Past royal occasions - 1

COMPILED FROM REPORTS IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

KING WILLIAM IV - Coronation 9th September 1831

This was pronounced by many persons in Bourne to have been the merriest day they had ever seen there. A committee had raised a subscription of £48 18s with which it was resolved to furnish all the poor women with a cup of good hyson [a coarse green tea from China] in the Butter-market under the Town Hall. Upwards of 300 poor women took tea in the butter market under the Town Hall while the men, who were considerably above that number, had a free quarter of ale at local taverns. Pupils from the three schools, the National, Baptist and Methodist, were given a meal in their respective classrooms. In the evening, the celebrations continued with a ball that was crowded to suffocation and there was a magnificent bonfire in the Market Place.

QUEEN VICTORIA - Coronation Friday 22nd June 1838

It was intended to give the children of the several schools tea on the coronation day and a similar treat to the poor women, but as it was feared (by some) that a little rum might by accident be dropped in the last cup of the latter and that the first string of the fiddle might by design be screwed up a little, we believe the project has been abandoned!

THE DEATH OF PRINCE ALBERT, THE PRINCE CONSORT AND
HUSBAND OF QUEEN VICTORIA - 14th December 1861

The death of the Prince Consort has excited a very deep and general feeling of sympathy in the town and neighbourhood. On Sunday evening last, the melancholy event was referred to in all the chapels. At the Wesleyan chapel, the text was taken from the 10th verse of the 11th chapter of Job. At the Baptist chapel, part of the 5th verse of the 39th Psalm formed the subject of the preacher's remarks. At the Calvinist chapel, the 9th chapter of Ezekiel and the 5th verse were chosen and at the Independent chapel, a very solemn discourse was delivered from the 4th chapter of Amos and part of the 12th verse "Prepare to meet thy God." In accordance with a meeting held on Saturday, a special service was held in the church on Monday last at 12 o'clock. At half past 11, there was a special united prayer meeting of the various denominations of dissenters which took place in the Star Lane [now Abbey Road] chapel when prayers were offered up by eight different persons and the whole meeting "as the heart of one man" was deeply moved while supplicating the divine blessing to rest abundantly upon our beloved Sovereign and her dear children in their bereavement.

THE WEDDING OF THE PRINCE OF WALES
AND PRINCESS ALEXANDRA - Tuesday 10th March 1863

The appearance of the town throughout the Royal wedding day will be vividly impressed upon the memory of all who had the opportunity of witnessing the very hearty demonstrations made by the inhabitants. Preparations for the event had been for some time in progress, the large booth erected in the Market Place, under which the dinner and tea took place simultaneously, being an object of considerable attention. At 6'clock the bells of the Abbey Church rang out merry peals, inspiring a joyous feeling which soon after became very general throughout the town. Flags, banners, and floricultural adornments made their appearance in various directions. To give a description of the decorations is beyond our purpose, and therefore we sum up with the general remark that some of them were in excellent taste, and that all added materially to the general effect.

At 9 o'clock some of the Volunteers assembled at the butts [rifle range] to shoot for a challenge medal which was won by Private William Hall. At ¼ past 12 o'clock, the band, with the cadets and those members who had not joined the shooting, met the firing party at the west end of the town, marching thence to the Angel Hotel, where luncheon was partaken of. Immediately afterwards, the general procession was formed in the Market Place, proceeding thence to the end of North Street, along the Brewery Lane to the end of West Street, thence to the Market Place, along the South Street to the Austerby, and returning by Star Lane [now Abbey Road] to the Market Place where the National Anthem was sung by the assembly, the volunteers at the close firing a feu de joie.

The children were then marched along the South Street over the bridge to the entrance of the trenches [in what is now the Wellhead Gardens], kindly lend by Mr R Mawby for the occasion, where a large bun was given to each and amusements provided for them, the men and women taking the places allotted to them in the booth. About 4 o'clock, the men, to the number of about 550, and about 510 women, partook of their repast at each end of the booth - the former of a good dinner of roast and boiled beef and mutton, plum pudding, and ale, and the women of hot cake and tea. The serving of the dinner and tea were admirably managed and in the most respects the arrangements were satisfactory.

The dinner and tea over, the healths of the Queen and of the Prince and Princess of Wales were proposed in suitable terms, the former by the Rev J P Sharpe and the latter by the Rev J.B Pike, and very heartily responded to. The committee, the ladies, the volunteers, and some others are entitled to great commendation for the very considerable amount of time and labour involved in organizing and carrying out the proceedings.

The inmates of the Union [workhouse] were also regaled with roast beef and plum pudding etc. At 8 o'clock, a numerous party, consisting of several of the members of the Bourne United Provident Society, members of the festivities committees and their friends, assembled in the large room at the Angel Hotel, where an excellent supper was served up in first rate style. The Rev J P Sharpe presided and the vice chair was occupied by the Rev J B Pike. After supper, the toasts "The Queen", "The Prince and Princess of Wales", "Prince Alfred", and "The Army, Navy, and Volunteers", were severally proposed from the chair and properly received. After various toasts, at 12 o'clock the National Anthem was sung, and the company separated, having passed a very agreeable evening. The Marquis of Exeter gave £5 to the fund; also £4 to Morton.

Mr H Torkington, treasurer to the committee appointed to carry out the festivities, later issued a statement of accounts from which it appears that the total expenditure was £123 5s. 1d. and though the receipts were slightly below that sum, the difference was made up by the committee and a few others making a little addition to their previous contributions. The receipts amounted to £123 5s. 1d., contributed by 133 persons in sums varying from £5 to 1s. The expenditure from the booth committee amounted to £23 12s. 5½d.; by the dinner committee, £50 5s. 10d.; by the tea committee, £15 11s. 1d.; for buns, medals, nuts, oranges etc for the children £9 4s. 1d.; for the bands, ringers, decorations, printing and stationery etc £24 11s. 7½d. There were 570 dinner tickets issued and 541 tea tickets and to the children 860 tickets. Messrs Measures provided gratuitously the calico for the tables and Mr Pearce the crockery.

NOTE: Princess Alexandra (1844-1925) married the Prince of Wales on 10th March 1863. He became Edward VII on the death of his mother, Queen Victoria, in 1901. They had five children, three girls and two boys, among them the future King George V.

QUEEN VICTORIA - Golden Jubilee Tuesday 22nd June 1887

The important historic event of the Queen's Jubilee has been celebrated in Bourne in a manner befitting the occasion. Throughout the day the bells pealed merrily. The entire town had assumed a holiday appearance. Banners, festoons, decorations of every kind, manifested on every hand, the evident desire to honour Her Majesty's jubilee. Many of the decorations were particularly noticeable for their elegance of design and artistic finish. At half-past ten a procession was formed in the Market Place, headed by the band, and consisting of the Bourne (H Company) Volunteers, the Fire Brigade, the freemasons and the various friendly societies. Under a guard of honour, all passed into the Abbey church, when the appointed form of thanksgiving was read, and a brief and impressive address given by the Rev H M Mansfield, Vicar. 

The procession, on leaving church, reformed, and perambulated a few streets, halting near the Corn Exchange, when the men, to the number of about one thousand, dined. During the afternoon the women and children, to the number of probably 2,000, partook of a substantial tea. The entire arrangements reflected great credit on the committee. At half-past two, the Sunday school children assembled in the Market Place and sang the national anthem. They then paraded the principal streets of the town, under the care of their managers and teachers. After tea, the children adjourned to the Abbey Lawn where every variety of amusement had been provided. The Volunteers under the command of Lieutenant Bott, performed the bayonet exercise and fired three rounds of feu de joiè in capital style. 

A number of fog signals had been placed along the railway line and their successive detonations as the Sleaford train passed over them produced a marked effect. The band played selections of dance music during the evening and the sports events for young and old included the 100 yards flat race, 220 yards, sack race, three-legged race, hop, stride and jump, pole jump and high jump, and the tug of war, for which the Sports Committee offered prizes to the value of £15.

Throughout, the day was characterised by "Queen's weather". It would be impossible to have had a more thoroughly enjoyable day in every respect. The various committees deserve great praise for the excellent manner in which the arrangements were carried out. Bourne jubilee rejoicings will certainly be long memorable as a most pleasant holiday for all classes. The frequent peals of bells contributed to heighten the festal aspect of the day.

QUEEN VICTORIA - Diamond Jubilee Tuesday 22nd June 1897

QUEEN VICTORIA - 80th birthday Wednesday 24th May 1899

Through the generosity of Mr R M Mills, the National Day and Sunday Schools had an excellent tea in commemoration of the Queen's eightieth birthday. Upwards of 130 sat down. The National Anthem and the jubilee hymn were played. Ringing cheers were given and loyal wishes expressed for the Queen. After tea, Mr Parkinson gave a brief address to the children, emphasising the lessons of patriotism and loyalty. Hearty cheers were given for Mr Mills, who is in his eightieth year and is energetic, hale and hearty. (See also Robert Mason Mills).

KING EDWARD VII - Proclamation Wednesday 13th February 1901

Queen Victoria died on 22nd January 1901 and Edward VII was proclaimed King in Bourne the following month in the presence of the Rifle Volunteers, the Fire Brigade, 600 children from the schools and a large concourse. Alderman William Wherry read the proclamation. Business in the town was suspended, flags were flying and bells ringing. Afterwards, Alderman Wherry and Mr Robert Gardner entertained the Bourne Urban District Council, volunteer officers and the leading gentlemen, in the Town Hall.

KING EDWARD VII - Coronation Thursday 16th August 1902

At 2 o'clock a procession, consisting of horsemen, decorated mail carts, bicycles, vans and comic turn-outs, was formed. The procession included members of the Yeomanry, Volunteers, Friendly Societies and the Railway Ambulance brigade and many townspeople who traversed the principal parts of the town, finishing at the Abbey Lawn where the judging was carried out for the prizes offered for the best turn-outs. In the afternoon, children under the age of 16 years were entertained to tea and presented with a souvenir mug. Inhabitants of over 60 years of age and all widows were also entertained to a public tea on the Vicarage lawn. Sports were commenced at 3.30 p m and continued until 8 o'clock with an interval of an hour. Men and women joined gaily in the attempt to catch greasy pigs and many men climbed a greasy pole to receive a leg of mutton. On this occasion, £84 was raised to pay for the day's festivities. The band of H Company 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment, was in attendance all day. A service was held at the Abbey Church in the morning, at which the volunteers attended, firing a feu de joiè in the Market Place afterwards."

PROCLAMATION OF KING GEORGE V - May 1910

King George the Fifth was publicly proclaimed king throughout the nation in May 1910 and in Bourne the announcement was made by civic leaders from a dais that had been erected outside the Town Hall in the Market Place. The building was decorated with flags and large crowds gathered to hear the declaration read while police were deployed in front of the platform to keep order. Every vantage point was filled as spectators tried to get a better view while the windows and steps of the Town Hall were packed and even the flat top of the bay window at the shop next door provided a perfect place to watch the proceedings, no doubt for the family and friends of the shop's owner, Nathan Lowe, draper and grocer.

Two more pictures of the royal proclamation of 1910 showing the Market Place with Boy Scouts who had been taking part in the celebration parade and crowds of onlookers carrying flags (above). This photograph was taken looking down Abbey Road and the Nag's Head Hotel can be seen on the right while the picture below shows members of the Oddfellows and other friendly societies carrying their ceremonial banners.

The funeral of KING EDWARD VII  - Saturday 21st May 1910

The town truly mourned the loss the nation has sustained by the death of King Edward, and on Friday evidences of sorrow were not wanting on the part of any of the inhabitants. Business was entirely suspended, the shops being closed throughout the day, the licensed victuallers of the town also closed their houses for a few hours during the day, and the Railway Companies observed the day by cancelling the trains. The front of the Town Hall was appropriately decorated, being draped in purple and black with a representation of the Crown in the centre. Several wreaths were discriminately placed to make the decorations effective, and this work was carried out at the instigation of the Fire Brigade. Every flag in the town was placed at half-mast, and some of the houses were also draped in mourning. 

A united memorial service at the Abbey Church at one o'clock was numerously attended, the whole of the seating accommodation being occupied, many persons having to stand in the aisles. The special form of service was used, the same being conducted by the Rev G H Clark, and the lesson was taken by the Rev C W. Rhodes, the Wesleyan minister. Before the service started Mr. W R Leary rendered two voluntaries, the first being Chopin's "Marche Funebre" and the second being Mendelssohn's "0 rest in the Lord*" After the lesson the choir feelingly rendered an anthem, entitled "Blest are the departed" (Spohr). Psalms 39 and 90 were also sung, as were three appropriate hymns, the first being " Rock of ages, cleft for me," the second " Nearer, my God, to Thee," and the third, and concluding hymn "Now the labourer's task is o'er." The sermon was delivered by the Rev G H Clark, who based his discourse upon the first verse of the 23rd Psalm, " The Lord is my Shepherd, therefore can I lack nothing." 

There was a procession to church, of the Territorials (under the command of Major C W Bell), the Yeomanry were represented, the Bourne Fire Brigade (under the supervision of Capt A R Agnew), and the Police Force. There were also present members of the Hereward Lodge of Freemasons, the employees of the Post Office in uniform, and the leading townsmen, whilst representative were present of the various public bodies in the town. There were appropriate decorations in the church. To accommodate the public there was a united service in the Baptist church simultaneously with the service at the Abbey church. There was a crowded congregation, and the service was an impressive one, the ministers officiating being the Revs J Carvath and J Comyn Jones.

KING GEORGE V - Coronation Friday 30th June 1911

The festivities at Bourne were carried out with few alterations, according to the published programme. The proceedings started at 10.45 a m with an assembly in the Market Place. At 11 o'clock, a procession was formed and headed by the Boston Excelsior Band and including the members of the Urban District Council, friendly societies, Territorials, Fire Brigade, Boy Scouts etc, marched to the Abbey Lawn where a United Service was held, over which the Rev Carvath presided, the Rev Jones read the lesson, the Rev Rhodes offered prayers and Canon Layng (of Rippingale), in the absence of the Vicar, gave the address. At 11.45 a m the procession was re-formed and marched to the Parish Church where another service was held. In the afternoon at 2 o'clock all the children of the town met in the Market Place, formed in procession and again headed by the Band, members of the Council etc paraded to the new Recreation Ground, which was named after King George V and formally opened by Alderman W R Wherry. The other members of the Council taking part were Messrs G H Mays, William Nowell, J B Shilcock and T B Measures, the latter being Chairman of the Recreation Ground Committee. There were 1,100 people present. 

Then at 3.30 p m all the children were entertained to tea on the Abbey Lawn and at 5 o'clock the adults over 60 and all widows and widowers had a knife and fork tea, to which nearly 300 sat down. The sports were timed to start at 6 o'clock but owing to the large number of entries, the committee began with them about 4.45 p m and they were not concluded until nearly 9 o'clock. Four hundred entries were received for the sports and 120lb of beef and ham, 19 gallons of milk and 50lb of butter, 80 loaves and 90lb of sugar and 3cwt of cake was consumed at the teas for children and old folk. The children were then each presented with a bun and at 9.30 p m a torchlight and illuminated procession was formed in the Market Place and marched to the West Hill, where a large bonfire was lit and a display of fireworks was held. The town was gay with flags, streamers and floral displays and at night, most of the business premises and private houses were very nicely illuminated.

KING GEORGE VI - CORONATION Wednesday 12th May 1937

Those traditions of past times were truly observed and the events of the day included a parade, a united service at the Abbey Lawn conducted by the Vicar of Bourne, the Rev C W E Horne, a Royal salute of 21 rockets, a carnival procession, sports and side shows, children's tea at the Corn Exchange, boxing and gymnastic displays, fireworks, a torchlight procession to the top of Stamford Hill where a bonfire was lit, followed by a carnival dance at the Corn Exchange until 2.30 a m which set the seal on a successful holiday. A New Testament was presented to all children up to the age of 14, or over 14 years if still attending school, and canisters of tea to persons of 65 years and upwards. The official programme said: "The festivities and rejoicings will include every inhabitant and the occasion an event to be remembered by everyone." Bourne Town Band was in attendance throughout the day.

QUEEN  ELIZABETH II  Coronation    Tuesday  2nd June 1953 - compiled from the souvenir programme

The town of Bourne has many associations with events in the history of the country and it is fitting that all residents, young and old, should join with the whole of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in commemoration and celebration of Her Majesty's Coronation. Numerous events have been arranged and in order that both young and old may take part, these will take place throughout the week beginning with Coronation Day which itself is mainly for the children, but the adults have not been forgotten. Souvenir gifts will be distributed to all children resident in the Urban District on Coronation Day. The Coronation Committee will undertake the decoration of the public buildings and the Market Place and the floodlighting of the Church, South Street and the Market Place. Residents are invited to decorate their own houses and buildings to add to the festivities of joy and acclamation.

On Coronation Day, a united service was held on the Abbey lawn at 10.30 a m conducted by the Anglican and Free Church ministers in the town and the March Railway Prize Silver Band lead the singing. A grand carnival procession was held through the town in the afternoon headed by the March band assisted by the Bourne St John Cadet Band, starting at Queen's Road and proceeding along Mill Drove, North Street, South Street, Austerby, Eastgate, Abbey road, to the Abbey Lawn gates and included mobile tableaux, private cars, fancy dress and decorated cycles. The parade was followed by sideshows and a fun fair on the Abbey Lawn with skittling for a pig, hoopla, rifle range, bowling for a pig, putting competitions, tombola and a bowls competition. Refreshments were served on the field. Throughout the afternoon, the March Railway Silver Prize Band played selections at frequent intervals.

All children living in the urban district and of school age were served with tea in the Corn Exchange and afterwards they attended a sports event for both children and adults on the Abbey Lawn where there were a series of events with valuable prizes including track and sprint events, the sack and egg and spoon races and a tug o' war for teams representing the various works and firms in the town. The day's celebrations ended with a fireworks display on the football field, a torchlight procession from Abbey Road, along West Street and West Road to Stamford Hill where a bonfire was lit and this was followed by a Grand Coronation Carnival dance at the Corn Exchange (admission 3s 6d) with music by the New Olympian Orchestra and which was relayed for dancing in the Market Place.

Other events during the week included a display by the fire brigade on the recreation ground, an old people's tea and entertainment in the Corn Exchange for all persons over the age of 65, a grand Coronation Gymkhana for children and young people on the football field with £50 in prizes, a Carnival Dance at the Corn Exchange and a Garden Competition for the best kept council house garden. A fund was also opened to pay for the planting of trees "and residents are invited to subscribe to this worthy endeavour to improve the approaches to the town".

The week of celebrations ended with a choral service of praise and thanksgiving in the Abbey Church with the combined church choirs of the town singing works by famous composers and accompanied by the March Railway Silver Prize Band, the various items interspersed with readings from the scriptures and English literature (collection to defray expenses).

Twenty-five years after the royal wedding, the town was celebrating the Silver Jubilee with many houses decorated for the occasion and a series of events that began on Saturday 23rd April 1977 with a dance at the Corn Exchange when Miss Silver Jubilee was chosen and the judges named Christine Hurst for the task with attendants Shena Clare and Lynette Simmonds. A football match at the Abbey lawn followed on Tuesday 24th May between Bourne Town and the Jack Hall Select XI and a week later, on Tuesday 31st May, there was a whist drive at Digby Court. By the time the Jubilee week arrived, a lavish souvenir programme price 20p had been issued containing a message from the Mayor of Bourne, Councillor Ronald Alexander:

The week began with a schools art exhibition at the Darby and Joan Club on Saturday 4th June and the following day, described as Civic Sunday, the Mayor lead a procession from the Town Hall to the Abbey Church accompanied by the Girls' Brigade Band. On Monday, there were sports including swimming at the open air pool and a cricket match between Bourne Cricket Club and Uffington, an annual game that had taken place since before World War II. Food gifts were handed out to 100 people in the parish and the day ended with a bonfire at Stamford Hill, the traditional location for such an event for centuries past.

Jubilee Day on Tuesday 7th June was crammed with activities from morning until night including Punch and Judy for children, old tyme dancing and a dance at the Corn Exchange. But the highlight of the day was the Carnival Procession:

The celebrations continued until the weekend with a disco at the Abbey Church Hall, modern sequence dancing at Bourne Secondary School and a coffee morning at St Peter's Hospital on Saturday while street parties were held by residents in various parts of the town. The Rotary Club also had a jubilee project by providing a bus shelter in South Road near the hospital and although it has since closed, the shelter is still in service.

See also The Silver Jubilee Queen

The Duke of Kent at the Lincolnshire Show in 1939

Past royal occasions - 2 »

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