Born in Blackpool in 1897, Maggie Gomersall was a pupil at St John’s School when she was chosen as the town’s Rose Queen during the celebrations surrounding the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Aged approximately 14, she became part of an important occasion in Blackpool’s civic history, as the town joined communities throughout Britain in marking the accession of a new monarch.
Maggie’s school photo from Group 10, at St John’s School.
The coronation took place on 22 June 1911, with Blackpool arranging an extensive programme of festivities. Celebrations included galas, sports days, a bonfire and ox roast at Revoe, while the town’s children were granted special privileges for the occasion. Maggie was crowned Rose Queen at the council showground off Talbot Road, taking a prominent role in the festivities. Talbot Square was also decorated with thirteen stone columns, each supporting a heraldic beast, as part of the town’s coronation decorations.
Maggie’s life subsequently took her away from Blackpool to Tilehurst, Reading, in Berkshire. She never married and retained the Gomersall surname throughout her life. Although the details of her later years remain to be established, her appearance as Blackpool’s Rose Queen in 1911 preserves a connection between her personal history and one of the town’s notable Edwardian celebrations.
Maggie was the great-aunt of Steve Gomersall, and photographs preserved by the family provide a valuable visual record of her life and her connection to Blackpool’s past.
Maggie with her niece Rosa who passed from a mastoid infection at the age of six.
25, Portland Road, off Whitegate Drive c.1932. From left to right: Eric (Father), Maggie, Bertha (sister of Maggie) and Alice Gomersall (grandmother). The substantial wrought iron gate in the foreground was requisitioned by the government for the war effort.
Steve’s father with Maggie, his aunt in the late 80s, shortly before Maggie’s passing.
Steve Gomersall with his great aunt Maggie Gomersall in the late 80s, shortly before Maggie’s passing.
Text source: Steve Gomersallwebsite
Images by © Steve Gomersall
