Hursley's May Queen

May Day in Hursley has a long tradition. In the mid-nineteenth century John Keble, the vicar of Hursley Parish and famous Tractarian and author of 'The Christian Year, wrote a poem for the village children for their 'Maying' as the celebration was known. In 1902 the distinct character of the Hursley village May Day celebrations were still worth of note.

The first picture of the village May Day celebration is from the Edwardian photograph album of the Reverend Pughe's daughter. However, it is not until the 1930's that a clearer idea of the celebration of the May Queen becomes possible. Several photographs, and personal recollections helping to build a picture of the event.

The pictures show the May Queen and her entourage arriving at Hursley Park House in a horse drawn cart, reaching the House at the end of a procession from the village. Behind Boy Scouts and School boys in their "Sunday Best" together with girls, all in white dresses with flower garlands.

Outside the front of the House, watched by their family and friends, several es were held and then Lady Cooper crowned the May Queen on the steps by the South Lawn.