Bonfire on Battlesbury Hill in 1911 – part of Bishopstrow’s celebrations to mark the Coronation of King George V.
From the Minutes Book of Coronation Celebrations Committee (in the Wiltshire Record Office, W.R.O. 1705/22).
Meeting, 2nd May 1911
Bonfire Committee: Mr. G. Erskine (Chairman), Mr. H. Parham, W. Moore, A. Pierce, Miles, E. Parham, B. Moore, W. Moore, J. Barnes, Miles, T. Clifford, Hiscock, W. Barnes.
Capt. Southey promised some faggots for the bonfire. Mr. A’Court and Mr. Temple also promised to do what they could in the same way. It was also decided that Mr. Bennett-Stanford be asked for a load of faggots for the bonfire as he kindly gave some in 1902.
Meeting, 23rd May 1911
The meeting considered that their funds did not permit the purchase of any additional faggots for the bonfire. The Chairman said he hoped the Committee would have the support of the parish in this.
Meeting, 1st June 1911
It was decided to purchase 9 gallons of tar for the bonfire. Mr. Temple promised a barrel if suitable.
Meeting, 8th June 1911
The Bonfire Committee arranged to get the rest of the faggots out of Holly Bed Covert on Monday next.
Meeting, 15th June 1911
The Bonfire Committee reported that matters were well in hand and all material for the fire was already on the hill or collected ready to send up. The tar barrel was at Mr. Bayly’s. Messrs. W. Moore and H. Parham were appointed watchers for Wednesday night at a remuneration of 6/- (six shillings) or 3/- (three shillings) each.
Meeting 20th June 1911
Messrs. R. Parham, J. Parham, P. Clifford, B. Moore, agreed to meet at 7.30, to build the bonfire on Wed night. It was agreed to sell programmes at 1d. Each. Messrs. Moore and Thomas undertaking to do this. The Chairman undertook to provide 3 gallons of beer and some mineral waters for the bonfire builders.
Statement of accounts for Bishopstrow Coronation Festivities 1911 reveals that Messrs. Moore and Parham were paid 3 shillings each for watching [protecting] the bonfire.
Coronation Day was Thursday 22nd June 1911.