A memory of North Street

A rare photograph of North Street taken during a royal celebration 100 years ago was handed over to Bourne Civic Society in November 2011 for display at the Heritage Centre.

The picture, shown above with Mrs Brenda Jones, chairman of the Bourne Civic Society, measures 5 ft. x 3 ft 2 in and is an enlargement from the original taken by William Redshaw (1856-1943), one of the early pioneers of photography who took countless views of the town although in view of his prolific output, comparatively few have survived the years.

It was taken on Friday 30th June 1911 when Bourne was decorated to celebrate the coronation of King George V and shows the street bedecked with flags and bunting and thronging with people in their Sunday best.

Until recently, the picture hung in the counter area of the Nationwide Building Society at No 17 North Street but the premises were refurbished earlier this year when it was decided that the photograph no longer fitted in with the surroundings and it was consigned to the attic. Mrs Maria Sears, one of the staff, mentioned it to local historian Rex Needle who is a customer, and when he expressed interest in preserving the picture, the manager, John Borrill, agreed that it should go to the Heritage Centre and it has now been handed over and given pride of place for visitors to enjoy in the future.

The picture has been identified as was one of a series of photographs taken by William Redshaw on that day, all showing the town gaily decorated with flags, streamers and floral displays. This was one of the biggest celebrations ever held in the town with a parade and public tea, sports, a torchlight procession, fireworks and bonfire and at night, most of the business premises and private houses were illuminated.

Only one or two other photographs of the event are known to exist and so this one is extremely important, especially in view of its size, and therefore makes a most valuable addition to the society's collection.

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