Aviva has revealed a glimpse into coronations past, demonstrating how the insurance world marked these historic occasions.
Documents from the Aviva archives relate to the crowning of previous UK monarchs, including their majesties George V in 1911, George VI in 1936 and Elizabeth II in 1953.
Items include a letter dated 14 June 1911, requesting insurance against accident for the Gold State Coach in coronation celebrations for George V and Mary. The coach was insured for a sum of £3,000 – equivalent to just over £285,000 today – although the letter does state: “Please note that the £3,000 may not be the full value of the old [sic] state coach”. King Charles III is expected to take part in a procession with the Queen in the same gold coach on May 6th.
The Aviva records also include commemorative adverts, photos of celebrations at Aviva offices and proposals for insurance for “coronation celebrations”.
One proposal outlines insurance terms for events involving between 250 and 10,000 guests, with “food, drink, fire and explosion risks” covered. It also cites claim examples from previous events, including “rope of swing fractured” and “maypole in playground collapsed”. Another similar leaflet advises that the risk of damage or injury is: “a burden which we can lift from the shoulders of the organizers”.
WHY NOT PLAY CRICKET IN FANCY DRESS?
Meanwhile another poster from the archives shows how staff members celebrated with a cricket match (PICTURED ABOVE) between The Men of Hambledon and The Ancient Firemen, a team from Aviva ancestor company, Commercial Union. Teams played in old time costumes according to old time rules. Admission was free, although there were “moderate charges” for seating and car parks.
Anna Stone, Group Archivist for Aviva says: “Aviva’s origins can be traced back to 1696 when William III and Mary II reigned. King Charles III is the 14th monarch we have operated under. Our archives house some delightful documents which track how fashions and trends have changed through the years – and also how some things have stayed the same.
Public liability cover is always essential for events, especially where alcohol is involved, or funfairs and amusements are set up. The old policy leaflets list things like expolosions, or maypole fracture as being significant risks. To be fair there were lots of unexploded bombs dropped by the Luftwaffe still lying about when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953.
“The desire to celebrate remains strong and across the Aviva group, we’re looking forward to commemorating the occasion. We may well have a few new photos to add to our archives for the future!”
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