Bexley Coronation celebrations

Three cheers to the new King! As the nation starts to prepare to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles lll on 6th May 2023, Bexley Local Studies team have been looking through their archives to see how the borough celebrated the last Coronation of H.M Queen Elizabeth ll, 70 years ago.

In 1953 the Bexley Coronation Committee were put to work and organised an array of splendid and wonderful events for one week throughout the borough. This included a fun fair, a carnival procession, a fireworks display, an inter school sports day and other sporting events at Danson Park. Dancing on the Green and community singing, a beacon lighting ceremony and Military Band performances. A 21-gun salute by the Royal Artillery in Bexleyheath was completed and even a race for model yachts was held. Thanksgiving and PreCoronation Services with Edward Heath M.P. reading a lesson. The Girl Guides and Boy Scouts were also involved with the festivities. They presented benches to the borough and the Scouts sold the official Coronation programme in the local parks. Of course, last but not least the all-important parties, were celebrated all over including in the streets, playgrounds, church halls and car parks.

There was a Decorated Dwellings Competition to encourage residents to decorate their houses with flags, bunting, illuminations and to lay out flowers in their front gardens to present a colourful and festive appearance. The 1st prize of £5.00 was won by Mrs. H.E Wark of Sutherland Avenue, Welling. 2nd prize of £3.00 went to Mrs E.D Slater of Warren Road, Bexley and 3rd prize went to Mrs. R.S. Printer of East Rochester Way.

A Grand Coronation Ball was held at the Grand Hall, Embassy Ballroom, Welling. One ticket cost 10s 6d which is about 0.52 pence in today’s money.

Local authorities all over the country made plans to give children mementos and Bexley was no exception. Every school child was presented with Coronation souvenirs. Younger children received a decorated beaker and tea spoons for senior ones.

Babies that were born on Coronation Day-2nd June 1953, received a Crown coin that was minted in the same year along with a formal letter of presentation. We hope that you enjoy the Coronation this spring as much as Bexley Residents did all those years ago.

Bexley Local Studies

and Archive Centre

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