This immersive short course uses scrapbooks, diaries, souvenir brochures, press cuttings, and photographs from our special collections to revisit popular pomp and pageantry in the modern city. Events covered include Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee, King Edward VII’s coronation, and the peace celebrations at the end of World Wars One and Two.

Who is this course for?

Informal learners with an interest in:

• finding out how Londoners from different classes have celebrated important public milestones in the past
• discovering a range of attitudes to the monarchy, from the broadly uncritical to the openly hostile
• enjoying curated access to original source materials that richly evoke celebratory moments in London from the 1830s to the 1980s.

What can I expect?

• The subject is examined through dozens of original materials from Bishopsgate Institute’s special collections, many of them rare and some unique
• The tutor provides a brief overview of the materials at the start of the session
• A set of questions is shared to focus and support the research process
• Students handle and view the materials, which have been arranged in curated sets representing different themes relevant to ‘Coronation London’
• Students spend time with each set of materials, with the tutor on hand to give guidance and answer questions
• A timeline handout provides historical background and context
• An informal group discussion at the close of the session offers an enjoyable opportunity to share findings and reflect on the research process.

Will I need any equipment or materials?

We will be looking at a range of texts produced during the past 200 years, some of which have small print. Please bring reading glasses if worn.

How we’re keeping you safe

April 2022 update: Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority.

If you test positive for Covid-19 or are asked to isolate and are not able to attend your class or pre-booked event, please contact the Bishopsgate Box Office for further information (enquiries@bishopsgate.org.uk). Please do not come to the Institute in person if you have symptoms or have tested positive.

Wearing a face mask is no longer compulsory but we ask you to consider others when in our building and especially when spending time in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet. You will see many of our staff and volunteers continuing to wear face masks and we are keeping the perspex screens at our reception desks.

Bishopsgate Institute has strict cleaning protocols in place and ventilation throughout the building. There are hand-sanitising stations available throughout the building and touch-free drinking fountains. Find out more about how we’re keeping you safe.

Bursary places

We provide a number of funded bursaries to people who find it hard to pay the full or concessionary rates. Find out more information on how to apply.