Coronation
Gathering in the Market Place, June 1911
Ticket for men’s dinner.
The coronation of King Charles III will take place on Saturday 6 May 2023. Most people will watch the ceremony on television. Seventy years ago, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, broadcast live on 2 June 1953, was the first time many people were able to watch television.
But before TV, how did the people of Louth celebrate a coronation? In the museum we have several photos of great events in Louth, including the coronation of King George V in June 1911. The local newspapers tell us what happened.
“At Louth, pleasant weather conditions prevailed for the holding of festivities on Thursday, but, unfortunately, rain marred the programme arranged for the children on Friday.
“Six hundred women were given a quarter of a pound of tea, one pound of lump sugar, a two-pound plum loaf, and a postcard photograph of King George and Queen Mary.
“On Thursday morning peals were rung on the bells in the tower of St James’ Church and a service was conducted. A procession headed by the Newark Borough Band proceeded to the Market Place where the Town Clerk read an address of congratulation to the King, and the National Anthem was sung.
“A dinner was provided for about 1350 bona-fide working men aged 17 years and upwards.
“In the afternoon, the Newark Band provided a programme of music in Hubbard’s Hills where open-air entertainments and sports were also given. At night, a torch-light procession in fancy costume paraded the town, and proceeded to the cow pastures, South Elkington, where a huge bonfire was ignited by the mayor, and rockets discharged.”