We had a really entertaining and interesting talk, with many illustrations and photos, from Phyllida Scrivens, on ‘Coronations and Royal Celebrations in Norwich’. Phyllida began by describing the coronation of Edward VII, which took place in August 1902 rather than in June of that year – the event had been postponed as the king unfortunately had had an appendectomy in June. The festivities went ahead anyway! These included Norwich Castle being spectacularly and lit up by lightbulbs (a real achievement in 1902!) and a 21-gun salute in front of some army barracks. The local residents had been told to protect their windows from being shattered by the noise! Phyllida went on to describe successive coronations– those of George V, George VI and Elizabeth II. On each occasion there were in Norfolk many special events and much marketing of memorabilia. Phyllida concluded with a mention of the coronation of Charles III.
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