Golden Jubilee 2002

1937-1953

Click on the thumbnails for a larger image:

Photograph showing the Proclamation of George VI, Wokingham, 1936
George VI was proclaimed King on 11 December 1936, after the 325 day reign of his brother Edward VIII. This photograph shows the Mayor of Wokingham reading the proclamation from a platform in front of the Town Hall.
Document reference: [WO/acc 4266.5]
 
 

Photograph album for the Coronation Historical Pageant, Windsor, 1937
A variety of historical floats were driven round Windsor town centre to celebrate George VI’s coronation. On display are the programme cover and a photograph of the ‘Henry VIII’ float. The coronation was held on 12 May 1937. It was the first coronation to be televised, though the BBC audience was restricted to 50,000 television set owners in the London area.
Document reference: [WI/D14]
 
 

Coronation ephemera, Newbury, 1953
These items illustrate some of the events held in Newbury for the Queen’s coronation. There was a carnival procession, dances, fireworks and street decorations and parties on 2 June itself.
Document reference: [N/D52/1-23]
 
 

Celebrations at school: Ascot Heath Boys School log book, 1953
The entries in the school log book are typical of how many schools celebrated the coronation. On 27 May the school was decorated in red, white and blue; on 29 May there was a party and all the schoolchildren were presented with a coronation mug, courtesy of the County Council. On coronation day there was a television at the school so children without sets at home could watch. Finally, 2 weeks later there was a school trip to tour the coronation route.
Document reference: [C/EL110/6]
 
 

Photograph of Coronation ox-roasting, Wokingham, 1953
This photograph shows a traditional ox-roasting in Wokingham Market Place for the coronation. Food was an important theme for 2 June 1953. Sweets had been taken off ration in February, followed by eggs in March and cream in April. By coronation day only fats and meat were still rationed, which made cooking for coronation parties a little easier. Coronation chicken was the dish of choice, created by Constance Spry for the occasion.
Document reference: [WO/acc4266.5]