THE Marquess and Marchioness of Tavistock were filmed visiting their namesake town last week for the BBC2 series 'Country House'.

Having recently visited the town for the official opening of the new library, the Marquess thought it would be good to return to film part of the programme about them in Tavistock. They stayed during their visit at the only local farm still in their ownership.

After walking around Tavistock pannier market — which they thought was 'wonderful' and enjoying the atmosphere very much — they were greeted by town mayor, Cllr Norma Woodcock, in Bedford Square.

The couple then paid their first ever visit to the town hall, where the Marquess was particularly interested in the portraits, many of them being of his ancestors, the Russells. In fact, around 20 are copies of those at his home at Woburn Abbey, painted by an ancestor some four generations ago.

Cllr Woodcock said she had expressed her concern to the Marquess about the future of the Guildhall now that it was no longer in use. The building had been provided by one of the Marquess's relatives for the town, but is now the property of the county council. 'He was horrified to learn that we had lost our magistrates' court,' Cllr Woodcock said.

It is hoped that the programme will go out in late winter or spring.

l Pictured left to right are the Marquess of Tavistock signing the visitors' book in the mayor's parlour, together with town mayor Cllr Norma Woodcock, the Marchioness of Tavistock and mayor's consort Gerry Woodcock.