Coronations

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.

For a lucky few, the roofs of Whitehall make a perfect perch to watch George VI's Coronation procession making its way along the streets below

A patriotic tour of the coast in celebration of the new monarch.

Crowded on the streets, at windows, up lamp posts – everyone in Newport wants to see the new Queen who appears off the train in a stylish white and black outfit.

Don't forget your souvenir mug! At Countesthorpe in Leicestershire villagers unite to celebrate the 1953 Coronation with sporting events and fancy dress.

Bunting-clad streets and regal decorations highlight the intricate artistry that went into decorating the iconic Coronation route.

Scene from Britain's first ever filmed coronation

A whole world is opened up in just 30 seconds as we enter the Edwardian age, as trams barge through a bustling Sheffield street past bonnets jostling with top hats and cloth caps.

The Coronation of Edward VII - probably...

A week of Coronation festivities feature in this bunting laden film from 1953. Also seen are various silly races, Coronation mugs, a fancy-dress Carnival and a bonfire finale.

‘The Brave Don’t Cry’ shouts a poster advertising a film of the title, as Pontypridd citizens march past, commemorating the dead of WW1 and II. By contrast, the Coronation is fun.

A fascinating glimpse into the world of post-war Britain with its extraordinary range of hobbies, before the TV set in the corner took over so much of working class leisure time.

Rare footage of Sunderland’s impressive victory against Preston North End in the 1937 FA Cup Final.

Minstead's ladies enjoy a cricket match on the village green in this charming film that also features two weddings, a holiday and a giant crab

With war on the horizon, Britannia is in full flow through the streets of Harrogate, along with cross dressing, a parade of exotic floats, performing dogs and the Marx Brothers.

A colourful miscellany of footage shot around Britain in Coronation Year.

The Bata shoe production town created at East Tilbury in the 30s had gone from strength to strength by 1953 and had every reason to celebrate the Coronation and british success.

With flags flying, huge crowds brave the wet and blustery conditions as the people of Leicester present their patriotic contribution to the Coronation Day celebrations of 1953.

The big occasion, as celebrated in a small town

Much of West Yorkshire turns out to mark the accession of King Edward VII to the throne.

Edward VII's rescheduled coronation was held on 8th August, not a nice day in Leeds...

Coronation capers in mining villages: street parties, 3-legged racing and a Commonwealth-themed carnival with slaves and a caged canary.

Cowboys, chess and carnival queens in this wonderful colour film made to mark the “new Elizabethan age” in Southgate’s Coronation celebrations in 1953.

Every inch the town, a sea of red, white and blue, as flags and bunting adorn one Hertfordshire town to celebrate the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The sun shines on the mayor's procession in Wigan to mark the coronation of Edward VII.

Men and boys (and a few girls) mark Edward VII's coronation on the picturesque cobbled streets of central Wigan.

Pomp and circumstance marking the coronation of King Edward VII as Emperor of India.

Crowds pack the streets of Hong Kong for a stunning procession of dragon dancers, drummers and stilt walkers in celebration of George VI's crowning.

Jaw-dropping pomp and pageantry at the 1911 Delhi Durbar

Street carnivals and military processions – a home movie record of Hong Kong’s celebrations as George VI is crowned