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The Coronation of Queen Victoria took place on Thursday 28 June 1838, just over one year after she succeeded to the throne after the death of her uncle, William IV. Celebrations were held throughout the country for this event and many of those held in Derbyshire were reported in the Derbyshire Courier, amongst others. Following is a transcript of the article published on 7 July 1838 on the festivities which took place at Alfreton:

“Alfreton - On the day of her Majesty’s€ coronation, Alfreton was the scene of becoming loyalty and festivity. Stupendous arches were in many places erected across the highways, which attracted particular attention. The first was placed opposite the house of Mr. Topham, the grocer, it was superbly decorated, and the top of the centre arch, proudly floated in the air, a very handsome Union Jack, and underneath was suspended in large characters the letters V. R. The next in succession was one placed opposite the house of Mr, Wilson, in the Market place; over the centre arch was placed a beautiful crown, and underneath the letters V. R.; from the chamber window of Mr. Wilson was suspended a large flag with two appropriate mottoes, wrought in letters of gold. Proceeding thence towards the Church, over against the vicarage, a very fine one was thrown across the way similar to the others; on the lofty top of the centre arch there was a very handsome Union Jack, underneath a beautiful crimson crown, on each side V. R. Proceeding forward the spectators were agreeably surprised to see two other arches, one over the road leading to Alfreton Hall, and the other over the road that diverges towards the church -”that over the road leading to the hall was chiefly comprised of flowers brought from the gardens and pleasure grounds of W. P. Morewood, Esq., and a crown was placed over each of the arches. The whole reflected great credit on Mr. Hogdon, Mr. Lamb the gardener, and the rest of Mr. Morewood's establishment. Mr. Allen, of the George Inn, had his house beautifully decorated. The front of the Angel Inn, Mr. Burns, was covered with laurels arranged with much taste. Many gentlemen dined at the two principal Inns, and the viands and wines gave universal satisfaction. Eleven hundred persons were entertained in the Market-place, and Church-street. - rows of tables 125 yards long, being placed each side. The Church Sunday scholars were regaled with tea, buns and wine, by Mrs. Wilson, and buns were also distributed to 280 children under seven years age. The bells rung merrily at intervals throughout the day, and the streets were paraded by a most excellent band of music.”

The Coronation of Queen Victoria by Sir George Hayter [The Royal Collection]

An additional article was published in the same newspaper of 14 July 1838: “Alfreton. —To an account of the coronation festivities at Alfreton, inserted in our last week’s paper, we have to add, that among the houses superbly ornamented, was that Mr. Thirkill, over the door of which a crown was suspended with the words ‘God save the Queen,’ in large letters below. In the same street, opposite Mr. Smedley’s, the King’s Head, an arch of mighty sweep was formed across the road, which formed an object particularly striking.”