Royal Wootton Bassett Poem by Martin Ward

Royal Wootton Bassett

Wootton Bassett, population 11,043:
heroes welcome here.
What sight more moving;
what respect more clear?
The virtues once renowned
in this great nation's blood,
are captured in actions
of this good and noble town.

In recent times, the world looked on
to mourn slain sons and daughters,
returning to this sacred soil
from foreign lands slaughter.
Strewn with flowers and family tears,
the streets still thronged
come wind or rain, with loyal folk,
resolute and strong throughout the years.

Just as their memory will not fade,
nor will this nation forget
the loyal town, whose citizens
resolved that heroes should be met.
The constancy of love, however tacit,
cannot be better shown
at cathedral, church or Cenotaph,
than our own Royal Wootton Bassett.