Bible signed by late Queen Elizabeth II in second year of her reign and presented to Dersingham schoolgirl set to be auctioned by Downham Market’s Barry L Hawkins
An exciting item with a royal connection and local interest is due to come under the auctioneer’s hammer this month.
A Bible signed by the late Queen Elizabeth II dated January 18, 1953 - the second year of her reign - is one of the lots to be auctioned by Downham’s Barry L Hawkins on Wednesday, November 27.
It was presented to a young girl who attended Dersingham Secondary Modern School, Cora Colman of Great Bircham, and was awarded for her “proficiency in religious studies” - and only one was presented each year.
A spokesperson for the family-run auctioneers described it as “a local slice of history” and added: “It’s the beauty of what we do. It’s exciting for us to have such an item.”
The lot contains photographs and original newspaper cuttings including some from the Lynn News, which covered the story of the Bible presentation in 1953 - the first year of the Queen’s reign.
The auctioneers said it may be difficult to value and could fetch between £200-500.
The spokesperson added: “The Queen was very much loved by everyone in the area and by the nation.”
A letter sent to Miss Colman said: “Dear Cora, I am very pleased to be able to write to you at last to say that Her Majesty The Queen is going to continue presenting a Bible to a pupil in this school each year for Religious Instruction and that on last year’s records you will be awarded the Bible this time.
“I am sure you must be delighted with this news.
“Would you attend Sandringham Church for morning service next Sunday and tell the sideman who you are because Mr Anderson is arranging that there will be a seat available for you.
“After the service make yourself known to Mr Anderson and he will take you to Sandringham House to receive the Bible from Her Majesty.
“I need hardly add that she will probably ask you questions about your school, where you live and what you are doing now.”
Reporting by Phoebe Cornell
