Old Ledbury - 1902 Coronation of King Edward VII

1902 Coronation

King Edward VII

The coronation of Edward VII and his wife Alexandra as king and queen of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions took place at Westminster Abbey, London, on 9 August 1902. Originally scheduled for 26 June of that year, the ceremony had been postponed at very short notice, because the King had been taken ill with an abdominal abscess that required immediate surgery.

A Retrospect

1901

January 29 Proclamation of King Edward VII., at Ledbury Cross, by Mr. Charles Wesley STEPHENS, Chairman of the Urban Council; and a fanfare of trumpets. At a meeting of the Urban Council immediately afterwards the health of the King was drunk right loyally.

1902

June 24 Serious illness of the King: operation performed; coronation, ﬁxed for June 26th, postponed; intense disappointment.

June 29 Intercession Sunday. Prayers offered for the life and health of King Edward VII.

August 9 Coronation of King Edward VII. ( postponed from June 24th on account of the serious illness of His Majesty ). Town decorated and illuminated; service at the Parish Church; dinner for the aged at the various Hotels and Restaurants; tea for the School Children, and medals and mugs presented to them; sports in the Football Field; bonﬁre on Dog Hill.

Sources
1897 - 1980 A Retrospect Tilleys Almanacks - Herefordshire History
Photographs are credited to the owners where possible
Comments in italics are from the Old Ledbury Facebook Group
Cuttings from Old Ledbury Reporter Newspapers