There were sixteen hundred in the town, two hundred of which were horse, mostly well armed and equipped.
These were disposed in such a way that the King should pass them in his progress.

The townsmen lined the market-place three deep from the Castle gate to the entrance to the High Street; from thence to Shuttern, Dorsetshire, and Frome peasants were drawn up on either side of the street; while our own regiment was stationed at the western gate.

With arms well burnished, serried ranks, and fresh sprigs of green in every bonnet, no leader could desire a better addition to his army.

When all were in their places, and the burghers and their wives had arrayed themselves in their holiday gear, with gladsome faces and baskets of new-cut flowers, all was ready for the royal visitor's reception.
'My orders are,' said Saxon, riding up to us as we sat our horses reside our companions, 'that I and my captains should fall in with the King's escort as he passes, and so accompany him to the market-place.

Your men shall present arms, and shall then stand their ground until we return.' We all three drew our swords and saluted.
'If ye will come with me, gentlemen, and take position to the right of the gate here,' said he, 'I may be able to tell ye something of these folk as they pass.