By Javan C 
When I first moved to Royal Wootton Bassett in March, I’ll be honest—I had no idea what made the place special. It just seemed like another quiet Wiltshire town with a long name and a friendly vibe. Nice enough, sure, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Then one day at work, a casual chat over coffee completely changed how I saw it.
What I found out wasn’t just interesting—it was moving. Powerful, even. There’s a reason this town has “Royal” in its name, and it’s not what most people think.
This is the story of how Royal Wootton Bassett earned its name—and my quiet respect.
What Makes Royal Wootton Bassett ‘Royal’?
I only moved to Royal Wootton Bassett in March.
Didn’t know much about it, to be honest. It was just this quiet little town in Wiltshire with a long name I kept spelling wrong in emails. At first glance, it looked like a typical market town. A Co-op, a couple of takeaways, some charity shops. Seemed peaceful. But I didn’t really get it yet.
Then one afternoon at work, I was chatting with a colleague over coffee. You know the kind of conversation—just small talk at first. Where you’re from, how you’re settling in, etc. I mentioned I was new to the area. That’s when he said something that stuck with me.
“You know why it’s called Royal Wootton Bassett, right?”
I had no idea. Thought it was just one of those old English names.
He went on to tell me the story. About how it used to just be Wootton Bassett. And how, during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, this town became the place that stood still. Literally.
Every time a fallen soldier was brought back through RAF Lyneham, the hearse would pass right through the high street. And people came out. Lined the roads. No big show. No fuss. Just respect. Complete silence.
Even now, just thinking about it gives me chills.
Royal Wootton Bassett became known for that. For how it honoured the fallen with dignity. And it wasn’t a one-off thing—they showed up every single time. Rain or shine. Young, old, everyone.
That’s why, in 2011, the Queen granted the town royal status. First town in over a century to get that honour. Not for politics or royalty or money—but for compassion.
Suddenly, Wootton Bassett became Royal Wootton Bassett.
And ever since that conversation at work, I’ve looked at this place differently. When I walk past the war memorial now, I pause. Not for long. Just long enough to feel it. The weight of what this town’s done. What it means.
It’s not just the name that makes Royal Wootton Bassett special. It’s the people. It’s the moments when a community stood still to show what really matters.
So yeah—what makes Royal Wootton Bassett ‘Royal’?
It’s not the buildings or a royal visit. It’s heart. It’s respect. It’s unity.
And now that I live here, even just since March, I get it. I really do.
This is Royal Wootton Bassett.