The King’s (silent) Speech

As the British film The King’s Speech triumphs at the Oscars, archivists at The University of Northampton have found footage of the real monarch.

The footage shows the real monarch opening the Maidwell building in St George's Avenue, in 1932.

Sadly for anyone wishing to hear his voice, the film is silent.

The footage, around two minutes long, shows the then Duke and Duchess of York meeting dignitaries and opening the new Northampton College of Technology in November 1932.

Huge crowds gathered along the Racecourse after the Royal couple, later to become King George VI and the Queen Mother, were driven from Blisworth station.

May I voice the hope that the students who are privileged to enter this college may also seize the opportunities afforded them, and by their research and work bring credit to the college, and to the town and our country by what they may learn here.

The Duke