On the 12th May 1937 Prince Albert Frederick Arthur George, Duke of York, was crowned at Westminster Abbey, taking the name of King George VI. It was a day of great joy for the country, and the Empire:  the constitutional crisis caused by the abdication of George's elder brother Edward, in order to marry divorcee Wallis Simpson, was definitely over.

Stillington celebrated in splendid style, with a gala that included a May Queen, surrounded by her attendants, setting out from Stillington Hall; a purpose built coach; a magnificent parade through the village and even a model ship gracing Town End Pond. Fortunately photographs, and even film, of this unique event have survived.

Smith Sisters Marjory, Mildred and Dorothy Smith being driven in a carriage.	The Gala Parade. Just passing the Old Chapel in Main Street. It is just visible in the top right of the picture.
The Gala Parade. A road roller trundling up High Street.	The King and Queen on the Village Green Left to Right are: Billy Howland, Bob Scaife, Algie Richardson, Frank 'Trot' Knowlson, Bill Burnett, Charlie Thompson and Bert Thompson.
The May Queen The May Queen, Margaret Averill, posing with her attendants.	Parade travelling up High Street. George Scaife's truck ladened with joyous passengers and adorned with a Union Jack.
Gala Parade The little girl in the foreground is Margaret Brown nee North with her father Albert. On the carriage is William Howland and Charlie Thompson.	Fancy Dress Parade. Raymond Souter (Boy Scout), Janet Richardson and Dorothy Shepherd.