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Town Scenes

1930 - 1948 , Colchester (Essex)

Cat no. 20

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Scenes in Colchester filmed between 1931 and 1948 including a visit by the Prince of Wales in October 1931.

This film shows a series of town scenes from Colchester over a period of approximately 20 years. Early material includes scenes taken along a river and in a public park. There are children playing, running around an ornamental garden. There are some shots of the town and of the castle before it was restored in 1935. Scenes around Castle Park and across open countryside during and after the heavy snow falls of 1938. The visit of the Prince of Wales in October, 1931 is recorded in detail. The Prince's motorcade is shown travelling through Queen Street with enthusiastic crowds waving. An early example of a royal walkabout is shown and then the Prince of Wales is shown entering his car and driving off from the war memorial amid cheering crowds. Later he is seen giving the royal salute and making a speech outside the Town Hall. There follow scenes of a carnival, probably more recent,1947 or 1948. The floats and bands are shown proceeding through Colchester town centre. The Headgate cinema can be seen in the background. Most of these floats are vehicular but one is horse drawn. An elderly woman, dressed in Victorian costume reminiscent of the Suffragettes is holding a placard up to the camera reading 'Harassed Housewife. A woman's work; never done'. The Pageant of Mayor's Titles follows where children are dressed as a series of authority figures; a naval officer, a judge, a scholar and a fireman. They are presented to the mayor. The mayor is shown greeting the carnival Queen.The film finishes with a series of carnival-related events in Castle Park - a gymnastics display, escapologist's act and a display by the Dagenham Girl Pipers.

Featured Buildings

Colchester Castle; Colchester Town Hall; Colchester War Memorial

Featured Events

Visit of HRH The Prince of Wales in 1931; Colchester Carnival, 1947 or 1948

Keywords

Carnivals; Royal vists

Intertitles

'Visit of HRH The Prince of Wales to Colchester. Oct. 21st, 1931. Procession of cars passing through Queen Street carrying HRH and party. A section of the large crowd which thronged Queen Street. HRH The Prince of Wales leaving the War Memorial amid cheers. HRH The Prince of Wales giving Royal Salute and speech outside town hall Balcony. Pageant of ... Mayors Titles. Physical training display by the North Street School Girls in Castle Park, Colchester. The soldier inspects the trunk. Dancing and pipe display by the Dagenham Girl Pipers. In Castle Park, Colchester.'

Other Places

Colchester town centre; Castle Park, Colchester

Manifestations

Town Scenes

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