An incredibly dedicated, inspiring and admirable monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has left a lasting impression on the nation. Here, we look back at how the Reporter recorded the Queen’s coronation.

The Queen’s Coronation took place on June 2, 1953. Born in 1926, she took her first steps in a world we now only recognise from faded photographs.

The borough of Tameside was eager to welcome the new royal to the throne. Decorating the streets, each town honoured Queen Elizabeth by coating businesses and houses in beautiful bunting.

The first photo is of Stamford Street, Ashton, just outside the former Barclay’s Bank looking in the Stalybridge direction. Directly on the left is what was then Martins Bank which was subject to take over and became Barclay’s until it moved recently. 

The church next to the bank has now been demolished along with the rest of the block and has been replaced with shops and accommodation. Notice the man up the ladder attaching bunting to the frontage of the building. 

Directly on the right-hand side is Clarence Arcade which was once an indoor shopping centre and was used more recently by Tameside Council to relocate offices whilst the new council offices were being built. Just past the vertical ‘Halifax’ sign, more bunting and a Union Flag can just be seen. 

Many of the stores were part of chains and include ‘Cable Shoes’ and three stores further up  ‘Greenwoods’ – men’s outfitters.

The photo below is of Stamford Street again looking in the Stalybridge direction and was taken approximately where the NHS Primary Care Centre is now, on Cavendish Street. 

Underneath the ‘Chester’s’ sign, bunting is being erected using stepladders. The clock halfway up the building behind this advertises ‘Arcadia’ which was the Co-op department store. It was demolished and replaced by the Lidl store. Just above the clock is a large ring hanging outside Kenworthy’s Jewellers. 

The following photo shows the Mayor, Mace Bearer and other officials outside Ashton Town Hall. 

As can be clearly seen, the building has been decorated to celebrate the coronation with banners, flags and other regalia in abundance.

The final photo shows the Mayor and his entourage marching down a major road in Ashton which has been suitably decorated for the royal occasion.

The borough now joins together once again, to commemorate the life and the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

She leaves behind a noble service, devoting her life for the people of the UK and Commonwealth.

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