Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 979

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

0.08 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra scrapbook, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1902 may-august (inclusive)

Form:

Scrapbooks

Abstract:

King Edward VII (1841-1910) was crowned king in a grand celebration on August 9, 1902. This scrapbook documents the planning for and the coronation of King Edward VII and his wife Queen Alexandra, which took place at Westminster Abbey.

In 1901, Queen Victoria died, having served as queen for sixty-three years. Her son, Albert Edward (1841-1910) became king in 1901, but was not crowned king until August 9, 1902.

Albert Edward (crowned King Edward VII) was born November 9, 1841 at Buckingham Palace, the oldest son of Queen Victoria and Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. During his mother's long reign, Albert Edward was Prince of Wales, and in that capacity, he was known to be social and outgoing and was well-received abroad. In 1863, he married Alexandra of Denmark and was the father of six children, three sons (including George V) and three daughters.

At the age of 59, Albert Edward became King Edward VII. Originally, his coronation day was set for June 26, 1902, however a few days prior to the event, King Edward VII became ill and the ceremony had to be cancelled despite the number of international guests who had been invited. The coronation was rescheduled for August 9, 1902, and he was crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

During his reign, King Edward VII was known for his participation in signing the Entente Cordiale which settled outstanding territorial disputes with France in 1904. In 1908, the Triple Entente was signed between Russia, France, and Britain. Acts providing more social services, including the Children's Act (establishing juvenile courts) and the Old Age Pensions Act (providing for elderly people with small incomes), were enacted during King Edward VII's reign.

King Edward VII died of pneumonia on May 6, 1910 at Buckingham Palace. He was succeeded by his son King George V.

This scrapbook documents the planning for and the coronation of King Edward VII and his wife Queen Alexandra, which took place on August 9, 1902. There is little to link the scrapbook to a specific individual; however, several items are addressed to William John Menzies, W.S. It is unclear if Menzies assembled the scrapbook or if the items were collected and assembled by someone who was simply interested in the coronation rather than attending the event.

The scrapbook includes material relating to the planned for, but cancelled June 26, 1912 event as well as the actual event. For the June 26th event, researchers will find invitations, a coronation programme, a card of admission, tickets, a carriage pass, a document entitled, "Regulations to be Observed on the Day of the Coronation," and the "Official Programme of the Coronation of King Edward VII." The number of items and the thoroughness of the content provide information on the level of planning and the extensiveness of the event that was to have occurred on June 26 and 27.

For the August 9th Coronation, the scrapbook includes a carriage pass, a new card of admission, a ticket, a document entitled, "Regulations for Carriages &c. proceeding to Westminster Abbey," the "Authorized Programme of the Coronation and Naval Review," "Ceremonies to be Observed at the Royal Coronation of their Most Excellent Majesties King Edward the Seventh and Queen Alexandra in the Abbey Church of Westminster," and an extensive newspaper clipping entitled "Crowning of the King and Queen," which was published in the Scotsman and describes in great detail every aspect of the Coronation, processions, and ceremonies.