As we approach the coronation of King Charles III, it is interesting to see how previous royal events have been marked in Ashfield-cum-Thorpe.  Ashfield itself doesn’t always figure in the available historical media, but there were events in neighbouring villages which are also of interest. 
Many of the early events were funded by the wealthy and landed gentry, but as time went on responsibility for organising and funding events moved to the local residents.
Some of the earlier reports were from newspaper reports of the time, now available online. Other sources include material collected for the “Life in Ashfield” project in 1996, as well as personal reminiscences of past residents. Where appropriate, I have added extra information to put the events into village and national context.
Anita Sharpe, Merryvale House, April 2023