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In Embsay library’s local history files there are two photographs of the celebrations of the coronation of King George V – on 26th June, 1911. They show the villagers gathered together in Elm Tree Square, about to start the parade through the village to the sports field.

Note Robert Chew’s band can just be seen on the right, and Walter Johnson’s sweet shop at No. 9, advertising Fry’s chocolate’s in the background. Note too, the cobbles, probably original late 18th Century, in front of the Elm Tree, which are still there – and the gas light (which isn’t).

The Craven Herald newspaper described Embsay-with-Eastby’s celebrations as follows:

“At this village there was a notable display of flag, bunting and other devices, which added to the festive spirit proper to the occasion. The chairman of the committee was Mr. Fred Anderton, who was assisted by Mr. E. Snowden (Vice-chairman), Mr. J. Roadley, hon. treasurer; Mr. Arthur Smith, hon. secretary; and Messrs. J. W. Phillip and G. Trigg, assistant secretaries. At one o’clock there was a procession, which assembled at the Elm Tree and paraded the village to the sports field. Coronation hymns being sung en route by the combined choirs. There was also a supply of Morris dancing by the scholars, Maypole dancing by the school children, a tea for the school-children in the British schoolroom. Tea was also served in the National School to the old folks and to other adult residents. The evening was occupied by sports, Maypole display, Morris dancing, etc. Mr. R. Chew’s band played for dancing, and Mrs. Anderton presented the prizes to the winners of the sporting events.

At Embsay, a Union Jack at the top of the Elm Tree was very prominent. A short service was held in the morning at St. Mary’s Church, conducted by the Rev. C.V. Brown. At the sports field the performance of the school children, under the Misses Snowden, was quite an attraction, as also was the display of Maypole dancing of other school children, led by Miss Thornton. Through the kindness of Mr. Anderton, a Coronation medal was presented to each child, along with a packet of sweets, the gift of Mr. M.W. Emsley, and nuts from Mr. F. Stockdale. The infants also received mugs. The National School had been prettily decorated by an enthusiastic band of workers, and it presented a very animated scene. The sports (with Mr. J.W. Phillip as secretary) were intermixed with Morris and Maypole dancing. The day’s proceedings were brought to a close by dancing.“

Jane Lunnon. Embsay-with-Eastby Historical Research Group. May 2023.