August 14, 2017

By BRIAN KRAPF

This heavy paper ticket allowed the bearer to view the 1911 coronation parade of King George V and Queen Mary from the reviewing stand at the Admiralty Archway as the parade moved up Whitehall. The ticket is significant not only as a unique coronation souvenir, but also because it was issued by Winston Churchill as Home Secretary.

Churchill served as Home Secretary beginning in 1910 until he was named First Lord of the Admiralty in 1911. Described as a “frenetic and far-from-calm Home Secretary,” his tenure is remembered for far more significant events: the Tonypandy coal miners’ riots, the Siege of Sidney Street, and a proposed referendum on women’s suffrage. Certainly, the issuance of coronation reviewing stand tickets was one of the more mundane tasks performed by Churchill as Home Secretary. This ticket serves as a unique relic from an office held by WSC for a relatively short time, yet noted for historic events in which he played major roles.

Brian Krapf formerly served as President of the American Political Items Collectors.