Jubilees and Royal Occasions

Jubilees and other Royal occasions 

The events are listed in chronological order, and relate to Warmington and nearby villages 

24th October 1642, Sunday The battle of Edgehill was fought just over the Warmington parish boundary, between Radway and Kineton. It was the first engagement of the Civil War between Charles I and Parliament. Charles spent the night before the battle six miles away at Edgecote, the home of Sir Toby Chauncy, while his army camped out ‘under the Wormington hills’. The king’s route to the spot where his standard was raised (now the Castle Inn) would have taken him through Warmington village.

Charles was accompanied by two sons and their tutor, the physician Harvey (the man credited with the discovery of blood circulation). Harvey and the two princes resumed lessons, once the royal retinue halted. When the fighting became too fierce, he withdrew with them to Arlescote House, then the home of Manasses Cooper. One of the princes supposedly scratched his initials on a window pane.

29th June 1887, Wednesday. From a Banbury newspaper, Victoria’s Golden Jubilee:

“Warmington held high festival on Wednesday June 29th in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee. Every effort was extended by everyone to make the rejoicings worthy of the august occasion, and to render memorable to the loyal inhabitants the completion of the half century of her Majesty’s righteous rule. These efforts were crowned with full success. At six in the morning the church bells rang out a merry peal from the tower above which floated the Union Jack. The long period of settled sunshine, now spoken of as the Queen’s Weather, took away all uneasiness as to interruption from shower or tempest. The Shennington Band arrived at 2pm and was met by a procession of the fair, and the sterner, sexes.

“The National Anthem having been played and sung, Mr TO Wady, who throughout the day undertook the duties of master of ceremonies, started, amid the joyous ringing of the bells, the festivities with which the village was pervaded, Mr George Stranks, with others, receiving special calls of distinction. A general opinion prevailed that Warmington, with its unrivalled village green, had never before assumed such a lively and festive aspect. Without doubt, the lovely village at this lovely season, seemed in an ecstasy of joy as entwined by the flags, banners and festoons, and other evidences of loyalty, spoke loudly of the great esteem in which our Sovereign is held by all classes.

“The Rectory Meadow, by kind permission of the rector, the Rev. WH Taylor, was the scene of feasting and rejoicing. At the entrance was a triumphal arch, errected by Mr D Ferber, and trimmed by Miss Amy Savage. On the ground was a first-rate tent, from which provisions were served by Mr William Stranks and by organising the arrangements, he devoted his power of mind and body unreservedly.

“Two long tables were placed along the tent and were laden with the materials for an excellent tea, an unlimited supply of roast beef of Old England, and an excellent fat sheep, the kind gift of Mr George Stranks. The women and children having partaken of the bounties of Providence, the men, most of whom had of course been busy during the day hay-making, sat down to the repast.

“Among the carvers were the Rector, Mr Charles Savage, Mr William Savage and Mr William Judd. Archdeacon Holbech and the Misses Loveday of Arlescote honoured the assembly with their presence. About 300 persons sat down to tea. The rector then gave the Toast of the day ‘The Queen’. Lemonade was provided by Messrs Hopcroft, and Mr Blencowe of Banbury and Messrs Flowers and Sons of Stratford-upon-Avon kindly gave a liberal supply of beer. Fireworks followed and then dancing.

“The workers singled out for thanks, were Mr William Stranks, to whom musical honours were given, Mr Owen Wady and Mr Henry Stranks. The names of Mr and Mrs George Stranks were most enthusiastically received. Miss Kaye, Miss C Ferber and Mrs Ellen Castle worked in gathering the free-will offerings for the Jubilee. They were cheered and carried around the ground, amid musical honours, the latter named Mrs Ellen Castle, a portly dame of some fifty summers.”

1897 Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria 

Celebrations included a tea for village children held in the granary of The Dene.

1920s  Visit of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester

The prince was a weekend guest at the Rectory, then tenanted by a Mrs Towers-Clarke. The occasion was a Saturday meet of the Warwickshire Hunt. A celebration dinner party was held with guest Miss Perry of Bitham House, Avon Dassett lending her butler, Mr Seally, to supervise arrangements. Warmington’s Mrs Clara Moon was in charge of the cooking.

1935 Silver Jubilee of George V

A collection was made around the village and a communal meal eaten in the Village Hut.

Coronation of George VI

Festivities in the village and two oak seats were bought for the Green.

6th February 1952

George VI’s death was marked by the tolling of the church bell and an announcement on the notice board by the shop.

Coronation of Elizabeth II 

The Queen was crowned on 7th June, watched on TV in the village by the few who owned sets and their friends. The next day, villagers gathered in the Hut for a midday meal and every child received a commemorative gift.

7th June 1977, Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II 

A peal of bells was followed by an ecumenical service conducted by the rector, John Graty assisted by Rev Langham, the Methodist minister. The service, planned as open air on the Green was moved to the chapel because of uncertain weather. This was followed by a picnic lunch on the Green and a range of sporting events competed for by all the village organisations.

Presentations to the winning team members were made by Mrs Clara Moon, the oldest resident. In addition, all children were presented with a silver crown and every resident over 70 with a commmorative leather book mark. In the evening, a barbecue and barn dance were held in Rectory Farm Barn.

The organising committee were Dorothy Bell, secretary, Brian Butler, Anne Graty, Marlene Kimberley, Bernard Mallinson, treasurer, Francis Maughan, Robert Pick and Connie Stranks, chair.

5th June 2012, Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II