Past coronations in Hertfordshire – Roast beef & riots

The way that Hertfordshire’s residents celebrated coronations in the last 200 years is well documented in the archives.

Traditionally, the nobility would be invited to Westminster Abbey where the religious ceremony had changed very little since the 14th century.  Those who were considered part of ‘high society’ might go to London to watch the procession, but most people stayed at home to enjoy local celebrations.  This usually meant a church service, tea for the children and a free dinner with beer for the old and poor of the parish, paid for by subscription.

In Hemel Hempstead, 2,500 people were given beef, bread and a pint of beer for the coronation of George IV on 19th July 1821. In Hitchin, a party of tradesmen dined at The Angel Inn, where

‘conviviality was kept up till a late hour and each person departed highly gratified and joyous.’ (County Chronicle)

A hydrogen gas balloon landed in a field at South Mimms which would have been very exciting to see. It was flown by the famous balloonist Charles Green at the request of the government and left Green Park in London a few hours earlier and was his first ascent.

For Queen Victoria’s coronation on 28th June 1838, the labourers and their families in the parish were ‘regaled with roast meat, plum pudding and ale at the White Horse under a booth erected by the master of the house in his field adjoining. The afternoon concluded with cheerful and appropriate songs.’ Meanwhile, at the other end of the social scale, Frances Blake of Danesbury, Welwyn wrote to her brother, Captain Frederick who was stationed in Gilbraltar, to tell him about her experience of the build-up ‘….all the world is in London and thinking of nothing but coronation, coronation, coronation!. All the streets in which the procession is to pass have scaffoldings erected in them. Papa and I are going to the abbey…we shall be in a capital place and I hope to see everything.  Mama did not wish for a place as she dreaded the fatigue so papa only asked the Duke of Norfolk for 2 tickets.’ (County Press)

After Victoria died in 1901, the crown passed to her 59 year old son, who became Edward VII. Exciting events were planned throughout Hertfordshire to celebrate his Coronation on 28^th June 1902. However, it was postponed at the last minute when Edward became seriously ill and needed surgery.

Many people felt denied their day of entertainment and a day off work. At Watford, things turned sour.  Disappointment turned to anger and, in the following days there were scenes of drunkenness, assault and arson in the town.” The Watford Observer headlines said ‘Disgraceful scenes. Two shops sacked. Riot Act read.’  There were several arrests and sentences ranged from ten months’ hard labour to fines. At Hemel, a mob of 1000 people ‘paraded the streets’ and smashed the china and glass hop windows of councillor who’d proposed the postponement of celebrations. In Hertford there was an ‘amusing’ cricket match on Hartham Common and a mutton dinner in the Corn Exchange still went ahead for 300 ‘aged people’. (Hertfordshire Mercury)

The Coronation finally took place on 9^th August 1902.  Back in Watford, celebrations took place at Cassiobury Park.  It began at 9am with processions, bands, church services, distribution of toys to infants and dinner for the ‘aged and deserving poor.’  There were sports, humorous songs at the concert; the coronation dance by Banjo Trio and ‘must you’ and ‘will he’ by members of the London Company of comedians.  Later that night there were fireworks and a bonfire.  Also present were Gray’s Electric Galloping Horses.  The legacy was a new hospital.