The Duke of York Camps

George Duke of York, who unexpectedly became King George V1 after his brother's abdication in 1936, founded his very popular Camps for Boys after the First World War. They ran until the outbreak of the Second War.

The Duke's aim was to bring together boys from all kinds of backgrounds to enjoy outdoor life together. Southwold Common was a regular venue and the Duke made a point of attending the camps himself as often as he could - even after his coronation. The King would arrive in the Royal Yacht, The Victoria and Albert, and be rowed ashore by local fishermen. The picture below shows the welcoming party on Southwold beach in 1938.

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An earlier visit by the Duke, in August 1932. P1154

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