Coronations and Royal Events

Mickleton has always celebrated Royal occasions in style. These are just a few highlights.

1887 Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubile

Mrs S. G. Hamilton was appointed at a vestry meeting to chair a committee of 12 to organise the collections and celebrations. By April £38.9s.6d had been raised. There was a Thanksgiving Service and a public dinner in Mr Hemming’s orchard. There were several triumphant arches and a great display of flags. The souvenir Golden Jubilee mug and plate featured St Lawrence’s Church.

1911 George V Coronation

At the April Parish Council meeting Mr Dixon said he was ‘sure that they all wished to celebrate Coronation Day. Of course, the bells would be rung, and there would be a good service in church. Mr Wrigley (Kiftsgate) had offered to give all the children a tea and a mug.’ Miss Bruce proposed that the new village hall should be the Coronation gift to the village and be named King George’s Hall. The cost of land, building, furniture and fittings was £813.1s.3d.

1953 Queen Elizabeth II Coronation

The Parish Council appointed a committee to raise money for a programme of events including the ringing of the church bells, an open-air service, souvenirs for school children and younger ones, tea for everyone, sports and amusements, dancing and community singing and a torchlit procession with a bonfire and fireworks. Miss Hamilton from the Manor visited all her tenants and presented each with a Coronation plate.

1981 A Royal Wedding

The bells were rung at 9.30 for the wedding of H.R.H The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer. In the afternoon there was an ox-roast at The Plantation followed by children’s sports, teas for all, a pram or wheelbarrow race between the Butchers Arms and Three Ways, a Fancy Dress competition for the Best Royal Bride and Groom and finally a disco outside the Village Hall.

1990 Queen Mother’s 90^th Birthday

Mickleton villagers sent her a 4-foot 90^th birthday card containing 100s of signatures. Celebrations included a Fancy Dress Parade and tea at King George’s Hall. Mrs Crudge, who was the oldest lady in the village, cut the birthday cake.

2012 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

3 days of celebrations was organised by The Mickleton Society and Mickleton in Bloom. Day 1 The Kings Arms hosted an extensive range of events including traditional games and races for children and later a barbeque and live music. Day 2 the village enjoyed a street party despite the wet weather. Day 3 there was a picnic with live music from and as darkness fell a beacon was lit on Meon Hill.