This film is part of Free
Hitchin Coronation Celebrations
By George! (and Mary)... Patriotic crowds pack the streets of Hitchin for exuberant coronation celebrations.
Overview
The blustery weather is no deterrent for the patriotic men, women and children of Hitchin, who throng the streets in their summery Sunday best to celebrate the coronation of King George V. Some appear to be more interested in the camera, still a relative novelty in 1911, than in the coronation festivities. Watch out for the intriguing crowd management techniques - including a bout of synchronised hat waving - led as much by the filmmakers as by the police.
Although the film records the coronation festivities of George V and Mary in June 1911, the opening titles suggest that this copy was re-released some 25 years after it was first made. Perhaps the turbulent constitutional events of 1936 - including the short reign and dramatic abdication of Edward VIII - was the trigger for a nostalgic look back at more stable times?
Related
Jewish Ex-Service Men's Coronation Parade 1 Jewish Ex-Service Men's Coronation Parade 1
Amateur film 1937 4 mins Silent Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
A proud expression of Jewish identity and heroism at a Coronation parade to the Eldon Square World War One memorial in Newcastle.
Coronation Street Party - Parc-Y-Dre Road, Ruthin, 1953 Coronation Street Party - Parc-Y-Dre Road, Ruthin, 1953
Amateur film 1953 8 mins Silent Location: Ruthin
Right royal revels in Parc-Y-Dre Road involving a decorated donkey, a mystery man and a pile of greenery and cardboard that will provide a community beacon at dusk.
Coronation of Edward VII (1902) Coronation of Edward VII (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 0 mins Silent Location: Westminster Abbey
A short glimpse of the new King's delayed coronation procession through London.
Great Britain Coronation Great Britain Coronation
Anthology 1937 24 mins
Weatherproof bunting, fog, clockwork dolls and a Hollywood exodus to London: this sideways look at preparations for the Coronation of George VI provides a wry American take on a very British ceremony.
Woodford Celebrates the Coronation Woodford Celebrates the Coronation
Documentary 1953 2 mins Silent Location: Woodford
A great parade in celebration of the day of Elizabeth II's coronation, complete with a guest appearance from the Prime Minister!
Coronation Scenes Coronation Scenes
Amateur film 1937 6 mins Silent Location: Westminster
The streets of Westminster and Camberwell are festooned with bunting and banners in preparation for the Coronation of George VI in this remarkable colour film from A E Ford.
G.B. Christie Ltd: Special Occasion G.B. Christie Ltd: Special Occasion
Advert 1958 0 mins Silent Location: Hitchin
A name you can rely on: this snazzy 1950s animation advertises wine and spirit merchant in Hitchin
Hitchin. Honouring the Brave Hitchin. Honouring the Brave
Non-Fiction 1912 2 mins Silent Location: Hitchin
Victims of a tragic air crash are honoured in a sombre military funeral procession through the streets of Hitchin.
The Shepherd and His Flock The Shepherd and His Flock
Amateur film 1941 32 mins Silent Location: Hitchin
Shooting and incendiary bomb extinguishing practice; the home front activities of the Hertfordshire Special Constabulary and Air Raid Precautions (A.R.P.) Unit in Hitchin.
Hitchin Market Hitchin Market
Amateur film 1956 6 mins Silent Location: Hitchin
Jellied eels, popper bead necklaces, and striped humbugs; a few of the items offered at Hitchin Market. Amateur footage to accompany hand-written verse.
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.