Interesting Facts

The inscription on this lamp in Belton reads ‘Presented to the Inhabitants of Belton by the Corporation of Lincoln in commemoration of the coronation of King Edward VII 1902, J. W. Ruddock esq. Mayor’ It is one of three lamps in the area commemorating the coronation of King Edward VII. Another is situated by the war memorial in Belton and the third was in Beltoft, now removed. This is the only lamp paid for by the City of Lincoln. John William Ruddock was Mayor in 1901 when the planning for the commemorations would have been taking place. King Edward VII succeeded the throne when his mother Queen Victoria died in January 1901. King Edward VII was to be coronated on the 26th June 1902 however three days before the event he required abdominal surgery. The event was postponed until the 9th August 1902. Many celebrations and events including street parties took place in June as it was thought to be too short notice to cancel them.