Coronation Memories by Marjorie Fishwick

In 1953 I was living and working in Leeds – my first job. A college friend in Huddersfield suggested going to London for the Coronation. It sounded an exciting idea, so, three of us decided to go and started planning what we needed to take for staying out all night. The main thing was a sleeping bag and we booked in at a London Youth Hostel for the following night.

We studied the Coronation Procession route and decided to go to Trafalgar Square. London was amazing when we arrived – flags, bunting and banners everywhere and a lively atmosphere.

We managed to get places by the barrier in Trafalgar square and as more people arrived, we were packed quite closely together. At midnight it was announced that Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing had conquered Everest, so there was singing and dancing – people doing the conga and others jumping in the fountain!

The weather was not kind on Coronation Day – quite wet – but it was wonderful to be there and actually see the gold, horse drawn coach with the Queen wearing her sparkling crown. I will always remember also the Queen of Tonga, a very large lady, smiling and waving to the crowds and insisting on riding in an open carriage in spite of the rain!

All the pomp and ceremony was unbelievable. The Coronation was an unforgettable experience, especially for someone like me – brought up in Garsdale and having lived through the war years.