Today, 6th May 2023 marks the Coronation of King Charles III, and it seems a perfect excuse to look back at the last time there was a coronation – and how Marlow celebrated.
In our collection we have an original Souvenir Programme of the Marlow celebrations, which outlines all all manner of events including at 10am the “Old People’s Television Party”, and at 2pm “Childrens Sports” with sack races, pillow fights and other such fun. The “Land “Pageant” at 5pm sounds quite spectacular -see later in the article for extracts of the programme.
We would like to thank local collector extraordinaire Michael Eagleton who kindly provided some amazing photos below.
The main decorations
This is a wonderful photo provided by Michael – showing one of three coronets strung across Marlow High Street – the other two are further up, if you look closely. These were built in Lovells’ yard in the High Street. The poles supporting these and the bunting are described in the Souvenir Programme as being topped with “life size swans, being the traditional emblem of our town and the county”
Street Parties
This first photo shows a street party in Victoria Road, and Michael tells us it includes Colin Young who still lives there!
We are not sure of the location of this second photo, but know it was taken by the best known Marlow photographer back then – Harold Fletcher. Michael recognises the face of Eric Faulkner – perhaps our readers can recognise others?
The Souvenir Programme
We present her some extracts of the programme to read yourself, if interested! Click on an image to see full size and scroll through.
