The coronation of a monarch, the day a king or queen is formally crowned, is indeed an historic one. Through the years, Rosemarket has seen many coronations.
Local newspapers from 1902, the year Edward VII was crowned, reported a "grand variety event" taking place in the school on the evening of 14th May. It took place a few months ahead of the Coronation so that funds could be raised from the event to provide the school children with "some momentoes of the Coronation". The evening included music, singing and recitations from members of the local community, with newspapers describing it as "substantial and good and must have delighted the audience for we have seldom had the pleasure of hearing better". (More detail on this event can be found in our Village Entertainment section).
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II officially became queen on 2nd June 1953, in Westminster Abbey. The Service was broadcast on radio around the world and, for the first time, on television. Communities celebrated with gatherings and street parties. Here in Rosemarket, memories of that day from residents who were young children at the time include “sitting on the floor in the living room behind the Post Office with a couple of dozen others, adults and children, all watching the Coronation on a small 12 inch black and white television in the corner of the room, as very few villagers had a television in those days”.
A celebration took place on The Beacon and memories include a “gigantic bonfire that the men of the village had taken many days to prepare”. The photos below show some of the local children gathering together to enjoy the festivities.
King Charles III
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September 2022 at Balmoral Castle, her eldest son Charles automatically succeeded her. The Coronation of King Charles III took place on Saturday, 6th May 2023 at Westminster Abbey. The community of Rosemarket came together for a series of free events over the weekend of 6th and 7th May, organised by Rosemarket Community Council and The Huntsman pub. Bunting and flags aplenty, a children’s party with face painting, apple bobbing, arts & crafts and party tea kept the boys & girls entertained. A BBQ with live music and Coronation Bingo helped to ensure there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Members of Rosemarket Community Council also represented our village at a Service of Thanksgiving to commemorate the Coronation on Sunday, 7th May 2023 at St David’s Cathedral.
