Remembering Queen Elizabeth II

Remebering Queen Elizabeth II's life and reign with Living Memories Online archive collection

We were deeply saddened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. In celebration of her life and legacy, we've collated the archive videos over the decades and have a vast range of material covering not only her royal duties but her home and family life as well. Click here to view the collection.

Colyton's celebrated wheelwright attends State Funeral

Greg Rowland MBE was one of some 2,000 people who attended the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. But the contribution made by Colyton’s celebrated wheelwright went well beyond because he had also previously refurbished one of the wheels on the State Gun Carriage and then checked all of them. He says in summary: “The pipers played as the funeral cortege approached Westminster Abbey. The bagpipes grew louder and louder through the open doors until the wheels I had refurbished came into view and halted, announcing the Queen’s arrival. Those wheels had carried the Queen on her final journey through London and it’s hard to describe the shivers I felt. It was a profound moment for me in a day I will never forget.”

Mike Rowland and Son Wheelwrights are based in Colyton, Devon. With a family history in the trade stretching back to the 14th century, Mike Rowland and Son are a long-established small family firm that produces the highest quality wooden wheels and horse drawn vehicles. Mike Rowland has been operating from the same premise since 1964, and was responsible for the maintenance of the wheels of the royal and state chariots and carriages for the 2011 Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. Watch the full film here.

Mike and his wife are also now members of a local Tea, Memories and More group in Colyton, in which the Living Memories Online platform is used to stimulate reminiscence for older local residents, sparking coversations and memories. Find out more about our Tea & Memories sessions here.