Coronation Display at Museum

Neil Haverson Published: 01 May 2023

An arch erected in Wymondham for the coronation of Edward VII in 1909

The triumphal arch for King Edward VII in 1909.

To celebrate the coronation of King Charles III Wymondham Heritage Museum is staging a special display. Our new King is no stranger to Wymondham having visited the town twice in the past. In January 1992 Prince Charles made a surprise visit to Wymondham Abbey. Such was his unexpected visit that he found the Abbey locked as it was winter. Assistant Curate Patrick Kerley was approached by a Metropolitan policeman who said he had come with friends to visit the Abbey but it was closed. Mr Kerley hastened to the Abbey where he “was knocked for six” when he found Prince Charles waiting outside.

Prince Charles spent 40 minutes admiring the Abbey and was said to be thrilled by the architecture and altar screen. He also explored the old monastery remains and signed the Abbey’s visitors' book.

Prince Charles rounded off his time in Wymondham with a visit to Reeves stationers. Here one of his royal protection officers bought a signed copy of the book The Wymondham Regal Story by Philip Yaxley and Les King.

The coronation procession for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953

Coronation Procession in 1909.

During his visit Prince Charles suggested the Abbey would be perfect for a music event. Five years later in 1997 he returned to the Abbey for a Music in Country Churches Trust concert. It featured the English Chamber Orchestra with director and violinist Pinchas Zukerman. The performance was sold out with around 500 people attending.

The museum’s exhibition will also include some of the town’s other royal connections.

In October 1909, Wymondham welcomed Kind Edward VII when he travelled through the town on his way to Norwich to perform ceremonial duties. The Parish Council set up a subcommittee to manage the occasion and Mr J W Cluffton offered to make a triumphal arch. It was built near the old Fire Station in Market Street with labour and tools provided by builders Edward Semmence and Henry Bowden It cost £2 15s.

David Brackenbury at the coronation in his beefeater outfit

David Brackenbury (right) with Trevor Reynolds in 1953.

Chairman of the Council William Fryer published a notice urging businesses and residents along the Royal route to decorate their properties with flags and bunting and other residents to loan their decorations to those on the route.

The Abbey Bells began to ring just after 10am and they rang for the duration of the event. The line of cars slowly made its way up Market Street led by the equerries. As they approached the arch, The National Anthem was sung by school children and the Church Choir, followed by loud cheers.

But was there a Royal visit much earlier than that? There is speculation that Elizabeth I visited in 1573 although there is no hard evidence. She came again to East Anglia in 1578 staying at Kenninghall and Bracon Ash. After leaving Norwich on August 22nd she spent two days at Kimberley where she held Court. It is possible she may have taken a short ride to Wymondham to see the Abbey. She had contributed a large sum for repairs in 1573.

The beefeater outfit that David Brackenbury wore to the coronation procession on display at museum

Beefeater Outfit Worn by David Brackenbury in 1953.

Following Prince Charles visit in 1992, it was reported in the Evening News that he looked at a mulberry tree planted in the vicarage garden by Elizabet I suggesting that Good Queen Bess did indeed visit Wymondham.

Among the memorabilia on display at Wymondham Heritage Museum are programmes from the Coronations of 1911 and 1937 of George V and George VI, photographs including many from Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953 plus the outfit worn by seven-year-old David Brackenbury on that occasion.

Wymondham Heritage Museum is open daily. Monday to Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 1pm-4pm; Thursday and Friday 10am-4pm. Tearoom open museum hours Monday to Friday. For more information go to thewhm.org.uk.