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Events

The 1937 Royal Visit

It was a misty autumn day in October 1937 when the newly crowned King George V1 and Queen Elizabeth paid a visit to Halifax.

Enthusiastic crowds began assembling early on the morning of October 20, the arrival of the Royal visitors being signalled by a 21-gun salute from Beacon Hill.

The couple were welcomed by the Mayor of Halifax, Councillor Crossley Hodgson, and the first port of call was Shibden Hall where lunch was provided. The King and Queen were reported to be 'charmed' with Shibden Hall and the surroundings, although unfortunately mist prevented a good view of the park.

After lunch the royal cavalcade proceeded to the Town Hall, crowds of excited onlookers lining the route. Many workers had been given a half-day holiday or extended lunch break in honour of the visit.

On arrival at the Town Hall, the King and Queen mounted a specially erected platform, trimmed with purple and gold.

Among those presented to the couple were the touring Australian Rugby League team who appear to have caused some amusement with their rendition of the team's 'war cry'. It was reported proudly that the Halifax Rugby League team had been the first to defeat the Australians during the tour.

As the party left to travel to Savile Park via King Cross, extra police had to be drafted in to control the crowds lining the streets.

It was estimated that nearly 10,000 cheering children were on the streets and almost as any flags as children. The Halifax Courier and Guardian reported that at the sides of the roads seats had been brought out so that 'old folks and invalids' could view the proceedings. To entertain the waiting crowds, King Cross Band played a selection of light music.

As the procession progressed down Free School Lane, there was a more sedate fluttering of handkerchiefs at the Royal Halifax Infirmary. Patients well enough to be outside joined nurses and other staff and the Queen apparently had a special smile for them.

There were similar scenes at the General Hospital as the cars passed down Salterhebble Hill en route to Elland. An ornamental archway had been erected at Elland Wood Bottom, under which the party passed before continuing to Elland and Brighouse.

The King's message to Yorkshire after the visit expressed pleasure in visiting the 'great county with whose capital we were so long associated 'and expressed warmest thanks for the wonderful welcome.

For a look back at other events in Calderdale, visit Halifax Today: Nostalgia|.

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