The Leicester Chronicle of 7th July 1838 carried the following summarized report of a meeting held at the Narborough Inn (Arms). All the inhabitants of Narborough and Littlethorpe had been invited to consult on the best steps to celebrate Queen Victorias coronation by giving a public dinner to men, women and children. The meeting was attended by the rector and some local gentlemen but unfortunately one or two dissenters were there. Arrangements were made to provide a substantial dinner of roast beef and plum pudding for the inhabitants who usually attend church. Farmers Mr Thomas Billson, Mr William Exton and Mr Richard Pratt each gave a fat sheep ans a few pounds each, othe people also contributed.
Tables were erected in the large farm-yard of Mr John Knight, and by 2pm a good dinner was ready for upwards of 500 people, tickets having been given to about 140 families in Narborough and Littlethorpe. After dinner, those that chose, enjoyed themselves over their pipes, and a moderate amount of good ale. The children connected with the dissenting chapel, paraded the streets, to the number of nearly 200. At 6pm tea was provided, followed by hymns at 7pm, at 9pm the children were taken back to their homes by their teachers.
The Midlands Mail of 26th April 1902.
1911 Coronation celebrations in the garden of the Reverend H.Parker of Littlethorpe House in The Square. Clipping from The Leicester Chronicle of 15th July 1911.
A week later on the 22nd The Hinckley Times reports on the final meeting of the coronation commitee presided over by the Rev.Parker. The balance of 19 shillings tuppence halfpenny (£150 at 2026 values) was made up to purchase 96 coronation mugs. The mugs were presented to the children by Mrs Parker in the grounds of Littlethorpe House. Parent and friends were also invited, and enjoyed selections from Mr Mitchells gramophone. Thanks were proposed by Mr Green, and seconded by Alec Burgess.
From The Leicester Daily Post 29th March 1911
The Leicester Evening Mail 26th April 1911.
The village to be lit with three oil lamps to celebrate the coronation of King George V.
The Hinckley Times 22nd July 1911.
The presentation of 96 coronation mugs to the children of Littlethorpe.
The Leicester Evening Mail 15th April 1937
The Leicester Evening Mail 19th November 1952.
Coronation celebration planning meeting held at Littlethorpe council offices. Hubert Bingley, chairman, John Waudby, Mr E. North, treasurer and Mr W. Holland.
The Leicester Daily Post 24th April 1953
The Leicester Evening Mail 25th April 1953.
Coronation Queen, Molly Duncan, Duke of Edinburgh, Gordon Loomes, Prince, Brian Heather, Princess, Susan Bingley.
The Leicester Evening Mail 16th May 1953.
Horse drawn transport for “The Royal Couple”
1953 Coronation celebrations held in The Square, Littlethorpe, Leicestershire.
Left to right Doris & Bob Mills, Norman Hawes, (small bike), Bob Woolman (Penny Farthing), and others unknown.
A wet coronation day, the childrens party held in the council offices. Note the street lamp and White House, otherwiae Littlethorpe Farm in the background.
Litt;ethorpe makes news in the national press with this report in The Daily Mirror dated th4 4th May 1953.
Sources: Nev Duncan, Find My Past, Dave Thompson,
As with any local history research continues on this and more information will hopefully be added as it is found, so keep checking for the latest updates. In fact if you can add anything to the above please get in touch via the contact form
