Norton Green History / King George Coronation

King Country and the Crown - Royal celebrations in the last century were truly a time for the whole of the nation to show their loyalty to the crown and brought a little sunshine to the lives of those whose everyday existence was one constant battle against survival.

Here in our village it seems that the Coronation of King George VI was a celebration that the whole village was involved in.

A Coronation Committee was set up by members of the school with plans for celebrations that matched anything anywhere in the country. Funds were raised by donations from local businesses and surrounding gentry, there was also a collection from house to house with even the poorest of residents giving generously.

Coronation mugs were bought from Midwinter's pottery of Burslem to give to the children for keep sake. Fireworks were purchased along with flags, ice cream, invitations were printed, balloons, Medals for the children's sports, instruments for the local band were hired, there was also tea, sugar, toffees, sweets and an array of food bought for the tea at the Methodists Chapel school room for the elderly and children of the village. There was also a competition for the best dressed house with a cash prize for the winner. Also the children were invited to attend in fancy dress.

Processions through the village were arranged with the party going on into the early hours of the next morning. I suppose we can only imagine the joy that was had on this day and all the hard work and planning that went into organizing the celebrations. It seems that it was mostly down to special people like our very own Mr. Wilfred Rostance who I believe was Headmaster at the school, a member of the parish council and the spearhead and backbone of many celebrations and activities in the village such as the allotments digging for victory campaign throughout the 2nd world war (more of this later).

To sum up the nations mood and to give a personal account of the celebrations for the Coronation of King George the V1 in our village we will find no better account than that of Mr. Wilfred Rostance who wrote the following passage in the minute book of the Coronation committee of Norton Green.

The following letter is taken from the coronation minute book and was written by Wilfred Rostance the secretary of the committee;

Coronation Day May the 12th 1937

" When coronation day was over, I fell to musing over the events which led up to it. Two years ago on may the 6th 1935, we celebrated the Silver Jubilee of the late King George V and Queen Mary, but a few months later on January 20th 1936, he passed away and on January 28th he was laid to rest in St Georges Windsor amid sorrowing mourning of his subjects.

King Edward VIII was proclaimed King and his coronation was fixed for May 12th 1937. But on December 11th 1936, he abdicated in favour of his brother, who was proclaimed King George VI. King Edward VIII action caused much consternation. He wished to marry a twice divorced American lady, Mrs. Wallace Simpson.

This was against the will of the people, and the government under the fearless leadership of Mr. Stanley Baldwin our prime minister faced the serious situation in a calm manner. He refused to discuss a morganatic marriage and as Edward refused to renounce his desire to marry below his rank. A deadlock ensued and in the end he abdicated. Baldwin has been referred to as England's greatest statesman since Cromwell.

King Edward III passing through Norton Green
King Edward III passing through Norton Green Village

King Edward III passing through Norton Green Village

During these hectic days, England was perfectly calm, and work and business went on as usual. The radio proved its worth in this crisis, and after Edward had signed his abdication, he broadcast a farewell to the nation giving his reasons for his actions.
So George was proclaimed and so that arrangements would not be upset, he proclaimed 12th May 1937 for his Coronation. And so the Empire settled down to the business of preparing for the coronation of King George VI.

The events of the month of December had unsettled the nation and much as Edward had been loved and respected by the people, some were wondering if loyalty to the crown be maintained. George had a wife, a real true born lady of scotch descent and already she was loved by the people, and to further strengthen their love, she had two little daughters Elizabeth and Margaret Rose, who were the nation's favourites.

So the newly proclaimed King George VI and his consort Queen Elizabeth gradually established themselves at the head of this Great British Empire. The nations of empire swore their loyalty to the crown and as months passed they were firmly established, and Edward as Duke of Windsor only a memory.

All talk was of the coronation, and as the merry month of May arrived so did royalty and notabilities of all nations come to England. Every part of the empire sent representatives and the great city of London, the heart of the empire was gay with decorations and people of every clime and tongue. Truly there was enthusiasm for the greatest crowning the world had ever seen. Radio, television and the press did their work splendidly and the event will be ever remembered, because of the permanent recordings and films which have been made.

So on May 12th 1937 King George and Queen Elizabeth were crowned in Westminster Abbey amid pomp and splendor by the Archbishop of Canterbury, before 1000 people. Thousands perhaps millions lined the streets and cheered the royal pair on their return from the Abbey. This was the crown firmly established, and England carries on, as only the English can carry on.
The will of the people was done and democracy rules. And what happened in our village?

Like all places in the empire arrangements were being made and everyone was anxiously awaiting 'The day,' Jubilee was remembered and so was two coronations, but what of this? The weather was not too favourable, but what did it matter?

Houses were gaily decorated and every one was happy. At 1.30 pm the children and people assembled in the school playground and how heartily those patriotic songs, how they cheered and what a sight as 220 flags were waved aloft. The true British spirit. Then the procession through the village. The village 'Jaxx Band' in their patriotic costumes, the children in fancy dress. Service in the Methodists church.

How we turn to our church in times of rejoicing. We thank our god for all that kingship means. Teas for children and old folk. A sea of happy faces. Words cannot express it. Sports for all in the field. Darkness falls, dancing in the school. And so on until close. The King, Old langsyne and then home.What memories live forever in our hearts and minds.

The king crowned: The throne stands supreme. The British Empire is firmly welded. Britain is on the pedestal once again for all the world to admire - dare I say fear? I dare because the might of our empire is the true solution to world peace. And now that King George VI is crowned we can say with true meaning...... "

'God save the king'
'Long may he reign'

W. Rostance. June 1937

To finish I think that you should pay special attention to the last line of the invitations that were given out, I am sure it will bring a little laughter, as we can imagine a procession of people heading for the chapel all clutching their own knife and forks ready for the feast that lay ahead. The invitations were laid out as below;