As we mark the Coronation of King Charles III, researchers at Amersham Museum, Sheila Borwick and Jill Mace have gathered news, mementos and recollections of previous coronations.
When Queen Victoria was crowned in 1838 at the age of only 18, she was the first monarch to acknowledge the public’s role in celebrating her coronation. Until this time, it had been an event primarily supported by the Church and nobility. Social change, including the coming of the railways, indicated a need for a different approach. The United Kingdom is unique in developing a coronation tradition, with four ceremonies in the twentieth century. Whether you are a monarchist, a republican or none of these, you can follow its development here.
For many local people, King Charles III’s coronation is our first experience of a coronation. For others, his mother Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 is still a vivid memory. Things were very different in 1953 itself when elderly residents, such as those invited to a meat supper in Goya’s staff canteen, could remember three previous coronations: Edward VII on 9 August 1902, George V on 22 June 1911, and George VI on 12 May 1937.
Click on the links to find out about the four coronations celebrated during the twentieth century:
How Amersham celebrated the last Coronation by Alison Bailey