A good starting point for any work on the British Empire and the place of the monarchy at the turn of the century, this shot was one of several filmed in Bradford City Centre, showing the city's celebrations of Edward VII's accession to the throne. Filmed by the Mitchell and Kenyon firm, and screened locally within days, this roll succinctly summarises the place of Empire - within publicly staged versions, at least - in Britain's sense of national identity. Two very different parts of the Empire, Canada and India, appear in the procession represented by ethnic stereotypes before banners for the four nations making up the United Kingdom itself appear: England, Ireland (all of it then part of the UK), Scotland and Wales.
Follow the link In The Classroom at the top of this page for teaching suggestions linked to History and Citizenship. In Focus Questions you'll find suggestions for questions to focus students attention whilst watching the film, which will also help to develop their understanding of film language.
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1. Cricket education (5:11)
