London’s Screen Archives enables Londoners see their past come alive on film. Managed by Film London, we are a unique network of historic film collections that cares for, collects and screens heritage film across the city. Together we preserve London’s rich film heritage from feature films to home movies, public information films, newsreels, and records of the capital’s many different industries.
This film is part of Free
Call Me Early, Mother Dear
Sweet-faced white-clad children march in procession to muddy Hayes Common, where the latest May Queen is crowned in a popular annual ceremony.
From the collection of:
Overview
The crowning of the May Queen was a popular choice for the Topical Budget camera, who film dozens of children – all dressed in white, covered in flowers and some carrying banners (May Queen Of Bellingham one reads) – marching in a procession to Hayes Common where the ceremony takes place. Adults look on – and cars follow behind – while the a dais is prepared and then the new May Queen takes her place on the throne, crown perched precariously in place.
Related
London's Choice London's Choice
Non-Fiction 1929 1 mins Silent Location: Hayes Common
Angelic children, dressed in white and garlanded with flowers, are shown at the annual May Queen festival in Hayes Common.
Kent: In the Merry Month of May Kent: In the Merry Month of May
Non-Fiction 1928 1 mins Silent Location: Hayes Common
Charming film of cherubic children, as London’s new May Queen Bobbie Hastings enjoys a ceremonial crowning at Hayes Common.
Prettiest May Queen Prettiest May Queen
Non-Fiction 1926 1 mins Silent Location: Hayes Common
Short film showing a parade featuring the new May Queen of London, anointed in an annual ceremony at Hayes Common.
London's May Queen London's May Queen
Non-Fiction 1927 1 mins Silent Location: Hayes Common
Flowers and banners are deployed as 13-year-old Nora Rowland from Acton is crowned London’s newest May Queen for 1927.
London's May Queen London's May Queen
Non-Fiction 1916 1 mins Silent Location: Hayes Common
Excitable children in their Sunday finery gawp at cameras during the parade for London’s May Queen.
London's May Queen at Hayes London's May Queen at Hayes
Non-Fiction 1928 1 mins Silent Location: Hayes Common
A grand parade of gaily dressed children marches through Hayes on the way to crown the latest May Queen.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Luke Bean of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Samantha Arnold of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.
Horace Ové on Pressure Horace Ové on Pressure
Inside Film 2005 36 mins
The acclaimed director discusses his landmark film in this interview from 2005.
Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 28 mins
Directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor dig deep into their thrilling biopic Baltimore, in discussion with Nadia M Oliva.