Car of Empire, Women's Coronation Procession

The 'Car of Empire' at the Women's Coronation Procession, 17 June, 1911. The Women's Coronation procession was organised by The Women's Social and Political Union. Held a week before the coronation of George V, the Coronation Procession was intended to enlist the support of the new King in getting the Conciliation Bill of 1911 through Parliament. The 'Car of Empire' float seen in the photograph was intended to represent 'the unity of the British Empire'. At the top of the car were two figures representing East and West, and on the lowest tier were women depicting 'the King's dominions overseas'. Suffragettes from Croydon accompanied the float, which was preceded and followed by young women 'carrying garlands of roses, the emblem of England'.