August 16th – Redditch, despite its tedious, unrelentingly bland modernity, has an old quarter of sorts. Heading from Church Green down to Abbeydale on the cycle route that passes trough town, I recently noticed this unusual pair of house plaques. Celebrating the coronation of Edward VII and his queen Alexandra in 1902, it’s an unusual thing. Edward was the classic long time king in waiting, Victoria’s son, he spent years in waiting, a situation resonant today. He did, however, more or less invent the modern Royal Family, encouraging his mother to make public appearances, attend openings and suchlike. In the end, the king they called The Peacemaker died in May, 1910 after being on the throne only eight years. Edward was widely considered to be a decent, good monarch and was nicknamed ‘The Uncle of Europe’, due to his scholarly love of peace and foreign affairs.
All reflected in one house in a bland street in a new town.

Author: BrownhillsBob

I told the truth - but told it bent. Wandering around bemused and ranty since 2007. View all posts by BrownhillsBob