Coronation Ticket, 1953

The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place in Westminster Abbey on Tuesday 2 June 1953. The ceremony was watched by over 7,000 spectators within the Abbey, and millions around the world, as it was the first Coronation to be televised. The traditions and main structure of the ceremony remained the same as it had for centuries, since the Coronation in 1066 of William the Conqueror. It was a great national celebration, with festivities such as street parties and village carnivals taking place across the country. Even though food rationing was still in place, everyone was granted an extra 1 lb in sugar. Caterers were also allowed additional sugar and fat, to ensure that people could enjoy the celebrations. The Coronation was a great state and religious occasion, and marked the beginning of mass participation in national events.

This coronation ticket is from the papers of Herbert Samuel (1870-1963),1st Viscount Samuel.