[From The Luton Reporter: Tuesday, November 13th, 1917]

Luton has been honoured today by a visit from the King. The Royal parties motored in from London Road, arriving shortly before 11 o'clock and proceeding by way of Castle Street and Church Street to the Thermo Works, off Hitchin Road.

(Pictured, below right, is George Fern, a disabled worker employed at the Thermo Works for whom the King had some sympathetic words.)

After an hour's stay at the works they proceeded by way of Hitchin Road, Station Road, Mill Street, New Bedford Road and Lansdowne Road, to Messrs George Kent's fine works in Biscot Road, where they arrived about noon. Three of the principal departments were visited, and just before one o'clock the Royal party left by the Leagrave Road gates and made a leisurely drive through the town by way of Dunstable Road, Collingdon Street, past the Town Hall and away again on their return drive along the London road.

Notice of the visit was only received yesterday, and arrangements had to be of a hurried character, but were very complete, and naturally the greatest public interest and enthusiasm was displayed at the unexpected honour for the town.

Practically the whole police force and special constabulary were on duty lining the route taken by the Royal visitors, and flags were flying from the public buildings, but generally the King saw Luton in its workaday aspect.

The Mayor and Town Clerk had the felicity of being presented to his Majesty.

[Photos by W.H. Cox]