This film is part of Free
Coronation Festivities at Accrington (1902)
The Lancashire town greets Edward VII's big day with a cheery spectacle.
Overview
A cleverly positioned camera captures off-guard facial expressions and details of clothing as the procession of clown cyclists, marching bands, Morris dancers and decorated floats pass by. Commissioned and filmed by Accrington-born Albert Wilkinson in late June 1902, it played to packed audiences in the Town Hall. "One big kaleidoscopic fantasy," enthused the Accrington Observer & Times.
The country was gripped with coronation fever when Edward VII came to the throne after the epic 63-year reign of his mother, Queen Victoria. Much of this pageant celebrates pride in local trade and industry (from iron manufacture and mining to chimney-sweeping and confectionery) - with the occasional irreverent twist. Pride in the British Empire is another feature, with many in colonial military uniform and even a group of cyclists dressed as African tribesmen (something that clearly wouldn't be tolerated today).
Related
Funeral of Queen Victoria (1901) Funeral of Queen Victoria (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 5 mins Silent Location: Hyde Park
The crowds stand silent as the nation says goodbye to Queen Victoria in February 1901.
Joseph Chamberlain at Home (1902) Joseph Chamberlain at Home (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 3 mins Silent Location: Birmingham
A political giant at his magnificent Highbury estate in Birmingham.
Return of Kitchener (1902) Return of Kitchener (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 4 mins Silent
Lord Kitchener, Commander-in-Chief of the British army, returns from South Africa to cheering crowds.
Princess Louise at Liverpool (1906) Princess Louise at Liverpool (1906)
Non-Fiction 1906 1 mins Silent Location: Liverpool
A bagpipe band marches in honour of Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, on her visit to Liverpool.
Prince of Siam in Liverpool (1901) Prince of Siam in Liverpool (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 3 mins Silent Location: Liverpool
The future King of Siam takes a trip across the Mersey.
The King's Ride in the Isle of Man (1902) The King's Ride in the Isle of Man (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 1 mins Silent Location: Isle of Man
Crowds clamour for a view of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra (on tour) in the Isle of Man.
Accrington Parade (1901) Accrington Parade (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 5 mins Silent Location: Accrington
Marching bands and local volunteers fill the streets of the Lancashire town.
Baden-Powell Opening Accrington's Ambulance Hall Baden-Powell Opening Accrington's Ambulance Hall
Non-Fiction 1904 4 mins Silent Location: Accrington
A magnificent procession marks the Boer War hero's arrival in Lancashire in a stunningly-preserved film.
Proclamation of King Edward VII, Market Place, Accrington (1901) Proclamation of King Edward VII, Market Place, Accrington (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 2 mins Silent Location: Accrington
The Edwardian era kicks off with the proclamation of the new King.
Congregation Leaving New Jerusalem Church in Accrington (1902) Congregation Leaving New Jerusalem Church in Accrington (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 3 mins Silent Location: Accrington
An Edwardian congregation emerges after Sunday service in Accrington, Lancashire.
Visit of Sir George Cotton at Accrington (1902) Visit of Sir George Cotton at Accrington (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 1 mins Silent Location: Accrington
A small crowd greets a local Conservative parliamentary candidate at Accrington station.
Crowds Leaving Park Congregational Church in Accrington (1902) Crowds Leaving Park Congregational Church in Accrington (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 3 mins Silent Location: Accrington
Members of a non-conformist congregation leave their Lancashire church.
Frederick Wiseman's High School - a discussion Frederick Wiseman's High School - a discussion
Short documentary 2026 22 mins
Filmmaker Andrea Luka Zimmerman and curator Matthew Barrington discuss Frederick Wiseman’s High School with Sandra Hebron.
A Last Resort A Last Resort
Comedy 2022 17 mins
Rose is desperate to celebrate her 60th birthday in style, but her daughter Genevieve is struggling to ignore some recent tragic news about her mum.
Hard, Cracked the Wind Hard, Cracked the Wind
Horror 2019 17 mins
A haunting with words is the lure between life and death for a young Cornish poet.
The Walk The Walk
Drama 2023 12 mins
Adeel Akhtar portrays a man on a weekly trek to his nearest JobCentre, entering a state of purgatory through barriers put in place by the system.
Seagull Seagull
Horror 2022 6 mins
Seagull is a recovering drug addict who is about to have a very strange night on The English Riviera.
Octopus Octopus
2021 13 mins
Upon returning to her home town for a funeral, a young woman reconnects with the friends she left behind.