Croxley Green History - Coronation Edward VII 1902

The Coronation of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra 1902

The Coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra was arranged for 26th June 1902. Unfortunately, some days before the event the King was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and an operation was performed on the 24th June. The Coronation was postponed and re-arranged for 9th August that year.

Many communities had prepared their celebrations. Some had no hesitation in putting their plans on hold. Others however decided to go ahead. In Watford the postponement caused civic unrest. A minority took to the streets and became a ‘mob’. The scenes were reported in the local paper as ‘a body of roughs’ bringing disgrace to a respectable town and as the riotous crowds grew and mobs assembled it was necessary for the authorities to read the "Riot Act". The probability that the mob would move to Croxley Green prompted the village to take appropriate action. Charles Barton-Smith took charge and rapidly organised a formidable defence corps. At Rickmansworth Police Station some 40 local volunteers were sworn in as Special Constables.

They adopted a strategic position on the Watford Road using the cricket pavilion as their headquarters. The pavilion was located near to what is now Frankland Road.(This pavilion preceded the construction of the road and the Metropolitan Railway). At that time there were only two main roads, New Road and Watford Road, and they were patrolled by small groups of pedal cyclists acting as ‘scouts’ who kept a vigil. Eventually the perceived threat receded and normality returned.

It was reported that, on the actual day of the Coronation, Croxley Green was rather quiet although a bonfire was lit on The Green that evening. It was arranged that the school children would be given an extra week’s holiday thereby extending the usual summer break. The village decided to hold its Coronation celebrations on Saturday 26th July.

The Croxley Green ‘Coronation Committee’, chaired by Colonel Healy, met on a number of occasions at the Dickinson Institute. It collated and agreed arrangements suggested by various sub-committees. By the end of May, Mr Gurney, the treasurer, reported that funds of £88 were available for the event. Domestic premises were decorated with flags, bunting and Japanese lanterns. The Green was festooned with flags. The events included a procession involving children, Church Lads Brigade, Fire Brigade, United Patriots Benefit Society, Naval Brigade, Drum and Fife Brigade, cyclists and tradesmen's carts, that paraded through the village.

Young girls, under the guidance of Miss Clarke and the school teachers, performed traditional Maypole dancing. Mr. Pyne’s ‘Negro Banjo Band’ pleased the crowd, and the Naval Brigade, together with some British troops, re-enacted a Boer War battle.

There was suitable entertainment for children: Punch and Judy, swings and tea in Mr. Stone’s Orchard. Each child was presented with a commemorative coronation mug. The day ended with a torch lit parade at 9 pm and a magnificent display of fireworks, which lasted for an hour and half, donated by Mr Newall of Redheath. The huge crowd expressed its appreciation with loud and prolonged applause. Despite the occasional presence of some rain and wind, the event was a great success.

The Officers of the Coronation committees included:
Chairman: Colonel Healey,
Treasurer: Mr George Gurney,
Hon Secretary: Mr Charles Barton-Smith,
Chairman -Children's Tea Party: Mr A Wilson Secretary, Miss Clark
Chairman for Lunches etc: Mr R Warwick Secretary, Mr J Coutts
Chairman -Sports: Rev C E Donnell Secretary, Mr T Warn