Were you there, when on May 30th 1982 Pope John Paul II visited Baginton Airfield in Warwickshire? Many were, and this was certainly an event like no other.
Clearly the visit of the Pope was an unprecedented occasion, and many police were drafted in from other forces to help with the operation. Plans were made to close roads, and the A46 was to be turned into a huge coach park. With the size of the visit, authorities were nervous about numbers beforehand1 and anticipated up to 750,000 people would descend on the Warwickshire countryside. As it happened, the turnout was somewhat lower than expected. This was in part due to the doubt cast on whether the Pope would actually visit owing to the crisis surrounding the Falklands2. Nonetheless, the Leamington Courier estimated that the attendance was 350,0003, and this was still more than enough people! The Courier reported how “thousands of people swarmed the vast landscape”4.
In touch with history
With such a huge volume of worshippers going to see the Pope, people had to set out early. One party of Catholics set out from midnight from Kenilworth, to walk the journey to Baginton5, and many waited overnight. The Leamington Courier reported that “when his helicopter appeared out of an azure blue sky the cheers rang round the vast arena.” In interviews with visitors, they mentioned what a great time they had, and how exciting it was to get so close to the pope. “It makes me feel in touch with history” was one comment from Veronica Cutler.6 It was clear to all that this was a unique event for Warwickshire.
Were you there?
Do you have any memories you’d like to share about the day? Were you able to get close to the Pope? Did you buy a souvenir of the day? We’d love to hear your memories, so do please either leave a comment or submit an article about your memories.
References
1 Leamington Courier April 2nd 1982.
2 Leamington Courier 21st May 1982.
3 Leamington Courier 4th June 1982.
4 Leamington Courier 4th June 1982.
5 Leamington Courier 28th May 1982.
6 Leamington Courier 4th June 1982.
Comments
I was there, it was a great day. We had stayed overnight in Bubbenhall on a friends drive way in a VW caravanette. As for a souvenir I still have a silver charm which commemorates his visit. My mum had a souvenir plate which was hung on the wall up until recently.
I was there and was my family, the nuns were the Pope’s security; they camped in tents on my parents land opposite the airport and all were partial to a glass of whisky. My Aunt and Uncle got close to the Pope, he blessed my 18 month old daughter. I remember the police dancing on the road and airport. It was a very happy weekend to remember
My souvenir is an engraved spoon with a picture of the Pope
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