Canadian Wheat Arch, Edward VII Coronation

The Canadian Wheat Arch at Whitehall. Erected by the Government of Canada to commemorate the Coronation of King Edward VII as a 'loving tribute from the empire's Granary' to its new King. The Arch became a popular tourist attraction in the lead up to the Coronation, many Londoners choosing to travel through the arch via bus. Standing 50 feet high and 60 feet wide the arch frame was decorated with Canadian wheat, grasses, maple leaves and apples and lit by over 4000 lights. Due to the delay in the coronation, caused by Edward VII's emergency operation for appendicitis, the arch had to be refreshed with new produce before the Coronation finally took place in August 1902.