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| 5 May 2023 | |
| Written by Tara Biddle | |
| Community |
The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953 was not directly celebrated at Tonbridge as the whole School was sent on an exeat from the morning of 1 June to the evening of 3 June. Presumably many boys and staff joined the crowds celebrating in London or watched it on newly-acquired televisions in their family homes. By happy chance the Lord Mayor of London in Coronation year was an Old Tonbridgian, Sir Rupert de la Bere (PS 1907-10).
Sir Rupert de la Bere (PS 1907-10) Tonbridge celebrated 1953 for another more parochial reason, the Quatercentenary of the School, which resulted in a royal visit by The Queen Mother in October 1953, who named the gateway mounted with a boar's head on each pillar as the 'Queen Mother's Gateway'. Her visit was particularly popular with the boys as she asked for an extra week's holiday.
As we look forward to celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III on Saturday 6 May 2023, Tonbridge School will be flying the Union Flag from Friday 5 May for the whole weekend. Novi parents will enjoy a Coronation-themed tea in Skinners’ Library Garden on Friday afternoon and the boys and staff will be able to celebrate during the long exeat weekend.
David Walsh |
