place of just a common man, remember what Lincoln said, that 'God must have loved the common people – He made so many of them.' Monarchs come and go, wars pass, but it is just the crowd that matters in the end. It is not the magnitude of the job you attempt to do that matters; it is the spirit in which you do it. Let us see that our building is worthy of our God.” Secondly, continued the speaker, surely they had learnt during the rehearsals the glory of fellowship. If the pageant be a success, as he trusted in God's Providence it might, it was not going to depend just on one or two outstanding personages, but ? ? work. They had not worried about classes and distinctions and they had not cared ? ? particular religious view another per------?. The thing that mattered was “the ? task they believed God had asked them ? the contributing to the completion of ? -----ness? of those who were gone before them.

FULFILMENT OF IDEALS.

“Help to build Jerusalem's walls here in the? pleasant vale in which we live.” exhorted the Vicar. “Isn't it the need of the nation and of the nations of the world that we should learn this. God has put us here together, all different races, colours and tongues, yet all His children, ? Him, and He wants us to live as brothers in? his? Father's fold? God's Kingdom – slow in coming, yet it is coming. I sometimes try to think of what Taunton was like in the days of my predecessors, whose part I have to attempt to ? during this coming week. I am not going to attempt this evening to recapitulate the difference, but there is a difference. The education of our children, the care of the sick, the provision for the aged, the deepening of the thought of housing? for our people – it is all part of God's Kingdom, the things that God means us to do. Yes? the realisation of them is slow, and there is much still before us. Keep your vision and remember even when the pageant is past, that there is no true ideal you have ever cherished that is not going one day to find fulfilment. . . .”

After the service, the civic precession re-formed and returned to the Municipal Buildings, where the Mayor briefly thanked those present for their support, and the Vicar of St. Mary's for his inspiring sermon.

LIST OF PERFORMERS.

THE PROLOGUE.

A Druid – Mr. P. J. BARNICOTT.

A Priestess – Mrs. M. WATSON.

Two Men – Messrs. A. D. E. WILLIAMS and R. W. YOUNG.

Three Women – Misses M. WILLIAMS and Betty ALLEN and Mrs. L. WILLIAMS.

A Christian Priest, Sir Bedivere – Rev. T. O. A. SELLICK.

Nimue, Lady of the Lake – Miss Norah SOOLE

King Arthur – Major G. W. LAWSON

Queen of the Waste Lands – Miss CELY TREVILIAN.

Queen of the North Gallis – Mrs. J. B. TAYLOR.

Queen Morgan le Fay – Miss Doris BARBER.

Sir Pelleas – Mr. T. Banfield WHITE.

Heralds – B.S.M. C. C. TAYLOR, Messrs. B. VENNER, H. ADAMS, SIMPSON, A. WARD, DESAVE?

Ancient Britons – Misses Lily HAYMAN, Dorothy HAYMAN, Edna TOOZE, Daisy POOLE, Phyllis BOWLER, U. SHATTOCK, Phyllis ATTRILL, Maud CRILLEY, Messrs. TREMLETT, F. ENDACOTT, E. BURROWS, R. COLES, A. PALFREY, F. DAY, E. CHAPMAN, E. REED, H. REED, G. CHAPMAN, J. WYATT, Misses Eva CHADDOCK, Marjorie DEMBREY, Doris HAINES, E. M. PEARSE, Grace SHEPERD, K. M. TURNER, J. D. VICKERY, H. M. WAY, M. WEBBER, E. B. ELLIS, Noyes BROWN, Mrs. H. M. TAYLOR, Messrs. T. W. DRAYTON, Austin WILLIAMS, R. J. FALCONER, F. C. GILL, G. PECK, Colonel Guy LIDDELL, Messrs. A. E. WARREN, P. E. WARREN, Misses Mary? BAGGS, Lulu BROOM, Dolly BROOM, Master W. BROOM, Miss Doris BEALE, Master Tom GIBBS, Messrs.. F. NEWTON, W. T. OATEN, Misses O. STAGG, J. STAGG, M. WEBBER, Mary ADAMS, Audrey BERRY, Joy BRAY, Joan TAYLOR, Olive? TAYLOR, Maydee TAYLOR, Gwendoline ROWSELL, Agnes DAY, Mary PANTING, Margaret SCROFIELD, Molly THORNE; Kathleen STEVENS, Mollie HINE, Greta TUDBALL, Winifred SANDER, Constance MELHUISH (Miss BRINKWORTH's School); ATTIWELL, BELLRINGER, P. DICKS, E. GERRY, Ethel GERRY, Hilda PRING, Alice PRING, Elsie SMITH, Mrs TAYLOR, Mrs. WESTON, Miss WILLMETTS, Mrs. C. G. CORNISH, Misses L. G. CORNISH, M. VENNING, Messrs. C. G. CORNISH, PIKE, TAYLOR, J. ENGLEFIELD, J. ENGLEFIELD, jun., H. PASSMORE, WESTON, G. FEGAN, W. GILES, LEGGE, Misses PARKER, C. PASSMORE, Olive TOOZE, Irene MARSHALL, Mrs. ENGLEFIELD, Mrs. G. M. YOUNG, Misses D. JONES, N. P. WYATT, Mrs. SPILLER, Misses E. WOLFENDEN, B. WOLFENDEN, Messrs. W. J. WRIGHT, Bernard TAYLOR, C. LEE.

EPISODE I.

A Saxon Thane (Ethelward) – Mr. A. J. WEST.

His Wife (Edith) – Mrs. A. COURTENAY.

His Sons – Masters J. N. ARNOLD, P. O. LOVELL, W. G. CARTER.

His Daughter – Miss Joan GOLDBY.

Gurth – C.Q.M.S. T. PERKINS.

Eddan – C.S.M. T. WILKINS.

Guthlac – R.Q.M.S. R. BRYDEN.

His Carles – Messrs. LOCKYER, VENN, SKINNER, DUNSTER, Mrs. BARTON, Miss Bertha EWING, Mrs. EVA, Mrs. F. GOLDBY, Miss Clara BOND, Mrs. MINNS, Biddy EVA, Messrs. P. BURNELL, F. J. JONES, SMITH, S. W. J. TAYLOR, J. KING, ROBINSON, G. G. WYNNE, E. G. SWEET, S. W. COURT, Odelia BODDY.

Geraint, Prince of Devon – Mr. J. A. SPARKS.

Welsh Soldiers – Privates F. AVERY, BEAKE, L. BICKLE, W. BURTON, F. CHAVNER, A. CHORLEY, W. CLARKE, F. COLES, D. DICKS, A. DOWDING, H. DUNFORD, S. GLEN, R. HEYNES, F. HILLIER, W. ISAACS, O. JONES, A. LONGLEY, J. MILLARD, I. MORGAN, S. PUSEY, E. RALPH, ROGERS. R. TADD, A. E. TOWNSEND, A. TUCKER, C. WHITE, S. WINGROVE, P. BEAKE, Sergt. W. JENNINGS.

King Ina – Lieut-Colonel H. C. METCALFE, D.S.O.

A Priest of the Bishop of Winchester's Household – Rev. E. R. OXBY.

Saxon Soldiers – Lce.-Corpls. STUCKY, TUCK, Sergt. F. FIANDER, Lce.-Sergt. F. HOLT, Corpl. W. A. WYNNE, Privates LOXTON, E. PATERSON, J. LOVE, W. KEARLEY, W. F. HOLE, T. J. NEWPORT, W. OSMOND, G. COLE, SUMMERS, E. HULL, E. NOYES, Bugler MARSHALSEA, Privates T. MITCHELL, A. TOWNLEY, D. B. RUSSELL, Lce.-Corpl. F. TURNER, Sergts. SOUTHWOOD, A. EDMONDS, Lce.-Corpls. A. LYE, A. CHIPLIN, Sergt. F. KEARLEY, Lce.-Sergt. K. SANDERS, Sergt. F. LAKEMAN, Lce.-Corpls. L. MALE, C. BOOK, Privates F. ASHMAN, G. YOUNG, H. GILLETT, L. HOLLY, W. REXWORTHY, C. LANE, F. FORD, C. BLACKMORE, F. BATEMAN, E. POTTER, L. POTTER, A. BECK.

EPISODE II.

SCENE I.

Wulstan, a Saxon Cotter – Mr. A. W. LOVEYS.

Pegga, his Wife – Mrs. G. L. GRESWELL.

King Alfred – Mr. J. ARCHARD.

Ethelnoth, Ealderman of the Somersetae – Mr. J. SHAW.

Portreeve of Taunton – Mr. Howard WESTLAKE.

Six Men of Taunton – Messrs. H. MITCHELL, H. J. SKINNER, W. CHIDGEY, F. MAIN, L. GOVETT, F. BROWN, CULVERWELL, P. ARLIDGE.

SCENE II.

Guthrum, King of the Danes – Mr. K. M. WARNE.

Bishop of Sherborne – Rev. C. INGLES.

Four Priests – Revs. A. F. JUDD, M. L. WINTERTON, R. J. PEARCE, B. BAZELL.

Choir of Men and Boys – Messrs. R. R. HOLMAN, N. HOLMAN, F. ALBROW, L. RILLSTONE, A. COVENEY, F. CUTTING, H. NEWMAN, M. SWAN?, C. FARTHING, R. HOOPER, B. SANFORD, L. DOWN?, TUCKER, McARTON, E. LODDER, L. WOODMAN, F. MARKE, L. BURSTON, R. LODDER, C. JONES, N? ALBROW, N. CROCKER, J. CHAPMAN, J. PARSONS??, K. QUICK, B. PEARSE, I. MORGAN, R. BRUFORD, P. H. BROWNE, W. H. POLE, L. F. COURSEY, G. COLLARD?, F. WHITE, H. E. RANKIN, G. E. WELLENDON?, D. C. WILTSHIRE, H. REED, LOCK, F. HARRIS?, M. JONES, A. HAYES, J. WOODMAN.

Six Saxon Thanes – Messrs. R. KEARLEY, C? M. B. KITE, HAINES, S. F. BOND, Capt. F. ? HILLSDAY??, Mr. N. LEWIS.

Six Danish Nobleman – Messrs. C. KNIGHT, ?. BRAY, J. W. BRANTON, G. ELKINGTON, H. W. T. WEBBER.

Herald – Captain T. BOND.

Saxon Soldiers – Lce.-Corpls. STUCKEY, TUCK, Sergt. F. FIANDER, Lce.-Sergt. F. HOLT, Corpl. W. A. WYNNE, Privates LOXTON, E. PATTERSON, J. LOVE, W. KEARLEY, W. F. HOLE, T. J. NEWPORT, OSMOND, G. COLES, SUMMERS, E. HULL, E. NOYES, Bugler MARSHALSEA, Privates T. MITCHELL, A. TOWNLEY, D. RUSSELL, Lce.-Corpl. F. TURNER, Sergts. SOUTHWOOD, A. EDMONDS, Lce.-Corpls. A. LYE, A. CHIPLIN, Sergt. F. KEARLEY, Lce.Sergt. K. SANDERS, C.S.M. T. J. WILKINS, Sergt. F. JAKEMAN?, Lce.Corpls. L. MALE, C. BOOK, R.S.M. T. JOHNSON, R.Q.M.S R. DRYDEN, Sergt. L. KNOWLES,

(Continued on next page)

Privates F. ASHMAN, G. YOUNG, H. GILLETT, L. HOLLY, W. REXWORTHY, C. LANE, F. FORD, C. BLACKMORE, F. BATEMAN, E. POTTER, L. POTTER, A. BECK.

Danish Soldiers – Privates F. AVERY, BEAKE, P. BEAKE, L. BICKLE, W. BURTON, F. CHAVNER, A. CHORLEY, W. CLARKE, F. COLES, D. DICKS, A. DOWDING, H. DUNFORD, S. GLEN, R. HEYNES, F. HILLIER, W. ISAACS, C. JONES, A. LONGLEY, J. MILLARD, I. MORGAN, S. PUSEY, E. RALPH, ROGERS, R. TADD, A. E. TOWNSEND, A. TUCKER, C. WHITE, S. WINGROVE.

Townsfolk – Messrs. A. FRENCH, H. FIELDGATE, M. MARSHALL, W. F. PERRY, E. SUMMERHAYES, E. TAYLOR, Sidney WYATT, G. J. EVANS, H. T. WILFORD, T. S. DAVEY, J. E. W. SEALEY, W. A. G. GRAY, F. J. NATION, E. C. CULLEN, A. LEAKEY, J. GARLAND, F. J. HODGE, C. C. HODGE, R. W. CATTLE, S. G. CATTLE, H. G. PARSONS, J. GREEDY, J. SLOCOMBE, E. G. T. BURSTON, A. N. WHITE, A. J. W. WHITE, S. H. PAYNE, Misses F. PARSONS, H. BEATON, E. HEADFORD, Rona SAUNDERS, P. SANDY, V. BRACHER, E. WILLIS, E. SULLY, D. HAM, G. HARTLAND, V. POWE, L. TOWNSEND, E. CRIDLAND, L. DYER, N. SELWOOD, Mrs. CRIDLAND, Misses B. SALTER, J. MORRISS, G. BRAY, K. BRAY, M. ENGLAND, D. HEMBROW, J. WARREN, Winnie GILLARD, Isabel CROSSMAN, Masters Arthur SAUNDERS, Morris DEMBRY, Eric PALMER, Charles LLOYD, Eric SELWAY, Misses Kathleen CHARD, Sybil PAYTON, Florence PRIDDLE, Hilda WILLS, Iris DREW, Hetty HAWKER, Masters George SAUNDERS, Albert REED, Leonard RIVERS, Alfred PRIDDLE, Messrs. SHARKEY, F. S. GREED, E. J. HOWE, W. RIDGWAY, Mrs. E. BAKER, Misses D. GRASSHEIM, C. SWAN, Messrs. L. WICKETT, W. KEIGHLEY, Misses V. CHAFFER, E. HARRIS, ALSTON, Mr. H. J. ASH, Misses E. HUGHES, B. M. FORD, M. SANTHER, P. M. BAKER, H. WEBBER, Mrs. E. J. HAMILTON, Miss SMITH, Mr. T. J. KNIGHT, Master R. HAWKINS.

EPISODE III.

Bishop of Winchester, William of Wykeham – Rev. L. J. COURSEY.

Bishop's Chaplain – Mr. W. J. HOWARD.

Tithingman of Pitminster – Mr. E. J. SMALL.

Steward of the Manor – Mr. F. BIRCH.

Portreeve – Mr. E. YOUNG.

A Bird Seller – Mr. H. J. SKINNER.

A Tinker – Mr. H. DREW.

Bailiff – Mr. R. C. PHILLIPS.

Constable – Mr. H. STOWE.

Six Carmelites – Messrs. BERRY, F. COLES, DINGLE, ROCKETT, SHAW, C. H. SMITH.

A Friar (one of the Carmelites) – Mr A. J. VICKERY??.

Brethren of the Leper House – Messrs. W. R. WELCH?, A. E. SMITH.

Strolling Mummers – Mrs. M. M. LANGLANDS, Messrs. W. A. BULL, E. WINE, GOODLAND, W. A. K. MATTERSON.

A Fiddler or Piper – Mr. F. HANDEL.

The Lord Prior of St. Peter and St. Paul – Rev. R. J. PEARSE.

Lord Abbott of Muchelney – Rev. RHYS-JAMES.

The Lady de Muchelney – Mrs. CELY TREVILIAN.

A Marsh Lout – Mr. O. W. DREW.

Monks of the Priory – Messrs. F. HILL, A. RAWLINS?, W. A. WOOLLEY, J. HAYWARD, H. J. HOUSE, F. HAYWARD, F. A. SYMS, R. BURRIDGE.

Archdeacon of Taunton (an Italian) – Rev. F. C. SOURWAY.

Vicar of St. Mary Magdalene – Rev. K. W. P. TEALE.

Chaplain of St. James' – Rev. E. OGDEN.

Constable of the Castle – Mr. A. FROST.

Master of the Worshipful Company of Silver-smiths – Mr. H. S. HARE.

Master of the Worshipful Company of Serge-makers – Mr. E. J. S. PRICE.

Master Mason of the Guild of St. Peter – Mr. DARLING.

Twelve Soldiers – Messrs. P. M. WEMBRIDGE, A. T. AUTTON, Gunners BOWERMAN, V. CROCKETT, J. WARD, D. H. WATTS, Boy A. E. GUEST, Gunner L. BATES, Messrs. A. E. VICKERY, F. C. BRUFORD, P. N. MILMAN, A. A. TOMKINSON.

Twenty-three Jurymen – Councillor LANE, Messrs. J. P. FOWLES, A. V. ROWE, A. J. R. DARE, G. PALFREY, C. A. GOODLAND, C. WOODMAN, A. IMBER, Rex. TREEBY, HAWKER, SYMES, HITCHCOCK.

Tenant of Bagborough – Mr. David WORRALL.

A Mounted Messenger – Mr. W. HOWE.

Archbishop of Canterbury – Rev. T. BULLOCK.

His Escort – Gunner W. F. COLES, Sadd-Lce.-Sergt. C. A. COLES, Bdrs. B. OSMOND, F. L. COLES, Gunner R. C. S. COLES, Drivers J. MARSHALSEA, W. OATEN, Gunner V. BODDY, Drivers S. G. SHATTOCK, E. SHATTOCK, S. A. SHATTOCK, C. F. SHATTOCK, Mr. R. PAUL, Gunners BARTLETT, WORT, Messrs E. R. KING, A. BRYANT.

Townsfolk and Country Folk – Misses W. APPLEBY, M. PAGE, D. MASTERS, D. STACEY, D. REED, Mrs. E. WATTS, Mrs. HAYWARD, Misses K. LOVETT?, E. VENN, S. A. RUSSELL, G. SAUNDERS, A. WARE, D. WARE, E. L. GREED, L. KEMP, Mrs. SOAMES, Misses E. DAWES, V. BENNETT, S. BENNETT, S. RUDMAN, F. MARSHALSEA, Mrs. R? HEWLETT, Mrs. F. HAM, Misses M. E. BLACKMORE, M. B. GODFREY, G. VINCENT, V. NUTT, D? MULFORD, O. B. KNIGHT, M. V. MULFORD, D. CHILCOTT, G. TURLE, B. YARD, Mesdames SYLVESTER, E? COLLARD, K. E. JORDAN, Misses C. LEE, G. E. DAVIS, W. A. ADAMS, K. C. BAKER, A. BOWERMAN, K. BOWERMAN, F. BOWERMAN, F. SPARKS, J. LEWIS, ? WHELAN, R. PRING, P. ROSEWARNE, ANDREWS, J? JOYCE, L. BLACKMORE, S. BLACKMORE, W. HODGES, ? MAIN, Misses I. ACKLAND, H. M. CHAPMAN, N? R. CHAPMAN, G. D. CASWELL, B. M. MASTERS, Mrs. Du HEAUNE, Misses N. BELLEW, D. BELLEW, R? BELLEW, A. SEARLE, Mrs. A. W. CULVERWELL, Miss R. M. UNDERHILL, Mrs. WOOD, Misses E. M. BISHOP, E. WHITE, D. H. STUCKEY, S. E. STEER, L. PIHLENS?, G. EVANS, E. D. BROAD, Mrs. HAYWOOD, Misses H. ORGAN, E. LARWAY, Mrs. COX, Misses H. RAYSON, D. BRINKWORTH, G. BRINKWORTH, J. MITCHELL, Mrs. ARCHARD, Miss E. H. LOVEYS, Mrs. EVANS, Misses I. HOOPER, D. PRING, W. MAIN, S. JONES, G. LYNCH, A. M. HUTCHINGS, C. M. HUTCHINGS, W. GROVES, W. MOORE, V. MOORE, F. CLAPP, E. PAVEY, W. A. MARKS, H. CORNISH, M. CORNISH, E. CORNISH, Mesdames GUEST, WARD, SKINNER, Misses L. PRIDDLE, B. BERRY, D. FOWLES, Mesdames CLARKE, REA, ROBERTS, GOODBURN, Misses SAUNDERS, GOUGH, D. MOORE, F. MOORE, E. GLANVILLE, G. CORING, M. CHALK, D. SMITH, M. ALDERMAN, JULIAN, M. ELLIS, D. ELLIS, M. WEST, J. HORLER, G. HORLER, C. ELLIS, E. ELLIS, H. ELLIS, D. HEBBON, Mesdames CADDICK, COLES, EDWARDS, G. WEST, BRANCHFLOWER, WEST, BODGER, Misses FUDGE, Q. RICHARDS, D. BERRY, E. G. GREEDY, E. PARSONS, C. GARDNER, A. THOMAS, V. RICKSBY, Mesdames RICKSBY, BURDEN, Miss K. F. TOZER, Mrs. GLASBEER, Misses A. HOLMAN, R. LOOSEMORE, MILLINGTON, H. DERHAM, V. DERHAM, Messrs. HART, CULVERWELL, H. R. DEASON, H. REED, T. HUTCHINGS, K. E. JORDAN, J. LANGFORD, SKINNER, W. BULL, C. G. WADDON, E. SPARKS, F. BOWLER, A. J. MILES, G. CHADDICK, BODGER, A. GLANVILLE, W. GLANVILLE, W. J. COLES, G. WEST, BRANCHFLOWER, C. J. RICHARDS, W. F. ROSSITER, BLACKMORE, GREEDY, SOAMES, GARLAND, WINN, J. E. GOODLAND, Miss R. HEMBROW, Mesdames PALFREY, LLOYD, Misses KNOCK, WHITE, N. WEST, Mr. J. T. SMITH, Misses W. BATTERSHILL, M. SMALLBRIDGE, Messrs. H. S. MELHUISH, E. DENSCOMBE, A. BURT, S. STEVENS, C. PIKE, Misses PICKERSGILL, COUSINS, Messrs. CORRICK, DEMBREY, DOBLE, FOYLE, GROVES, HAWKINS, LUSCOMBE, Wm. MORSE, S. PAVEY, A. PEARCEY, PLYER, SLOLEY, SULLY, SULLY, WARD, WEST, S. MARKS, F. BURFORD, G. FARTHING, W. GREENSLADE, G. L. PARKHOUSE, W. G. STROUD, WARE, Messrs. WILLMOTT, N. EVANS, Masters L. DUNNING, B. WATTS, Misses F. ADAMS, D. MANNING, H. ROGERS, Masters L. J. SOAMES, Michael SOAMES, Misses B. HAYWARD, E. COOKE, B. BOURNE, M. COUSINS, M. HOLLOWAY, S. BOWERMAN, M. WATTS, G. EVANS.

EPISODE IV.

Lord Prior of Taunton – Rev. P. SHATTOCK.

Perkin Warbeck – Mr. E. E. HAWKER.

His Following – Messrs. J. BROOK, G. LOCK, E. F. CLARKE, W. REASON, E. W. GRATTON, F. HEADFORD, MATHEWS, J. KELK, G. BROWN, M. HEMBER, H. HARTLAND, A. E. STAGG, A. NEWMAN, W. T. BELLAMY, W. MATHEWS, SAUNDERS, SHEPPARD, W. COUSINS, B. HALL, T. BURGE, S. DOWN, W. BENNETT, A. REDMAN, J. MORLE.

Attendant Monks – Messrs. J. GARLAND, A. LEAKEY, B. C. CULLEN, F. J. NATION, J. E. W. SEALEY, W. A. G. GRAY.

Lord Daubeny, Constable of Taunton Castle – Colonel Guy LIDDELL.

Soldiers – Messrs. N. TRIGGER, SUTTON, BROOKS, S. BROWN, C. CADDICK, CLEMETT, Wm. COLES, DANIELS, FOSTER, F. GODDARD, C. GODDARD, HANCOCK, HARRIS, HOOPER, KING, A. MANNING, MAPLEDORAM, PALFREY, F. PAVEY, H. PEARCEY, ROSSITER, SAUNDERS, SMITH, SHERVANS, TUCKER, WADDON, F. BOSLEY, C. STEVENS, B. HANCOCK.

King Henry VII. - Major W. H. BAILEY.

His Retinue, Mounted – Mrs. de Las CASAS, Misses de Las CASAS, Mrs. G. POOLE, Miss Ann BAILEY, Mr. J. TAZEWELL, Miss TAZEWELL, Miss GRIFFIN, Mr. W. MORGAN, Miss A. SMALL, Miss T. SMALL, Captain W. MALLALIEU, Messrs. W. F. CLODE, S. SMITH, C. DORSE, W. BRAKE, H. COZENS, Miss N. SPEKE, Captain KEIGHLEY, Mr. LUCKES.

Sir Reginald Bray (a Taunton Architect) – Mr. E. V. ALLEN.

William at Orchard (a Taunton Builder) – Mr. R. G. SPILLER.

Portreeve – Mr. J. E. KINGSBURY.

Bailiff – Mr. B. J. C. ROBERTS.

Townsfolk – Misses Vera SPRATT, Dorothy SPRATT, Rosie CHAMBERS, Freda WHITE, E. LITTLEJOHNS, Mr. S. TURNER, Misses V. BLAKE, B. HARTNELL, R. SCORSE, D. SKINNER, A. SCOBELL, E. GOULD, A. GOSS, L. R. VINNICOMBE, M. VINNICOMBE, Mr. J. F. MARKE, Misses E. MULLINS, E. STODGELL, N. YOUNG, ROYTE, E. A. SHEPPARD, E. F. GLASS, WRING, M. WESTCOTT, Messrs. E. VINNICOMBE, S. WHITFIELD, W. E. SALWAY, W. WEST, Misses R. E. BOND, M. PENNY, Mrs. D. B. BULL, Miss WOOD, Miss Ethel TREEBY, Mr. A. SMITH, Misses J. BELLCHAMBERS, Winnie BROWN, R. SPILLER, M. STONE, N. DAVIS, P. RUNNELLS, Messrs. P. MANNING and W. G. VICKERY.

EPISODE V.

The Mayor of Taunton – Mr. F. A. BARBER.

Colonel Robert Blake – Mr. G. P. CLARKE.

Captain Bawdon – Mr. F. CLYDE-SMITH.

Sergeant Coles – Mr. J. BURROWS.

Corporal Lock – Mr. A. G. MARSHALL.

Three Scouts – TRIM, Mr. F. S. DEERING; DICKSON, Mr. C. WIDDICOMBE; BUFFET, Mr. F. MAIN.

A Trumpeter – Bugler COX.

A Mesenger from Fairfax – Mr. W. A. ARNOLD.

Rev. Thomas Welman – Mr. E. EDGECOMBE.

Lord Goring – Major H. S. WHITE.

Roundhead Soldiers of Taunton – Messrs. A. CLEMENTS, E. CULLEN, H. DREW, ENGLEFIELD, F. POTTER, J. SHAW, G. H. SHAW, W. J. BRINKWORTH, T. DRAYTON, J. WILSON, J. WILSON, W. S. NAISH, Percy WARREN, J. MOOR, C. H. BEDFORD, E. D. S. PEAN, A. HAYWARD, W. J. BAILEY, W. TOOZE, W. CORNISH, A. H. HATCH, T. MILTON, H. CHAPMAN, D. SHELDON, C. HARRIS, W. G. MARKE, F. CHURCHILL, J. MITCHELL, P. BROWNE.

Cavaliers (Dismounted) – Messrs. S. HILL, G. SHUTE, W. GRABHAM, E. ANDREWS, H. WHITE, F. GROVES, E. WITHERIDGE, W. VEALES, C. HARTNELL, E. ABBEY, F. HUNT, R. BOARD, W. C. MAY, F. STONE, W. J. HODGES, jun., F. W. WYATT, H. SMITH, A. SHEEN, L. THRESHER, J. GARDENER, A. JONES, C. ROGERS, A. GAYTON, S. A. OATEN, C. SKINNER, J. APLIN, P. J. SUTTON, W. SPENCER, J. CROSSMAN, L. CANN, E. GILLETT, W. BELLAMY, A. LENY, W. ISAAC, C. FARTHING, W. H. MsCREARY, C. HAWKINS, C. J. BOWERMAN, R. WILKINS, A. G. HUNT, R. T. FEWINGS, T. PRIDDLE, K. M. WARNE.

Cavaliers (Mounted) – Messrs. G. L. SIDNEY, S. JARMAN, C. C. TAYLOR, W. E. KING, G. L. FOSTER, B. VENNER, A. WARD, W. PAYNE, C. SIMPSON, F. SHARLAND, V. MOORE, J. MARKE, H. H. KNIGHT, F. COLES, A. CAVILL, S. LUCKES, C. DORSE.

Troop of Weldon's Dragoons – R.S.M. G. BLACKMAN, B.S.M. S. SKINGSLEY, B.Q.M.S. F. G, COUSINS, L.-Sgt. H. C. CRIDLAND, L.-Sgt. J. BICKNELL, Bdr. J. TURLE, L. Bdr. F. G. FARTHING, L.-Bdr. S. H. STAGG, Gunners F. D. STAGG, J. STAGG, A. MARKS.

Wagon Drivers – Messrs. BAWLER, MITCHELL, C. WADDON.

Townfolk – Masters Frank DAVEY, Sydney DOLLINS, Leslie WHITEFIELD, Clifford DINGLE, Raymond HENDOLL, Misses Edna CULVERWELL, Vida STANCER, Bertha CHIVERS, Rosie HOWE, Elsie BURT, Masters Leslie CHALK, Jack BRITTAIN, Tom BOOBYER, Fred CRIDLAND, Ronald BOOBYER, Alex. MACKENZIE, Ivor SMITH, Fred SANDY, Percy WEBBER, Harold TOWNSEND, John EVASON, Bertie CUTTS, Leonard STACEY, David LOCK, Adrian VEALE, Arthur CRIDLAND, Richard PRING, Jack HOBBS, Roy FERN, Ernest KING, Sid. WHITE, Victor PURDEY, Edgar CULVER, Eric CULVER, Misses Eileen YENDALE, Phyllis JEAVONS, Alma QUANT, Nora SALTER, Evelyn BURT, Millie GUEST, Winifred BURLEIGH, Marjorie PRIDDLE, Winifred COOMBES, Joan STONE, Cynthia SAMPSON, Olive LOWTHER, Mrs. COLES, Misses F. CLIST, C. SUTTON, L. PARFITT, D. O'SHEA, N. BETHLEY, N. WHELAN, E. HAMMACOTT, G. FROST, B. DARLING, Mrs. SPENCER, Mrs. LARWAY, Miss SMITH, Mr. J. E. WOOL, Mr. STONE, Mr. H. TOOP, Misses M. BURTON, CHADDOCK, Ada BOOBYER, PAGE, ENGLEFIELD, PASSMORE, Mr. MARKE, Mrs. MOUNTSTEPHENS, Misses TOZER, Dorothy BRIERS, J. HURFORD, Rosie BICKNELL, Olive ALLEN, Daisy MORSE, Dorothy BATTEN, Laura GARROW, Mabel THATCHER, Messrs. BADCOCK, SMITH, FORD, jun., RICHARDS, sen., RICHARDS, jun., Misses HENSON, ROWCLIFFE, BURGESS, TEMPLEMAN, GAYTON, G. JARVIS, H. BROWN, Mrs. I. RICKETT, Mrs. D. STUCKEY, Misses I. GUEST, F. LEE, G. GRATTON, E. THORN, E. BERTRAM, D. PRIDDLE, P. BURFORD, Mrs. ADDICOTT, Mrs. KNOTT, Misses M. WHELAN, N. ATTIWELL, L. COLLARD, I. RAFFLES, G. PROUT, L. HOWE, J. ALBROW, B. PARRY, B. OSMOND, G. LEWIS, Mrs. DOBLE, Misses SWEETLAND, BARTLETT, R. DOMINEY, A. MATHEWS, R. MATHEWS, A. COOPER, H. DYKE, H. BOWGIN, H. RICHARDS, Marian BRADBURY, BAKEFIELD, Mrs. BURROWS, Misses F. FAIRBURN, E. L. RENDELL, ELLIS, E. WILCOX, E. M. WINTER, COLLINS, SHARP, D. WALKER, W. GARLAND, B. MATRAVERS, F. OSMOND, D. DARBY, D. BRAY, I. BATTEN, L. GREED, E. JONES, H. BURFORD, Mesdames A. LARWAY, W. J. BOON, E. J. BOND, S. HAYWARD, E. J. HOWE, P. COLES, J. W. COLE, E. J. BULL, L. STONE, S. C. GOVETT, Ex-P.C.'s GILES, WHITE, BOURNE, BODGER, ABBOTTS, SMITHEREN, Messrs. G. P. WILCOX, F. JONES, A. F. J. CULLEN, J. W. SILVESTER, J. JOHNSON, Mesdames MAY, PITMAN, WALKER TALBOT, WILLIAMS, HAWKINS, Master Thomas DEAN, Misses HASTE, A. GOULD, A. FEAR, V. WILLIAMS, Messrs. J. SHUTE, M. RICHARDS, DEW, DURMAN, FISHLOCK, W. GODDARD, LITTLEJOHN, MARSHALL, NEWTON, H. NORMAN, A. RAWLING, W. PEARCEY, POLLARD, WINTER, GRIFFITHS, C. BROWN, A. H. WEBBER, Mrs MAY, Mr. O. ROWLAND, Miss Joyce MARSHALSEA, Mrs. GRIFFITHS, Miss S. KIRBY, Miss C. L. K. COLES, Mr. C. COOK, Master G. HOLLOWAY, Miss MAJOR, Miss SMITH.

EPISODE VI.

SCENE I.

Robert – Master T. CHAMBERS.

Thomas – Master G. COLE.

Betsey – Annette AVELINE.

Prue – Ruth JOHNSON.

Bernard SMITH, Mayor of Taunton – Rev. Preb. H. L. MAYNARD.

John Front, Parish Clerk – Mr. R. DEACON.

Lord Stawell – Mr. W. C. H. ESDAILE.

Capt. William SPEKE – Mr. R. J. FALCONER.

Rev. William Harte, Vicar of St. Mary's and Chaplain to High Sheriff – Rev. L. J. COURSEY.

Rev, Still Strode, Curate of St. James' – Rev. E. ODGEN.

George Hammond, Minister of Paul's Meeting – Rev. R. F. DAVIES.

Duke of Monmouth – Mr. ROWLAND.

Lord Grey of Wark – Mr. R. W. MELHUISH.

Colonel Wade – Mr. E. E. SIBLEY.

Rev. Thomas Fergusson – Mr. A. J. McLENNAN.

Officers of the Duke of Monmouth – Messrs. E. T. MARSHALL, James CROWHURST, L. BATES, J. HAWKINS.

apt. <sic> Hucker – Mr. E. J. S. PRICE.

Major Hewling – Mr. L. F. COURSEY.

Miss Sarah Blake – Miss M. M. WILLIAMS.

Twenty-six Fair Maids – Misses Mary ADAMS, Amy BEADLE, Kathleen CONSTANT, Priscilla COZENS, Greta CHAPMAN, Janet CHAMBERS, Evelyn DYE, Bessie FARMER, Ernestine LITTLEWOOD, Joan LOYDS, Diana LODEN, Jean MARSHALL, Gladys SUMMERHAYES, Lilian PANTLER, Clara TUCKER, Margaret EVA, Molly HOLMAN, Peggy LEWIS, Mary MELHUISH, Barbara COLES, Ida FUDGE, Margaret GLASS, Joan MANNING, Dorothy STEWARD, Edith SWEETLAND, Mary COWLISHAW.

Monmouth's Following – Masters John COLES, Harry COLES, Mr. A. HUXTABLE, Mr. J. MORLE, Dr. BROOM, Gunners BATSTONE, W. F. COLES, A. MARKS, A. C. OATEN, W. VICKEY, Messrs. W. H. BLEW, D. DAVIES, R. WELCH, W. A. WRING, R. W. SPRATT, W. ADAMS, G. T. H. ASHTON, S. TURNER, C. HARRIS, L. W. LEWIS, J. BERRY, K. G. BERRY, W. J. VICKERY, C. HOMER, V. E. NEWMAN, L. MAPLEDORAM, C. DUDDRIDGE, S. LOCKYER, H. WESTCOTT, S. PERKINS, B. PRIDDLE, S. L. CHAVE, H. T. WILFORD, A. FRENCH, T. DAVEY, F. GOULD, J. STAPLE, E. WOODLAND, P. LANE, H. STAPLE, C. PRING, W. G. GARLAND, E. KNOTT, P. GEORGE.

Monmouth's Bodyguard – Messrs. F. V. PARSONS, A. LETHERBY, C. WESTERN, F. SHUTTLER, W. HALL, H. E. C. GILL, S. HUMPHRIES, V. WESTERN, J. MAXWELL, A. CAVILL, W. UNDERHILL, Boy GILL, Mr. H. J. OSBORNE.

Townsfolk – Messrs. FISHER, DYER, N. TRIGGER, ROUTLEY, GUNNINGHAM, Mesdames FISHER, MELHUISH, E. GUNNINGHAM, G. E. DAVIS, G. L, HAWKINS, M. A. MOUNTSTEPHENS, F. HEBDEN, RAISON, R. QUICK, LITTLETON, GROVES, E. M. BOLSHAW, Misses H. CHAPMAN, E. V. VICKERY, C. M. JARMAN, M. WYATT, SPEAR, SLATER, WOODBURY, B. TOZER, APLIN, PETHERICK, F. MARSH, C. W. JAMES, M. CHAPMAN, S. M. VINEY, G. F. CROSS, A. WOODROW, P. E. TYTHERLEIGH, N. ELLIS, M. BAKER, MAJOR, HARVEY, M. M. PEARSE, G. EAMES, E. NICHOLLS, Mesdames DEATH, TREVENA, ARCHARD, Miss B. WILSON, Messrs. J. MILLINGTON, QUICK, L. HAWKINS, BOLSHAW, R. M. WARNER, Misses D. CROCKETT, R. M. TAKE, May WESTLAKE, J. ENGLEFIELD, PASSMORE, Muriel COLES, A. COLES, P. MERRIMAN, Mrs. JUDD, Miss I. KITE, Mrs. FINCH, Misses SOMERVILLE, CLARKE, ANDERTON, Mesdames PAVNE, A. F. DAVEY, MOGER, Miss SHEPHERD, Mrs. WINCKWORTH, Misses DODSON, Hilda CARROW, Hilda GARLAND, Margaret BELLAMY, Eileen ALLEN, Nora STONE, Masters Benjamin PALFREY, Joseph WATTS, Keith ALBROW, William DURRANT, Misses Nelly HAM, Aurora CRITCHARD, Molly BILLET, Ethel CHARD, Nora CHARD, Rose RAWLINGS, Masters Leslie HEWLETT, GEOFFREYS DAVIS, Lionel HANDELL, Dennis HANDELL, Harold CRITCHARD, Bov ARCHARD, Mr. ENGLAND, Masters Leslie LOCK, Roy HAYNES, Jas. FORWARD, Percy HAYES, Lionel SKINNER, Leonard CORNISH, Leonard KING, Misses Gladys BOOBIER, Florence HADLEY, Dulcie McHARDY, Lily ROSEWARNE, Kate ROSEWARNE, Mr. F. J. WILLIAMS, Mr. Stanley LAWRENCE, Miss KING, Mr. DUCKWORTH, Miss Winifred HAMMET, Privates E. PEARSE, C. HAWKINS, A. CHANDLER, Corpl A. FOWLER, Privates F. MATHEWS, F. S. JEAVONS, C. H. CRIDLAND, C. BLATCHFORD, E. R. FOWLER, W. JOYCE, G. BRIERS, D. BERTRAM, C. BAKER, Sergt. E. CHICK, Privates H. G. THATCHER, L. PHIPPEN, S. BURGE, J. H. HOOPER, A. E. OATEN, Corpl. A. E. ANDREWS, Lance-Corpls. C. REED, E. R. FUDGE, Privates A. BELLINGER, A. SANDFORD, Corpl. B. STACEY, Privates C. J. EVANS, C. HANDEL, Miss Dorothy BRIERS, Miss TRESSIDER, Mr. G. FARTHING, Girl GROVES, Misses E. H. BULL, G. L. BULL, Hazel MAPLEDORAM, C. M. BAKER, Mrs. B. G. BROCKETT, Misses E. M. BROWNSEY, Q. BROWN, P. CANNICOTT, V. COLES, Mrs. EDGECOMBE, Miss E. E. LEE, Mrs. S. P. LOWE, Mrs. L MITCHELL, Misses G. OSMOND, H. PORTER, E? M. RIDGE, D. SHEPHERD, Mrs. B. VENNER, Miss M. WARD, Mrs. M. A. WHEELER, Mrs. LINDSAY, J. COURSEY, Misses HEMPSHALL, E. M. PAWLEY, D. SHORT, Mrs. M. L. WOOD, Messrs. O. PIKE, E. EDGECOMBE, W. A. NEWING, Mrs. D. BULL, Miss E. M. HUGHES, Messrs. B. CHIVERS, A. W. HAM, W. F. NEWTON, H. S. PAVEY, Miss H. AVELINE, Mr. Guy POLLARD.

Militia: R.S.M. W. T. CUTTING, Mr. H. PAUL, Mr. R. PERRY, Mr. W. COLLARD, Mr. R. DINGLE.

SCENE II.

Thomas Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells – Rev. W. H. ALLEN.

Sir Francis Warre – Mr. St. John COUCH.

Any other gentlemen who desire to represent their ancestors.

Colonel Kirke – Major R. J. K. MOTT.

Captain Killigrew – Mr. H. W. SPURRELL.

Sir William Portman – Mr. HAYWARD.

Chief Justice Jeffreys – Mr. H. C. Derwent MOGER.

Clerk of the Court – Mr. H. FOX.

Barristers – Messrs. W. A. BULL, J. HUTCHINGS, Howell SPENCER, E. W. SUMMERHAYES, E. G. SWEET.

Miss Hewling – Mrs. Derwent MOGER.

Colonel Holmes – Mr. P. A. CLEMENTS.

Jenkins – Mr. E. W. A. GROVES.

Lisle – Mr. H. DAY.

Savidge – Mr. F. A. E. JONES.

Whetham – Mr. C. BOKER.

High Sheriff's Marshall – Mr. E. W. ELLIOTT.

High Sheriff's Coachman – Mr. CHINN.

Various Prisoners – Messrs. T. FEWINGS, T. WARE, W. SCALE.

The Executioner – Mr. W. LARCOMBE.

“Kirke's” Lambs – Messrs. W. HAWKINS, H. HOWARD, J. S. FOSTER, Sergt. F. FLINT, Corpl. C. LOCKEY, Lance-Corpl. C. SCUTT, Messrs. E. G. BUNCE, R. A. FISHER, A. C. JOHNS, R. F. RICKARBY, K. J. H. WILKINSON, W. R. WEMBRIDGE, LITTLEJOHNS, C. BUTT, PREST, A. PALFREY, L. CORNISH, HAINER, Treeby COKE, YANDELL, KIRKE, ADAMS, J. T. BULL, J. NICHOLLS.

Townsfolk, Scene I.

Sheriff's Escort and Friends – Messrs. B. SMITH, H. MITCHAM, G. SAUNDERS, W. BALE, S. BALE, D. BOAK, D. SHELDON, C. CORNISH, T. BRAGG, S. COURT, A. GAYTON, F. BAKER, A. MACKENZIE, C. NUTT, C. HARRIS, K. AUSTIN, P. D. P. BEASLEY, P. M. HILTON.

THE EPILOGUE.

Present Mayor and Burgesses.

King Charles I., Mr. Dick PENNY.

King Charles II., Mr. Wilfred WESTLAKE.

Queen Victoria, Mrs. Charles SPEKE.

All the characters of all the episodes.

THE COMMITTEES.

The various Committees responsible for the production were:-

General Purposes Committee – His Worship the Mayor (Councillor Howard WESTLAKE), Major M. F. CELY TREVILIAN (pageant master), Messrs. A. F. DAVEY (hon. general secretary) and G. F. IRELAND (hon. treasurer), the Town Clerk (Mr. W. H. BAILEY), Messrs. A. G. BARRETT, F. W. PRITCHETT BROWN, F. S. DODSON, E. EDGECOMBE, G. U. FARRANT, F. GOLDBY, H. KNOTT, J. C. LANE, H. M. LEWIS, A. W. PARKER, W. G. POTTER, and S. L. WARD.

Master of the Pageant, Major M. F. CELY TREVILIAN; Master of the Robes, Mr. R. D. BURT; Master of the Properties, Mr. H. S. W. STONE; Master of the Music, Mr. H. KNOTT; Master of the Ordnance, Mr. B. S. HINTON; Master of the Horse, Mr. C. G. DORSE.

Sites and Scenery – Messrs. W. G. POTTER (chairman), H. M. LEWIS (hon. secretary), M. R. CHAPMAN, E. J. S. PRICE, F. W. PENNY, F. A. SHEEN, A. J. SPILLER, S. A. SPILLER, F. C. SPEAR, H. M. WARD, and A. J. WEST.

Finance – Messrs. G. U. FARRANT (chairman), G. O. BOUNDY (hon. secretary), F. H. F. CALWAY, J. R. COLSON, F. C. FRANCIS, A. J. HANCOCK, G. W. LAKE, J. C. LANE, E. A. MARSHALSEA, R. W. MELHUISH, and J. S. SCUDAMORE.

Dresses and Properties – Messrs. F. W. P. BROWN (chairman), Arthur W. PARKER (hon. secretary), S. BROWN, R. D. BURT, S. A. CHAPMAN, J. E. DONOVAN, F. G. HALLIDAY, H. T. KITE, Mrs. A. W. PARKER, Mr. H. SCOTT, Mrs. Geo. SPENCER, Mr. A. P. TRICKEY, and Mrs. S. B. WHITE.

Publicity – Messrs. F. S. DODSON (chairman), S. L. WARD (hon. secretary), P. J. BARNICOTT, R. D. BURT?, E. F. CATFORD, P. A. CLEMENTS, S. GOODMAN, E? G. HALLIDAY, N. HORNSBY, C. J. LEE, W. Leslie PRICE, R. G. SPILLE, and W. M. TURNER.

Music and Dancing – Messrs. H. KNOTT (chairman), E. EDGECOMBE (hon. secretary), Miss Ethel BARNICOTT, Mrs. L. H. C. BIRKBECK, Mrs. P. CLEMENTS, Mr. C. H. FISHER, Miss L. HOPWOOD, Miss Winifred HUGHES, Mr. J. H. LEE, Sergt. J. MITCHELL, Messrs. C. J. REVELL, W. J. WADE, and, L.E. WHEELER.

Personnel – Messrs. A. G. BARRETT (chairman), F. GOLDBY (hon. secretary), Mrs. Lindsay J. COURSEY, Messrs. G. P. CLARKE, W. G. DOWN, Mrs. M. F. HAWKINS, Major L. A. JONES-MORTIMER, Mr. A. W. LOVEYS?, Miss G. MURRAY, Messrs. H. NICHOLSON, G. REX, and Capt. J. B. TAYLOR.

GORGEOUS COSTUMES.

THE EVOLUTION OF DRESS.

SPLENDID COLOUR SCHEMES.

Considering how gigantic was the task of preparing 1,500 costumes and the excellent colour effects that have been attained, the cost of dressing the pageant has been quite small. Yet no effort has been spared to make for historical accuracy.

From the costume point of view the Pageant is the story of the evolution of dress. Starting from the drab colours of early times, one works through to the elaborate colour schemes of the late seventeenth century, when even sleeves were slashed to give a decorative effect. For a long period – practically from A.D. 900 to 1350 – fashion remained the same among the folk of this island, the long robes of men and women lending themselves to pleasant blendings of pastel shades. The Saxon thane's costume of Episode 1 is typical, consisting, as it does, of a long full gown with tight sleeves. The sleeves of the period were embroidered or bejewelled according to the wearer's wealth, whilst a pouch, sword, and dagger were worn with the costume, and the legs were cross-gartered like Malvolia! His wife wears, as all women of whatever rank wore, the closely fitted robe, with the V shape girdle, and the long, full shirt. The head was covered with a veil, for it was not until Elizabethan time that exposure of the hair was fashionable in England, except that at a coronation the queen was anointed naked to the waist and with her hair down. In some of the costumes of this first episode a more barbaric note does indeed creep in, showing Viking. King Ina, for instance, wore a striking dress, built on the lines of the period, but pointing the regal character of its wearer. The soldiers, from the exigencies of their calling, are dressed solely with a view to utility in browns and drabs, although the Saxons have their head-piece and shields to brighten the scene.

WALKING LIKE POULTRY!

By the fourteenth century, of which the episodes is a merry picture, the long Plantagenet garment for men had been discarded for the tight-fitting jacket, which allowed a very large expanse of hose to be shown. Hose, therefore, became quite a colourful article of dress, and when accuracy of shape was required the cloth of knitted hose covering was even sewn on the leg. Shoes and short boots, reaching to the middle of the calf, were then the fashion. These were termed “poulaines,” because, being excessively pointed, it was said they caused their wearers, both men and women, to walk like poultry. Later the fashion was carried to such an extent that these points were often fastened back behind the knee. Then men took to wearing a long coat-like garment with hanging bell sleeves, but a century later this had altogether been discarded, and fashion as sometimes occurs, went to the other extreme. The male costumes of Episode 4 are an instance. Tunics had become tight at the waist and extremely short in the skirt; indeed, at the very end of the century the skirts were omitted altogether, and men's costumes had become, in some writer's opinions, somewhat indecent, although very elegant. This stage was reached some ten years after the Perkin Warbeck incident of the pageant, and the uniforms worn by the soldiers are an example of this type of costume at its best. Blue matches very well with the silver grey of armour, and the slashed sleeves add a pretty tone of colour.

THE CHIEF BEAUTY.

One of the beauties of the Pageant is the dressing of Episode 5 – the siege of Taunton. To see the townsfolk pouring from the Castle in blues and whites, with the Mayor leading the way in his red robes of office, accompanied by Welman in his sober black, is to be compelled to admit that the Pageant is quite the most beautiful performance seen in Taunton for decades. This and the last episode are the culminating points of a splendid spectacle, and one can only admire the artistry of the producer and the Master of the Robes (Mr. R. D. BURT), in having so carefully planned and brought to fruition the very difficult task of robing so large a company.

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