PAULCRAMPTON’SCANTERBURY Bunting and banners to mark coronation

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Last week, we looked at the official celebrations organised by Canterbury City Council. This time, the coronation festivities put on by the ordinary people of Canterbury is the subject. The first picture shows the happy residents of Rosemary Lane marching behind an accordion player during their street party. It was taken in early June 1953. In fact, the strips of bunting, union flags and patriotic banners could have been found decorating most residential streets, in and around the city, at the time. The early 19th century terraced houses of Rosemary Lane would become the subject of a hotly disputed slum clearance scheme in 1962. Only the Cardinal’s Cap public house – which is just visible on the left – finally escaped the bulldozer. In the picture, part of Williamson’s Tannery can be seen at the far end of the street. The second photo features the resi- dents of Artillery Street as they gather for posterity at the western end of their thoroughfare. A number of children are clutching plates, no doubt, in anticipation of the treats to be provided later by their parents and neighbours. A small girl, dressed as The Queen, proudly waves from the back of the group. The terraced houses of Artillery Street would perish in two stages. Those on the right lasted until 1962, while the terrace to the left would remain until 1968 before being demolished. The buildings in Northgate beyond remain to this day.