Despite the snow showers, the Church Hall was full for the meeting of the Romsley and Hunnington History Society, which took place on Tuesday, 26th April. Mary Bodfish, a founder member of the Smethwick History Society, gave a talk entitled, "You Can't Abdicate and Eat It – Edward Vlll and Mrs Simpson." In the week of the Queen's 90th birthday and the 64th year of her reign, it was interesting to look back to 1936, when the abdication of King Edward VIII took place.
Mrs Bodfish set the scene and gave us an in-depth insight into the characters of Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII, and Wallis Simpson, wife of Ernest Simpson. Both of them had traumatic childhoods and colourful lives before they were introduced by Edward's mistress, in 1930. Edward fell in love with Wallis and their love story was full of intrigue, with many twists and turns. However, marriage between the King of England and a twice divorced, American lady seemed to be unthinkable!
Edward had other ideas, and after she had divorced Ernest, he proposed to Wallis. This caused such a crisis that the Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin, issued an ultimatum to Edward, he had to give up Wallis Simpson or the Throne of England! He rejected the throne and chose Wallis. In December 1936, he abdicated and his younger brother became King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II. Edward and Wallis were married in France, where they lived in exile for most of their lives.
Mrs Bodfish illustrated her talk with photographs, taken at the time. She said the general public were unaware of most of the events that took place, until Edward gave his abdication speech to the nation, indicating that he put the woman he loved before being King of England!
Michael Hall gave a vote of thanks to Mary for a thoroughly researched talk and an interesting evening's entertainment.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 24th, the Annual General Meeting, followed by a dramatisation of "The Story of St. Kenelm", to celebrate 50 years of the History Society. On Tuesday, June 28th, Julian Hunt will give a talk on, "Dayhouse Bank". On Sunday 3rd of July, there will be a musical performance in St. Kenelm's School of "The Ballad of St. Kenelm." Tickets will be on sale soon. Everyone is welcome.
Pat Evans