IN MARCH 1996, Cirencester was thrilled to welcome The Queen as she took part in celebrations to mark the Royal Agricultural College’s 150th anniversary.

Now a university, the institution was granted a royal charter by Queen Victoria in 1845 and now her great-great granddaughter was present to conclude the occasion, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.

On arrival the royal couple were greeted by crowds of well wishers and Her Majesty was presented with a posy of flowers.

Also present was the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Henry Elwes, the chairman of Cotswold District Council Sue Herdman, the chief executive of the district council Nigel Howells, the mayor of Cirencester Deryck Naish, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, chairman of college governors Sir Michael Angus and college principal professor Arthur Jones.

During their three hour visit they enjoyed a lunch of roast pork in the company of 60 invited guests before, despite the rain, having a tour of the college grounds including a visit to the Tythe Barn, student accommodation at Coad Court and the library.

The Queen also met the college beagles and planted a mature black poplar tree.

The royal party was given a send off at Kemble station by about 90 excited local school children.