Charter Day Procession
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| Date Photo Taken | 19th September 1934 |
|---|---|
| Area | Mitcham |
| Copyright 1 | Graphic Photo Union |
| Picture Reference | Mit_Org_Events_13-7 |
| Original Format | Photo |
| Notes / History | This girl holding a bunch of lavender was taking part in a parade marking Mitcham's rise to Borough status. The parade was one of the events on the day of the official ceremony, during which the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey awarded a charter to the new 'Mayor of Mitcham', Robert Masters Chart. Local children were given time off from school to watch the parade, ceremony, and speeches. Each child was also presented with a lavender blue china mug, bearing the new Borough coat of arms, as a souvenir. Mitcham has a lengthy association with horticulture and the herbal industry. During the eighteenth century a vast acreage was used to cultivate scented plants such as mint, damask rose and chamomile for the production of perfumes and medicinal tonics. The premier crop was lavender, which was grown in north-east Mitcham. |
